What Is The Connection Between Dry Scalp and Hair Loss?
Regardless of the time of year, dry and flaky scalp could always be annoying and embarrassing, if not, it could be correlated to accelerated hair loss. It is important to note that dry scalp and hair loss is not directly related to each other.
What is the link between Dry Scalp and Hair Loss?
Dry scalp and hair loss are often linked together because they share common causes and symptoms. Dry scalp is a common condition that can lead to hair loss, but it is not the only cause. In order to understand the connection between the two, it is important to understand the causes and symptoms of each.
Do you have an itchy, dry scalp? It could be caused by a number of things, like a fungal infection, an allergic reaction to hair products, or inflamed hair follicles. And unfortunately, itchy scalps can lead to hair loss.
Your hair loss can lead to scarring, even if it is the only sign of thinning in your hair. Hair loss can also cause changes in the size and shape of your scalp and hair, and the appearance of the scalp around the hair loss area. If you have thinning hair, you may have scarring in your scalp that is causing it to look like your hair is falling out.
If you scratch a dry scalp repeatedly or aggressively, it not only leads to extensive damage of the skin on your scalp, but also to your hair follicles. Soon enough, you’ll notice increased hair fall, along with bleeding and scabbing.
What are the reasons for a dry and flaky scalp?
Dry and flaky scalp is a common problem that can be caused by a number of different factors. It is important to identify the underlying cause of your dry scalp in order to treat it effectively.
Common causes of dry scalp include dehydration, weather, shampooing too frequently, and using harsh chemicals. Keep reading to learn more about each of these causes and what you can do to treat them!
1. Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis, more commonly known as dandruff, is a condition that can make your scalp look dry and flaky.
Even though it may seem like dandruff is caused by a lack of moisture, it is actually caused by an overproduction of oil or other secretions in the skin, or an increase in normal skin yeasts.
The oil on your scalp usually prevents dead skin cells from shedding. However, when this process is disrupted, you may start to see flakes along your hairline.
2. Hair Products and Styling Habits
You could be using the wrong hair products. Some gels, creams, balms, pomades and sprays can build up on your scalp and form tiny flakes. Other products contain ingredients that may cause a contact dermatitis rash from irritation or allergies.
If you’re not sure what’s causing your dandruff, try changing your hair products and see if that makes a difference. For example, a hair dye ingredient called paraphenylenediamine is a common reason for skin and scalp allergies.
A dry scalp may also occur depending on how often you shampoo. If you shampoo too frequently, the scalp can become dry, but if you don’t shampoo often enough, oil may build up on the scalp, causing it to feel flaky and itchy.
3. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition that is not uncommon and can cause redness, flaking, and scaling on your scalp. The scaliness is more severe and visible in this case as compared to dandruff, and prescribed medicines may be necessary to manage it.
This can be a frustrating condition, but fortunately, there are treatments available that can provide relief. If you think you might have psoriasis, it’s important to see a doctor so they can diagnose and treat the condition.
4. Diet
You might not be prepared to hear that the food you eat can affect your skin conditions, but it is true! For instance, foods rich in carbohydrates can cause an increase in yeast on your scalp, resulting in flakes.
Also, dairy products, alcohol, and meat products can cause inflammation, which can worsen your skin conditions. If you have eczema, avoid milk products and meat products.
Try to eat healthy, and include a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. If you’re not sure about your diet, talk to your doctor. They can help you develop a plan to ensure you’re eating right.
How can you combat a dry and itchy scalp?
At some point, everyone experiences problems with a very dry scalp; however, if left untreated, it can become a chronic problem causing itchiness and dandruff. Here are a few ways to deal with it – have a look:
Scalp Massage
If you have a dry scalp, one of the best things you can do is massage it. You can do this by lightly rubbing your fingers in a circular pattern on your scalp when you shampoo or put oil in your hair.
Scalp massages work by stimulating the production of natural oils, which then leads to better blood circulation towards hair follicles. When follicles receive more nutrients, it results in healthy hair growth.
Using lukewarm oils during massage can have therapeutic benefits like reducing inflammation, fungus and bacteria. This can help to resolve scalp itchiness and provide relief.
Brushing your hair with a boar brush can have many benefits for your hair. The brushing motion helps to carry natural oils produced by the scalp all the way down to the end of the hair shaft, resulting in shiny, well-conditioned hair.
In addition, boar brushing can also help to remove any oil or hair product build-up on the scalp. Furthermore, boar brushing can also help to exfoliate the scalp which can promote hair growth.
