6 Hair Care Tips For Dry Scalp In Winter

The cold winter breeze can be extremely harsh on your scalp. The weather zaps the moisture out from your scalp, making it dry and flaky and causing itching and dandruff. But certain hair care tips can help you deal with the dry scalp in winter. Along with changing the hair care regimen that suits this season, the remedies listed in this article can help treat your dry scalp issues. We have covered the 6 best hair care hacks to help you combat dry scalp. Continue reading to know more.

6 Ways To Avoid Dry Scalp During Winter

Here are some of the best winter hair care tips to keep your scalp free from dandruff.

1. Massage Your Scalp

Massage your scalp to avoid dryness during winters. This stimulates blood flow to the scalp and improves its health. A scalp massage acts like a facial for your dry scalp, exfoliating dead skin cells and removing excess oil. It helps prevent product buildup and flaking. Scalp massages also soothe itching and sebum production.

Massage your scalp with a soft boar bristle brush before shampooing. Pure boar bristles lift away dirt and help distribute the natural oils of your scalp.

2. Apply DIY Hair Masks For Deep Conditioning

You can apply DIY hair masks to get rid of a dry scalp. A hair mask with egg yolk and honey helps condition your dry locks and soften them. These ingredients work as moisturizers, allowing the nutrients permeate through the hair roots into the scalp. This helps seal the hydration and prevent dryness.

Quick tip

You can also use another DIY hair mask with yogurt and aloe vera gel for a dry scalp. Mix them in equal proportions, apply, and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing for extra hydration.

3. Rinse Your Dry Scalp With Apple Cider Vinegar

The sudden transition in temperatures during winter disturbs the scalp’s pH, and its protective barrier becomes vulnerable to bacterial and fungal infections. An apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinse helps treat dry scalp by restoring your scalp’s pH. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of ACV eliminate bacteria or fungi and exfoliate the scalp.

Mix equal parts of ACV with water and spray this solution on your scalp. Wait for 10 minutes and rinse.

4. Avoid Heat Styling Tools And Hot Showers

Wet hair

does not air dry easily during winters, which is why you tend to overuse your blow dryer. When you blow dry your hair, you are also heating your scalp. The excessive heat from the dryer can irritate and dry out your scalp. Also, using heat styling tools can make your hair brittle and cause breakage (2). Avoid hot showers during winter as it strips the moisture and natural oils of your scalp, making it dry and flaky.

5. Use Mild Hair Care Products

Always use a sulfate-free, mild shampoo to balance the moisture content of your scalp without stripping its natural oils. This helps prevent dryness and itchiness. Hair care products with natural and organic ingredients are safe for your scalp and help treat dryness. Detox, medicated, or natural shampoos with tea tree oil are also beneficial for dry scalp issues.

6. Cover Your Head

The chilly, dry weather zaps the moisture from your scalp and makes it dry. Sun exposure also dries out your hair and scalp, worsening your scalp issues. Cover your head to block the sun rays and reduce the stress caused by the cold winds and snow. Always wear a hat or scarf when you are out.

Natural Remedies To Deal With Dry Scalp

• Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has antifungal properties and helps fight dandruff and itchiness (3). It also helps moisturize and soothe a dry scalp. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo or apply it to your scalp with a carrier oil. You can use it to get rid of dandruff in winter as well. However, more home remedies can help you get rid of dandruff in winter, which you can explore at your convenience.

• Meditation

Increased stress levels can cause dry scalp. And a simple way to lower your stress is by practicing meditation. Meditative practices like yoga can bring incredible changes to your mind and body. It helps relieve stress, which, in turn, makes your scalp healthy.

Did you know?

Yoga poses that enhance blood circulation to the scalp can help minimize dryness. Asanas like Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog pose), Sirsasana (Headstand), and Balasana (Child’s Pose) stimulate blood flow to the head, promoting a healthier scalp.

•  Eat Well

Protein and vitamins are essential nutrients for a healthy scalp. Consume  vitamin-rich foods like carrots, eggs, pumpkins, and berries. Minimize the consumption of coffee and alcoholic beverages to alleviate dry scalp issues. Follow a balanced diet that includes vegetables, leafy greens, dairy products, omega-3 fatty acids, and meat to keep your body and scalp healthy.

• Aloe Vera

Aloe vera possesses moisturizing properties that may help soothe and hydrate the scalp, relieving itchiness, dryness, and flakiness. Further, its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties may help combat dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and the irritation caused by the harsh winter (4), (5). You may apply fresh aloe vera juice to your scalp for 15-20 minutes and then wash it off with a mild shampoo.

• Lemon Juice

Research suggests that the citric acid present in lemon juice may help balance the scalp’s pH (6), (7). Further, its antifungal properties may help combat dandruff, a contributing factor to itchy and dry scalp (6). You may dilute freshly squeezed lemon juice with water and apply the mixture to the scalp. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes before washing it off.

Find effective solutions for dry, flaky scalps in this informative video. Learn how to restore hydration and reduce irritation and peeling on your scalp with professional advice, treatments, and suggested products. Click play to find out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my scalp so dry in the winter?

The cold temperature and air dry out all the moisture and natural oils from your scalp and hair, leaving it rough and dry.

Does a conditioner dry your scalp?

Conditioners contain moisturizing ingredients that hydrate hair strands. They are not for the scalp because the scalp already contains natural oils. Applying conditioner to your scalp can cause buildup and clog the follicles.