7 Causes of Dry Scalp, According to Dermatologists

Shampoo With Sulfates

Many ingredients develop bad reputations, but they aren't always deserved. Sulfates are one of these ingredients. They can strip the hair and scalp of oil for a deep clean and leave you feeling squeaky clean after a wash (and sometimes, that's necessary). It generally comes down to the type of sulfate you're using and how frequently, based on your hair type and texture.

However, when diagnosing a dry scalp, our experts name sulfates as a top culprit. According to Portela, sulfates are among the most common irritants in shampoos. Products that are harsh on your scalp can cause excess dryness and lead to itching. "I recommend sticking to shampoos with more natural ingredients, including hydrating ingredients," he adds.

For dry scalp due to dryness and irritation from sulfates, Rubin recommends switching to a sulfate-free shampoo and a non-irritating hair care regimen and seeing if that helps.

Using Irritating Products

Rubin tells us that properly-formulated haircare products can help improve signs of dry scalp. Many haircare products contain ingredients and allergens that may cause irritation and inflammation of the scalp, such as fragrance.

If you don't have any known allergies or irritants and are experiencing scalp dryness, your first test could be switching to a sulfate-free shampoo and a non-irritating hair care regimen to see if it helps. "Consider incorporating a soothing scalp serum into your haircare routine," says Rubin. "SEEN's Restore Scalp Serum helps maintain the scalp's microbiome balance, protects the skin barrier, and provides the essential hydration this unique skin needs to minimize dryness and the appearance of flaking."

Showers That Are Too Hot

There is no better feeling than a hot shower—but your scalp and hair might not enjoy it as much as you do. Rubin cautions that using hot water when rinsing shampoo and conditioner can lead to a dry scalp. There are many benefits to taking colder showers, including helping to prevent scalp dryness. If you want to take a hot shower and don't want to contribute to scalp dryness, consider dropping the water to cooler temps once it comes time to wash and condition your hair.

Reaction to Hair Dye

Picking a hair color is often hard enough, but if you're experiencing a dry scalp, you may need to choose between your hair dye and scalp health. "As a dermatologist, I see people suffering from a dry scalp due to reactions from hair dye," shares Portela, who explains that the most common allergen in hair dye is paraphenylenediamine (also known as PPD).

If you're finding your scalp dryness often occurs after coloring your hair, then PPD may be the cause. If you decide to eliminate PPD from your beauty routine, there are other options. There are hair dyes formulated without PP and natural alternatives that may not have the same negative side effects.

Environmental Factors

Often overlooked, Rubin shares that environmental factors like cold air and sun exposure can definitely be the reason behind dry scalp. The environmental factors that contribute to dry scalp are often out of our control, but she says we can take precautions to reduce the damage caused by extreme cold and harmful UV rays.

Cold damage can be prevented by ensuring the hair and scalp are completely dry before leaving your home after a shower and wearing a hat when out in the cold (especially if it is raining or snowing). And it's just as important to protect your scalp from sun damage as any other skin on the body, as the risk for skin cancer is still present in addition to scalp dryness. Be sure to apply a scalp sunscreen to any exposed scalp skin, especially your part.

Dandruff

If you're experiencing a dry, itchy scalp, one of the most common causes is dandruff, also known as seborrheic dermatitis. Dandruff is an inflammatory reaction to an overgrowth of a yeast called malessezia on the skin, explains Rubin. Dandruff can cause itching, dryness, and flaking, which may lead you to wash your hair less out of fear of making the scalp dryer. However, Portela explains that dandruff can be exacerbated by not washing your hair frequently enough.

The treatment for dandruff is typically medicated shampoos with ingredients like zinc pyrithione to target the yeast, and Portela says you can find several over-the-counter products to treat dandruff at home. If you suspect you may have dandruff, Portela recommends trying one of these OTC shampoos first, then consulting a dermatologist if your condition does not improve.

Inflammatory Skin Conditions

Sometimes a dry scalp is not just a dry scalp. If you suddenly develop a dry scalp that does not respond to simple changes like the ones outlined above, your scalp dryness may be a symptom of a larger issue. Portela explains that several inflammatory skin conditions can lead to dry scalp, such as eczema or psoriasis. He notes that psoriasis commonly affects the scalp and leads to dryness and flaking, which could be confused for other behavioral causes.