A pre-wash massage with a boar brush not only opens up pores on the scalp and removes dead skin cells, but it also thoroughly cleanses and moisturizes the scalp.
Conditioning Treatments
A dry, itchy scalp can be a major cause of hair loss. Nourishing the scalp with a scalp treatment can help to soothe and fix the main cause of dryness and itchiness. Scalp treatments can help to balance the scalp’s pH levels, which can promote hair growth. In addition, scalp treatments can also help to unclog hair follicles and remove product build-up.
Please select the appropriate hair treatment conditioning mask for your hair type. A quality scalp treatment should be left in for a minimum of 20 minutes to allow it to fully penetrate the scalp.
Complete the treatment by rinsing your hair with cool water. Cool water helps to close the hair shaft and seal in maximum moisture. For best results, do this at least once a week.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is key to preventing dry scalp. When you’re dehydrated, not only does your skin suffer, but your scalp does too.
You may have noticed how dry your skin gets when you’re dehydrated, as well as other symptoms like feeling exhausted or even sick, but you may not have realized that dehydration can cause dry scalp.
Drinking enough water will help to keep both your scalp and your skin hydrated and prevent dry scalp.
A dry scalp can be caused by a number of different factors. The scalp can dry out from exposure to direct sunlight or other external elements. In some cases, the scalp isn’t moisturized enough. These factors can lead to a dry, itchy scalp. In more serious cases, the scalp may become flaky.
The general advice to drink six to eight glasses of water per day isn’t a universal truth, so it will vary depending on climate and your daily activity.
Changing Shampoo and Hair Products
Shampooing too often or using harsh products can cause a dry scalp. To avoid this, shampoo less often or switch to a gentle, dry hair-formula shampoo.
In addition, frequent washing with hot water and hair products which contain alcohol can also contribute to drying out the scalp and aggravating the condition. Minimize using heated hair products and hair dryers if you find that the hair is drying out.
Not using “styling” products might not be an option, but you can actually buy better quality products that create a protective layer over your hair shaft to prevent any damage to your hair.
Changing Your Diet
A diet that is lacking in vital nutrients needed for healthy skin can often lead to dry scalp. However, by following a nutritious diet, many people have found relief from this condition. A lack of these key nutrients in your diet can often lead to dry scalp. However, by following a nutritious diet, many people have found relief from this condition:
Zinc – Zinc is an essential mineral for human health. It’s necessary for the proper growth and maintenance of the human body. Zinc is found in every cell of the human body and is needed for the proper function of more than 300 enzymes.
Zinc is involved in many aspects of cellular metabolism. It is required for DNA and RNA synthesis, cell division, cell growth, and wound healing. Zinc also supports the immune system, is required for proper sense of taste and smell, and is needed for proper insulin function.
Vitamin A – vitamin A is an essential vitamin that can be found in many different foods such as liver, eggs, dairy products, and many fruits and vegetables. This vitamin is known to support the maintenance and function of skin cells, which is why it is important to include enough vitamin A in your diet. By ensuring that you are getting enough vitamin A, you can minimize dry scalp.
Omega-3 fatty acids – while there are many possible causes of dry scalp, one of the most common is a lack of omega-3 fatty acids in the body. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for keeping the skin moisturized and for maintaining good blood circulation.
Consuming high levels of sugar can exacerbate dandruff symptoms by promoting the growth of candida yeast. This yeast is often associated with dry scalp, as it can contribute to the problem by making the scalp excessively dry. By reducing the amount of sugar you eat, you can help to reduce the growth of candida yeast, which can help to reduce dry scalp.
Using Coconut and Tea Tree Oil
Coconut oil is commonly used as a moisturizer because it helps the hair to regain lost moisture and treats excessive dryness. In addition, it has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties
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The combination of tea tree oil and coconut oil applied to the hair can stimulate blood flow to the follicles and scalp, providing them with essential nutrients. In between hair washes, the oil can serve as a protective barrier, keeping moisture locked in so that the hair remains soft and shiny.
Some people like to use warm coconut oil as a scalp massage. They apply it directly to their hair, and use a comb to work it in. They leave it on for a few hours so it can seep deep into their scalp. This provides their scalp with essential nutrients and keeps their hair soft and shiny.
Not only is the scent delightful, but it is also natural and a better option compared to most products available which achieve similar results. You can also add a few drops of 100% tea tree oil to your usual shampoo prior to washing your hair.
A dry scalp is often the cause of hair fall, and if you’ve noticed that you’ve been losing more hair than usual, you should start following these remedies immediately. If the hair fall doesn’t improve, you can even consult a dermatologist to see if a medicated shampoo is necessary.