Dry Scalp Treatment for Itchy, Flaky Skin

A dry scalp treatment for itchy and flaky skin is the focus of this Wednesday’s reader question, and Ask the Pro Stylist has two options for those who suffer from a dry, scaly scalp.

Whoop, whoop, happy Hump Day beauties! Welcome to Ask the Pro Stylist’s Q&A where I attempt to answer readers’ and clients’ beauty, hair and nail related questions. It is Wednesday, the day I answer a reader who has a question about a dry scalp treatment. Ann wrote toward the end of February, but I like to offer at least two suggestions and yesterday a product leapt up at me to include in today’s column.

Hi, I hope you can help me. My scalp is itchy and flaky and I get patches that drive me crazy. It only happens in the winter, and the recommended products from my dermatologist smell and leave my hair oily. What do you suggest?

Thanks for writing in Ann. I too suffer from this issue in the winter. Your hairstylist should have products in the salon they recommend, however I do have two dry scalp treatments on different ends of the pricing spectrum that should help without weighing down the hair. Please note, if they do not work, and if your scalp bleeds, please go back to your doctor with your concern.

As I wrote about Earth Day 2014 and organic beauty products yesterday, a dry scalp treatment slapped me in my third eye, Organic Detoxifying Scalp Treatment from Balanced Guru. It is always best to give the hair a rest at least once a week. This means no heat or styling products. However, you cannot forget to tend to the scalp when caring for the hair, especially in the cooler climates where heat causes dry scalp and an increase in sebum, the oil that builds on the skin and clogs pores. In essence, the scalp needs an exfoliation similar to that of the skin on the body, but not as harsh.

Dry Scalp Treatment from Balanced Guru

The Organic Detoxifying Scalp Treatment is 100 percent cruelty free made of USDA certified organic ingredients in a biodegradable, recyclable bottle. Tea tree oil, oregano, rosemary essential oils, algae, sea kelp and brahmi extract dissolve the oils, and cleanse and detox the hair and scalp in less than 48 hours for a refreshed and moisturized scalp. Use a full dropper’s worth on the entire head or a few drops in localized spots where the dry and itchy patches are. There is no need to wash out or rinse.

My hairstylist, yes I do see a professional, recommended Moroccan Oil Dry Scalp Treatment on my patches. She had suggested it for a few of her clients who loved the results, however it is slightly more expensive than the above. According to product packaging, it is a “lightweight but concentrated formula with antioxidant-rich argan oil, lavender and geranium oils that penetrate deeply to soothe the scalp. Irritation, dryness and itch are instantly relieved. Flakiness is reduced, circulation improves and hair reaps the benefits of vitality and shine.”

Moroccan Oil Dry Scalp Treatment

Both of the dry scalp treatments can be purchased from the attached links. It is also best to ask your professional stylist who can recommend products for chemically treated hair if you fit within that category or for your specific hair type. Dermatologists understand the workings of the skin, however aren’t as familiar with hair as they claim to be.

If you have a question similar to Ann’s query on dry scalp treatments that you’d like to see featured here on a Wednesday, please email me at DeirdreAHaggerty@gmail.com