Scalp control - when you suffer from a dry, flaky and itchy scalp, here’s the help at hand

If there beauty related issues that’s normal yet utterly uncomfortable and not to mention embarrassing, it would have to be dry, flaky and itchy scalp. It’s rather awkward finding yourself dusting white specks off your black t-shirt. 

If you’re bothered by an itchy scalp though, take heart in the fact that you’re not the only one in fighting this prickly battle. According to the experts, almost half of India’s adult population suffers the same condition. But the good news is that there are solutions and remedies at hand. 

A dry scalp is essentially the result of the skin not producing or holding enough moisture. Dryness irritates the scalp, leading to itching and fine flaking, which can later cause dandruff. If the scalp is dry, the skin on other parts of the body could be dry too. As a result, the hair may also end up looking dry.

Dry scalp is after confused for dandruff. The two however are not the same. While the symptoms of itchiness and flakiness do overlap, it is essential to know and understand the difference, in order to treat the problem.

THE ROOT PROBLEM Weather 

While it is known that dry and cold weather can be one of the causes of dry scalp, hot and dry conditions are equally responsible. People who spend time in air conditioned environments through the day are likely to develop a dry, itchy scalp due to poor humidity in air. Water also plays a major role in causing a dry scalp, along with the weather.

HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE 

If you’re one to skip your hourly hydration, then know that low water intake could lead to a dehydrated scalp. Meeting your daily intake and still have a dry scalp? There’s a probably a deficiency in your system.  The condition could be a result of a lack of essential fatty acids Zinc or vitamin B in the body. 

At times, dietary deficiencies of vitamins A and E can also cause excessive dryness in the scalp. Experts say the condition also occurs during hormonal changes, especially in women who are going through or approaching menopause. Other skin conditions such as eczema, atopic dermatitis and Psoriasis and thyroid related ailments that aggravate to dry skin, can also cause the scalp to flake. 

Life style and diet play major roles in defining healthy hair and a nourished scalp. Smoking and consumption of alcohol, stress and an unbalanced diet point towards an unhealthy scalp that’s dehydrated and dry.

STYLING 

Frequently styling your hair by straightening, ironing and colouring and excessively washing your hair and scalp with hard water can result in a dry and flaky scalp. Any contact allergy caused by styling products such as hairspray, gels or even shampoo that’s directly applied to the scalp make it worse.

The most common cause is the lack of conditioning. People have given upon oiling, but it is the hair and scalps best moisturiser.

TREATMENT DIET 

Since lifestyle and diet are key to nourishing the hair, it’s important that you watch what you eat. Ensure that your body stays hydrated throughout the day. Cut down on aerated drinks, alcohol and sugary foods, as they severely dehydrate the body. Experts suggests 12 - 14 glasses of water  and the water of one tender coconut everyday to replenish the lost minerals.

One should have foods rich in zinc minerals and omega 3 fatty foods to a have a healthy scalp and hair growth.