Some things are better when they’re dry. Humour. Martinis. Towels. Dry scalp, however? That one can go. Because with dry scalp comes itchiness, redness, and flakiness. 

Lucky for you & your scalp, I know how to get to the root of this problem. Literally. 

What causes dry scalp?

#letsbefrank, your face doesn’t end at your hairline. Think of the skin on your scalp as an extension of the skin on your face. With more hair. Just like you get dry skin on your sweet cheeks, you can get it on your scalp. Dry scalp happens when the skin on your scalp is missing out on some much needed moisture. When it’s lacking moisture, it becomes extremely dry, irritated, and flakey. Hello, dry scalp.

The lack of moisture on your scalp can be caused by dry air, stripping shampoos, too many styling products. Blame the weather, your bathroom cabinet, and dehydration. Your scalp is thirsty and it needs a drink. 

What’s the difference between dandruff & dry scalp?

Both cause flakes, so it’s easy to get the two mixed up. There’s also no shame with either. Dry scalp is caused by a lack of moisture, while dandruff is caused by too much moisture. Mind. Blown. With dandruff, excess oil on your scalp causes a layer of skin cells to build up and eventually shed in larger flakes.

So, which one is it?

Both dandruff & dry scalp can make your head itchy and red. But the difference is in the details: dandruff flakes are bigger and can be white or yellowish. If you have dandruff, you’re also likely to have an oily scalp. Dry scalp is seasonal, but dandruff can happen 365 days a year.

How to stop dry scalp?

A tale as old as time but as important as ever: read the labels and switch up your hair products. Out with the old, in with the natural. If your products are packed with sulfates, they’re likely stripping your hair of important oils, causing redness, dryness, and itching.

Use a gentle shampoo, a moisturising conditioner (or this hair mask instead), and buff away dead skin buildup with a scalp scrub. Give your scalp the extra moisture it’s begging for. 

Stopping dry scalp is the long-game. How to help dry scalp, ASAP?

This is the part where I want you to get handsy. That’s right. I’m talking about scalp massages. Of all the massages, this one will help the most with your dry scalp as well as dandruff. Although I won’t stop you if you want to try the full body massage route. 

Scalp massages can cleanse, hydrate, and wake up your scalp. They help with flaking, exfoliate dead skin, and encourage blood flow in your scalp. Consider it a facial for your dry, parched skin.  

Can a scalp massage help reduce buildup?

Scalp buildup happens when dead skin cells and excess oil pile up on your scalp. Shampoo isn’t getting rid of it. Dry shampoo is making it worse. You need something stronger and more serious to break it up. This is the part where I introduce you to my Caffeinated Scalp Scrub. 

Not only will it help get rid of the buildup of dead skin cells, product, and oil, it’ll cut down your excess flakes (and subsequent shakes).

Who benefits from scalp massages the most?

You guessed it: babes with dry, itchy, flaky scalps. Scalp massages can calm itching, manage oil production, and improve scalp health. So they’re one of my favourite ways you can touch yourself. And if you don’t have a dry, itchy scalp, it still feels good and can help with hair growth. Bonus point.

Saving the best for last: How to exfoliate your scalp (aka massage it)?

It’s as simple as running your fingers through your hair and rubbing them into your scalp. Or getting someone else to. Your next date perhaps? 

Like french kissing, it’s best when it’s done daily. Cleanse your hair regularly, massage it daily, and use a scalp treatment 1-2 times a week. Pair your massage with a product that goes the extra mile to buff away dry skin and get your blood going. Haaave you met my Non-Stop Hair Duo? Packed with antioxidants found in Green Coffee, anti-inflammatory ingredients like Eucalyptus, and calming ingredients like Comfrey Root, it’ll whip your scalp (and hair) into line. So you can whip it back and forth. 

How to exfoliate your scalp?

First, scrub: Wet your hair and part it in the middle. Take a pea-sized amount of my Caffeinated Scalp Scrub and rub it down the length of your part, straight onto your skin. Massage it in, gently and slowly. Close your eyes. Pretend you’re in Hawaii. Open and repeat until your scalp is covered in scrub. 

Then, mask: Wash out with shampoo, towel dry hair, then apply my Caffeinated Hair Mask to add the moisture your hair needs to be strong, luscious, and healthy. Enough to cover your strands from root to tips. Leave for 10-15 minutes. Then rinse, dry, and flip your hair all over the place. 

Remember, babe: with any committed relationship, consistency is key.

For hair softer than Hair-ry Styles’, look no further than my Non-Stop Hair Duo.