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Problem: My scalp is constantly dry,
and I often have to deal with flakiness, too. It's as
if my scalp is two sizes too tight! What can I do to make
my scalp feel normal again?
Solution: A dry or flaky scalp can be
caused by a variety of things. Changes in weather (as
in the humidity level) can affect scalp moisture and cause
flaking. Winter produces a dry climate in houses and offices,
and the cold air outside can chap the skin, even on the
scalp. Overwashing after swimming excursions in the summer
can also cause a change in the scalp. Some medications,
such as Accutane, can cause surface dryness too. Shampoos
with strong detergent bases (watch out for detergent cleansing
agents sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium C14-16 olefin
sulfonate) can dry out the scalp, as can some plant extracts
such as peppermint or menthol. Alcohols in hair spray
may be problematic too, particularly if you live in a
dry climate with low humidity.
The cause determines the course of action. If the products
you're using are causing problems, stop! If you have to
wash your hair frequently, don't lather more than once
and try to massage the scalp as little as possible. If
the environment in your house is a problem, run a humidifier
in your bedroom, which can help the skin all over your
body as well.
If you still are struggling with a dry scalp and dandruff
isn't the culprit (dandruff would not be affected by any
of the things I've suggested above), you can massage a
small amount of almost any moisturizer such as Cetaphil
Moisturizing Lotion or Cream, Aveeno Daily Moisturizing
Lotion, Curel Ultra Healing, or Paula's Choice Hydrating
Treatment Cream carefully into your scalp at night when
you plan to wash your hair the next morning. You may also
use a non-volatile oil, especially if your scalp is very
dry. Unscented jojoba oil is brilliant for this, as is
olive, sesame, sunflower, or safflower oils. Use enough
oil to saturate the scalp without leaving the entire hair
shaft greasy.
If your scalp is constantly itchy and dandruff shampoos
aren't helping, an over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone
cream such as Lanacort or Cortaid can be massaged into
the scalp on nights when you plan to wash your hair the
next morning. An itchy scalp may also be the result of
a sensitivity to fragrance or other irritants used in
hair-care products. Very few truly fragrance-free shampoos
and conditioners are available; my line has two options
and you can also consider the Free & Clear line from
Pharmaceutical Specialties, California Baby's Super Sensitive
Shampoo, or DHS Extra Body Conditioning Rinse (at your
pharmacy).
By the way, the notion that drugstore dandruff shampoos
are too harsh on the hair and salon brands are gentler
is blatantly false. The active ingredients in salon brands
are identical to those in Head & Shoulders, to mention
just one line.
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