Dry scalp is unpleasant and can be a real burden in everyday life. Scalp problems are not uncommon; around 60 percent of men and 40 percent of women suffer from them. The causes of sensitive scalps can be very different. With the right care, however, the hair and scalp can be relieved and the symptoms alleviated.
HOW DO YOU RECOGNIZE DRY SCALP?
A dry scalp is characterized by a feeling of tightness and irritation on the head. In addition, the hair can also be affected. It feels rough and is difficult to style. It does not contain enough moisture. This is because the skin's outer natural protective barrier loses moisture and is thus damaged. People who have a dry scalp are often also affected by dandruff (squama). Sensitive scalp is accompanied by symptoms such as:
- BURN,
- REDNESS,
- TINGLING / ITCHING and
- PAIN.
If the symptoms are particularly pronounced, the scalp is referred to as extremely sensitive or hypersensitive. A sensitive scalp leads to an increased susceptibility to dandruff. It's a vicious circle, because dandruff makes the skin even more sensitive and causes itching, which leads to scratching. The top layer of our entire skin surface is renewed in a four-week cycle. This also applies to your scalp. New cells are formed and the old, dead skin cells are shed as dandruff. Normally, these tiny cell particles are barely visible, at least not with the naked eye. However, if the cells are shed too slowly or the new ones develop too quickly, they clump together to form visible dandruff and get stuck in the hair. Dry dandruff is fine and not greasy. It trickles down from the head or hair and can cause unpleasant itching and tension.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF DRY SCALP?
The cause of a dry scalp can be very varied. It starts with the wrong hair care products (shampoo, conditioner, etc.), goes through hormonal changes and even environmental causes. A key point is always using the right shampoo. The wrong product can quickly lead to your scalp becoming dry and irritated. Environmental factors that can affect the skin include cold, wind, heat and UV rays. Stress is also an important issue and is closely linked to our skin. When we are under mental or physical stress, the skin reacts sensitively, and this also applies to the scalp. In women, problems with the scalp can be a symptom of hormonal changes, such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause. Food intolerance can also be a cause of sensitive skin and make the scalp appear dry.
WHAT SOOTHES DRY AND ITCHY SCALP?
Even if you understandably feel like it, you should never scratch. This will only irritate the dry and irritated scalp even more, and it can quickly lead to micro-injuries and inflammation. Scratching will also damage the hair structure in the long run. An itchy scalp is unpleasant, no question about it. If you really can't stand it, then stroke your scalp with a little pressure or massage it gently. It is also important that you do not wash your hair with too much heat, as this will make the dry scalp even worse. You should also avoid using a hairdryer, curling iron and any other type of heat and instead let your hair air dry. 
Don't stay in the sun for too long and, if possible, wear a sun hat. Mild products are the best option for caring for your dry scalp. It's ideal if the shampoo, rinse and conditioner contain anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredients, which also helps against an itchy scalp. The following are suitable, for example:
- Coconut surfactants (gentle),
- Urea (anti-inflammatory) or
- Glycerin (moisturizing)
You should avoid artificial fragrances or dyes in shampoo and other care products, as these are not good for your hair anyway. If the symptoms are becoming increasingly worrying and the skin on your head becomes inflamed, sore, crusty or wet, you should definitely see a doctor. Even if you feel like you cannot get the dandruff under control on your own, you can seek advice from a doctor. They will then prescribe a special shampoo or an intensive scalp-soothing cream that can be used as a treatment for neurodermatitis.
HOW CAN YOU TREAT DRY SCALP?
There are a few home remedies that can be used for a dry scalp. Since the scalp lacks moisture and is therefore dry, you can try moisturizing and oil treatments. These are applied before washing your hair and work best overnight. Oils such as black cumin oil, olive oil, almond oil and jojoba oil are suitable for an oil treatment. 
Gently massage the oil into your hair and scalp and then wash it out with a mild shampoo. Honey is also good for dry and sensitive scalps as it has an anti-inflammatory effect. All you need is a little honey, which you gently massage into your sensitive scalp and the top of your hair. Leave it on for about 20 minutes and use a mild shampoo to rinse the honey out. A hair mask made from natural yoghurt cools the irritated scalp and relieves the itching. Massage the natural yoghurt into your dry scalp, leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse it out thoroughly with a mild shampoo. To revitalize your scalp, you can rinse it with different teas. Suitable teas for this are nettle tea, chamomile tea, St. John's wort tea or rosemary tea. 
The tea should only be lukewarm and rinsed with water several times; shampoo is not necessarily required. Apple cider vinegar is also good for dry and sensitive scalps. It brings your scalp's pH back into balance, helps against itchy scalps and gives your hair a beautiful shine. Simply mix 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a liter of water and spread the mixture in your hair and on your scalp. Leave it to work for a short time and then rinse thoroughly. Dry scalps do not improve overnight, so you can do the treatments once or twice a week.
