4 Ways to Combat Dry Scalp During The Winter

Winter brings about quite a few changes. Weather changes, trees and flowers dry out, and so does the hair and scalp. You may notice more shedding and drier scalp conditions. Don’t fret! There are a few simple tricks to minimizing flakes and scalp dryness.

Pre-poo

Pre-poo is the method of using your favorite moisturizer, oil blend, or aloe vera to fully saturate the hair and scalp prior to shampooing. Allow your pre-poo treatment to sit for approximately 20 minutes or so, it can help soothe driest of scalp.

Benefits of Pre-pooing or a Pre-Poo Treatment

The use of a “pre-poo” prior to the shampooing process yields many additional benefits to the hair and scalp. Here are just a few.

Aids in the detangling process (prior to shampoo)
Adds extra oils and moisture, reducing dryness in hair and scalp which may be caused by the use of shampoos
Prepoo oil blend can be mixed with your favorite moisturizing conditioner or used alone.
Help combat dullness due to stripping of natural oils during the shampooing process.
Will make hair softer, more manageable

The Perfect Pre-Poo Treatment for Dry Scalp

Pre-poo oil blend: mix ½ cup of coconut, ½ cup of olive oil and ¼ cup of castor oil; add 1 tablespoon of tea tree oil or 2 drops of eucalyptus. Be sure not to overuse eucalyptus oil; it’s extremely potent and can cause irritation if not mixed appropriately.

The Use of Oils

Once hair has been dried, sometimes the scalp will tighten due to dryness. The use of oils on the scalp, after hair has dried, will help alleviate tightness of scalp and the dry, itchy sensation. EdenBody Works has a Peppermint Tea Tree Oil that comes perfectly packaged in a spray bottle that is heaven to dry scalp. Not only does it ease the tightness, but long after its absorbed, it continues to combat dry scalp with the use of the peppermint and tea tree oils (in conjunction with many other essential oils). A little goes a long way, and should be used in moderation. Also, as mentioned above, the prepoo oil blend can also be used afterwards as a scalp oil, relieving symptoms of dry scalp.

Castile Soap

Castile soap is a natural soap derived from vegetable oils. It’s usually composed by the use of coconut, jojoba, olive, and hemp oils and essential oils for fragrance. It has been discovered that, though it cleanses, due to its natural oil construction, it doesn’t dry out the hair or scalp. It’s recommended that instead of shampooing twice with regular sulfate shampoo, you may swap by using the castile soap first, then follow with your regular shampoo.

Also, due to colder temperatures, and drier hair and scalp, you may also alternate shampooing cycles with castile soap. Use castile soap one week, then shampoo the next. Dr. Bronner’s makes a wonderful castile soap with almond oil, lavender (which is good for soothing, relieving irritated skin/scalp) and another with peppermint oil, all of which you will not be disappointed.

Buy Dr. Bonner’s Peppermint Castile Soap

Other Natural Approaches

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking soda are also great natural products that will assist with dryness. ACV has anti-inflammatory properties that helps destroy yeast that may accompany dandruff and causes itchy scalp. It can also restore pH levels of the skin, which can relieve itchiness and dryness. Baking soda can be used as an exfoliant, ridding one of excessive skin cells and product build up that may lead to dandruff. When using either method/product, follow with a sulfate-free shampoo to restore the pH balance of the hair and scalp, especially after a baking soda exfoliating treatment and a hydrating conditioner.

A case of dandruff it can be a headache. But, it isn’t impossible to get rid of. When used as suggested, these methods can be a great warrior in the fight against dandruff. But, if inflammation and condition persists, it’s advised that one seeks professional help from either a stylist who can accurately assess or a dermatologist who can prescribe medicated ointments. Each situation is case by case, and should be assessed if problem persists or worsens.

Read: Understanding the difference between dry scalp and dandruff