HOW TO TREAT A DRY SCALP
Feeling itchy, prickly, and dry? Don’t worry we’ve all been there. While a stressed-out scalp may be uncomfortable, it’s not uncommon.
Subject to the same environmental aggressors as your face and body, your scalp care needs to be just as consideredas your skin care (if not more). With each hair follicle attached to a sebaceous gland, the living tissue contains a greater number of sweat glands than any other area of your skin and therefore is prone to produce more sebum and oil.
With healthy hair starting at the scalp, it’s important to understand what causes its irritations, how to treat a dry scalp and what the best products are to prevent it from recurring. With that in mind, we’ve enlisted the help of our Cult Concierge experts, Lena and
WHAT IS A DRY SCALP?
Essentially, it’s the flaking of scalp skin. Caused by irritation, a dry scalp is a result of your scalp’s inability to create enough sebum and natural oils to keep it hydrated. Without the essential moisture to keep the cells healthy, the scalp naturally becomes dry, leading to shedding.
WHAT CAUSES A DRY SCALP?
To put it simply, a dry scalp is caused by a lack of moisture but, like many hair care concerns, this can be due to several different reasons – from a build-up of products to over-washing. A typical trigger is dryness. Like the rest of your body, your scalp needs protecting from UV and seasonal shifts. If not properly protected from the sun’s rays, discomfort and (you guessed it) dryness can occur. Likewise, the winter weather can intensify a flaky scalp.
DRY SCALP VS DANDRUFF
You heard it here first… a dry scalp and dandruff are
HOW TO PREVENT A DRY SCALP?
DETOX:
Don’t worry — we’re not asking you to give up your favourite glass of red (or white) – instead avoid alcohol in your hair care. Causing drying and an imbalance in pH levels, alcohol can cause unwanted build up and lead to the growth of fungi and dandruff.
AVOID OVERLY HOT WATER:
Like the rest of your skin, washing your hair at a piping hot temperature can cause your scalp to feel sore, tight, and itchy. Instead, opt for lukewarm water during your wash days.
AVOID OVER-WASHING:
Over-washing your strands can strip your scalp of the natural oils it needs to stay nourished. With that in mind, it’s best to stretch out the in-between days by reaching for the
THE BEST DRY SCALP TREATMENTS
7
£32.00
Powered by a B3-based complex, Living Proof’s Scalp Care Dry Treatment works hard to balance your microbiome for long-term equilibrium. Providing instant relief, the leave-in formula soothes irritation while delivering intense hydration. The results? Lasting relief from scalp flaking, itching and irritation.
187
£46.00
Designed to be part of your weekly hair ritual, Fable and Mane’s Holiroots Pre-Wash Strengthening Treatment Hair Oil acts a dual-purpose pre-wash and scalp saviour. It’s not-so-secret ingredient? Ashawanganha – an Indian ginseng that enhances scalp circulation while smoothing your strands from root to tip. What’s more, flourishing with the sweet-smelling scent of jasmine and patchouli, this oil awakens your senses too.
11
£70.00
Formulated with the brand’s signature cold-pressed extraction,RANAVAT's Mighty Majesty Fortifying Hair Serum blends each and every ingredient at the highest potency. Fused with a high concentration of oleic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E, the multi-tasking treatment helps to nourish the scalp while managing breakage by protecting your strands from heat damage. Discover fuller, thicker, and healthier hair in just eight weeks.
2
£53.00
Creating the optimum environment for your mane to flourish, MONPURE London’s Nourish And Stimulate Scalp Mask not only improves your scalp health to encourage stronger strands but also soothes and hydrates your skin to relieve itchiness. Built with a refreshing blend of aloe vera and vitamin-rich camellia tea oil, the treatment gives stressed out scalps the TLC they deserve.
5
£80.00
Working hard to replenish your scalp’s moisture – that’s typically stripped away during hair-wash days – Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Balancing Scalp Serum dissolves dead skin cells while keeping your mane hydrated. Keeping your head happy, the addition of adenosine triphosphate brings a selection of soothing and balancing benefits too.
159
£48.00
Let your scalp thrive with OUAI’s Scalp Serum. Fuelled by its vegan formula, it mixes arctic roots, Siberian ginseng and chaga mushrooms to support and shield your scalp’s barrier. Plus, the unique addition of red clover extract works to reduce discomfort from overstimulation while peptides support full, thick and healthy hair.
30
£46.00
Getting right to the root of flakiness and excess sebum build-up,Act+Acre’s Cold Processed Scalp Detoxuses a blend of basil leaf, baobab and moringa oils to nourish your scalp, regulate oil, and repair hair damage. Re-balancing your barrier and soothing iteration, the vegan medley is just what your scalp has been itching for.
28
£37.00
Laced with a nourishing cocktail of the brand’s renowned
3
£36.00
Scrubbing away your scalp’s impurities and liberating your roots from dead and dry cells, KEVIN.MURPHY’s SCALP.SPA SCRUB uses sweet lavender oil, coconut oil and jojoba esters to deeply nourish your scalp. Extremely lightweight, the formula absorbs seamlessly and instantly hydrates your barrier to soothe irritation while calming your common concern.
3
£42.00
Cultivating the right environment for your scalp to thrive, Aveda’s Scalp Solutions Overnight Scalp Renewal Serumreduces redness and dryness, leaving the scalp soft, supple, and nourished. Caring for your scalp while you catch some shut-eye, this overnight treatment is enriched with barrier-boosting heroes to ensure hydration from dusk till dawn. Now that’s what we call a good night’s sleep.
Cult Beauty’s Senior SEO Copywriter, Trifonia started out in the industry when bold brows were just becoming a ‘thing’, and shares a passion for all things fashion and beauty. Currently embracing her curly girl journey (after endless years of straightening her strands), she is finally reverting to her natural ways! When Triffy isn’t busy testing out the latest curl-saving solutions, you’ll find her binging the latest reality TV show or on a long walk listening to her ever-evolving country music playlist.
