Figure out the cause of your dry scalp
The cause of your dry scalp can be due to a number of factors like the weather, your age, medications, allergies, or even hair products. However, you could also be dealing with a skin condition like dandruff, psoriasis, or scalp eczema, says board-certified dermatologist Karan Lal, M.D. "Most commonly, it is caused by dandruff, which is due to a yeast that lives on the skin that causes inflammation," says Dr. Lal.
It's very important to determine whether you're suffering from an inflammatory scalp condition or if your dry scalp is due to environmental/personal factors, as each cause requires different treatments. In fact, "using the wrong oils like olive oil can exasperate dandruff as it feeds the yeast that causes dandruff," says Dr. Lal. As a rule of thumb, dry scalp flakes are smaller and whiter, whereas dandruff flakes are oilier and could have a slight yellow tint. But PSA, the only one who can confirm this is your dermatologist (!!!!), and that's your best bet.
Evaluate the ingredients
If you have dandruff, look for scalp oils containing zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, or ketoconazole, three antifungals that kill the yeast and stop it from multiplying. A scalp oil can be used in combination with a hair wash treatment and routine guided by your doctor. A chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid is also a great option for dandruff treatment, as well as for a regular dry scalp, as it buffs away dead skin cells and flakes.
If your irritated scalp has caused inflammation and hair loss, you'll want to keep an eye out for anti-inflammatory ingredients like tea tree oil, as that will help soothe any itchiness. An inflamed scalp can also lead to hair loss and thinning, so by incorporating an anti-inflammatory, you'll be creating the best environment for your hair to grow in. And finally, if you're looking to address hair loss—other than consulting your doctor or trying a minoxidil treatment like Rogaine—look for rosemary oil, which has been proven to have similar efficacy as minoxidil.
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