Dry Scalp Treatment

The scalp is one of the least pampered areas of the human body. Perhaps that would be because it is not much of an attention-getter, covered as it is with that lovely mane. The scalp is taken for granted until the flaking begins. Usually, this flaking is referred to as dandruff, which may not always be accurate since other scalp conditions cause flaking, too.

Dry scalp is a benign condition that manifests with mild to moderate flaking. A dermatologist can examine the condition of the scalp and the flakes to diagnose whether the condition is dry scalp or dandruff. Dry scalp treatment will depend on this diagnosis. Dry scalp flakes are whitish, dry and powdery while dandruff flakes are yellowish and greasy. Dry scalp is caused by underproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands while dandruff is a chronic condition caused by sebum overproduction with some bacterial involvement. Dandruff flakes tend to cling to the scalp in large areas while dry scalp flakes are looser and are more likely to come off the scalp.

Dry scalp conditions are caused by overexposure to dry air and sun, harsh chemicals found in hair care products and overuse of heat styling appliances. Over-washing the hair aggravates dry scalp. Additionally, anti-dandruff shampoos, formulated to address greasy scalp conditions, would not be the correct dry scalp treatment. Tar-based shampoos that are most often recommended for dandruff control tend to strip the scalp of its natural oils and worsen dry scalp. Instead, dry scalp can be managed by limiting hair washing to alternate days, using only dry-scalp friendly products and avoiding hot water Home hot oil treatment using olive oil can be part of the process. Certainly, a produc –based diet of fruits, vegetables, the right nutrients and essential fatty acids should be part of the dry scalp treatment plan.