It might be winter outside, but your scalp can feel like a dry, desert landscape – ironic, isn’t it? However, winter is one of the times you’re most at risk of a dry scalp. Here’s why.
As winter sets in, a variety of factors come into play that can put your scalp under pressure. If you have dandruff, that’s a big concern and can cause a winter flare-up.
Cranking up the heating? Be careful...
During winter, you’re likely to spend most of your time indoors, with central heating systems or electric heaters.
This tends to be a very dry heat. As a result, your skin – including that on your scalp – can start to dry out and feel much drier than usual.
This lack of moisture can make your scalp feel tight – a similar sensation to dry skin on your hands or face. And, just like you moisturize your hands, you need to moisturize your scalp.
Beware the blow dryer
Hair dryers tend to be used more during winter, as we’re often told not to go out into the cold with wet hair, and it’s not as easy to air dry your hair during winter.
But be careful. The blow dryer exposes your hair to intense heat and can dry out your scalp, which adds to that tight, dry sensation.
The same goes for a hot shower. It might feel like a luxury on a cold day, but very hot water can damage your scalp and strip it of moisture.
Do we turn off the heating and take cold showers? Really?
No, but be sensible. For example, try not to use the maximum heat setting on your blow dryer and keep the water temperature just above body temperature – around 38°C would be fine.
You will have the heating on and even on a low setting you will need the blow dryer.
The best thing you can do for your scalp in winter is to give it that extra dose of moisture it needs to prevent a dry scalp from becoming a bigger problem.
Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care shampoo with almond oil helps treat dry scalp and irritation¹ and restores essential moisture to your scalp. Used regularly, your scalp’s natural moisture defenses will be restored and help protect you from future dryness.
The Dry Scalp Care shampoo range with almond oil is also a good choice for deep moisturization: it contains three moisturizers that provide immediate moisture to your hair and scalp.
More information about dry scalp
¹. Caused by dandruff
