Winter scalp itch is normal, you're not alone!!
So what is the deal with this itchy winter scalp? If this is a question you are asking yourself, I can reassure you, you are not alone. At the salon, we have people asking this question daily this time of the year. It's so frustrating and annoying, but we have some simple hacks that might be able to help.
It should be noted that there is a difference between dry winter scalp and dandruff. We will dive deeper into dandruff in a later post.
External reasons:
Is your furnace running more? Are you wearing a hat more? Are you washing less or more?
1) The furnace drys out the air and pumps out unnatural airflow. While we need this for a cozy home, it totally zaps moisture out of the air, creating dryness in the scalp and hair. Try an oil massage on your scalp 1-2 times a month to add moisture.
2) Hats can cause friction and irritation on the scalp. Take breaks from your beanie when you can, so your scalp and hair follicles can have fresh air.
3) This is a time to switch over to a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to help combat the dry external conditions. Wash less if you can. When you do wash, make sure you SCRUB the scalp, or if you're feeling EXTRA- give yourself a scalp massage with jojoba, almond, or coconut oil before you wash.
Internal reasons:
Are you drinking lots of water? Could you be going through a hormone shift?
1) I know in the winter I am terrible about drinking enough water! I load up on hot tea and sparkling water and some days totally forget to drink more than a glass or two of straight up water. This has a damaging effect on our skin and it can result in an itchy scalp!
The best way I manage my water intake, is to make a hydration goal to reach everyday. 64oz is a good minimum, but sometimes I go wild and drink a gallon a day. My skin never looked better than when I was drinking all that water!
2) Hormone shifts happen to all of us for various reasons. Hormones are a key part of producing oils you need to lubricate skin and scalp. When they shift they can cause irritation to the skin and scalp. Washing your hair with cooler water helps to not strip the hair and scalp of its natural moisture.
"During the winter months in cold climates, the humidity in the air drops. Cold weather dries out the skin all over your body, including on your scalp. Blasting the heat can also be drying."
-WebMD
Take Aways:
-Regular oil massages for the scalp
-Take breaks from hats
-Wash your hair less. 3-4 times a week is plenty
-Wash in cooler water to retain natural oils
-Switch to a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner in the winter
-Switch to a shampoo specifically for irritated scalp like Awaken
-Deep conditioning treatment
-Drink more water
In Salon Treatments:
Each of our stylists has their own deep conditioning treatments that they offer to help give your hair and scalp a healthy glow and provide a moisture barrier against the elements. They can give you a scalp massage with oils that will help calm your itchy scalp.
Switching to a rich moisture shampoo is helpful, but if you are needing more, our product line Awaken can help with all sorts of scalp issues.
What could help your scalp today:
This moisturizing shampoo and conditioner by privé is AMAZING for your dry scalp and hair.
Above is our most POPULAR product to help with most scalp issues. It will give you immediate relief from your itchy irritated scalp and can help treat more serious scalp conditions.
Feel Free to reach out and ask more questions.
These are common questions asked on a daily basis at the salon. Come in and we'll be happy to find a stylist and product to help you find relief.
I hope this was helpful. Thank you for letting us serve you and the community.
XO- GLOW
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