Dry scalp

A dry, itchy or stinging scalp, and one that maybe also suffers from dandruff, can have a variety of causes.

The scalp, just like the skin on the whole body, has a balanced moisture barrier. If the balance is disrupted, the scalp becomes dry. A healthy scalp is surrounded by an intact lipid film that regulates the moisture content and protects the scalp. If this lipid film is impaired or has gaps, the skin loses moisture. Possible reasons for the sensitive balance of the scalp becoming disrupted can be found below.

A dry, sensitive scalp is no longer able to perform its protective function and can become itchy and flaky.

Dry scalp

Symptoms of a dry scalp

Due to the loss of moisture on the scalp, redness or a feeling of tightness can also develop in addition to itching and dry dandruff.
A dry scalp can also make the hair look like straw and become brittle.

Causes of a dry scalp

A genetic predisposition can determine whether there is a tendency for dry skin. A dry scalp can also be caused by external influences, such as the weather. In winter, these would be the cold air outside and the dry, heated air inside. In summer, the hot, dry air is compounded by the effects of the sun. Even regularly swimming in chlorinated water can dry out the scalp in the summer.

Further causes include neurodermatitis, psoriasis or even the natural ageing process. More information on dry skin in general can be found here.

Caring for a dry scalp

Depending on your own care habits, washing the hair too often with hot water and long sessions with the hair-dryer can dry out the scalp. It is therefore advisable to air-dry the hair as often as possible. Hairstyling products as well as dyeing and bleaching can all cause additional irritations to the scalp.

In order to prevent a dry scalp, the triggers should be reduced. It is therefore all the more important for those with extremely dry skin or who are prone to neurodermatitis or psoriasis to use the right shampoo for cleansing hair and the scalp.

- The wrong shampoo: Believing that an anti-dandruff shampoo can help an extremely dry, flaky scalp is unfortunately often wrong. In fact, these products can often cause more damage to the skin and increase the sensations of stinging and itchiness. Classic anti-dandruff shampoos also remove oils and can be too aggressive for a dry scalp.

- The right shampoo: A suitable shampoo will not dry out the scalp further. The scalp and hair should be cleansed gently, for example, with Linola Shampoo.

In addition, take care not to shower or bathe in water that is too hot because this places extra stress on the skin and hair. The ideal temperature is in the 32–36°C range.

The hair should also not be washed too frequently as this can stress the lipid film.

Linola shampoos for sensitive scalps

Linola shampoos were especially developed for sensitive and dry scalps with particular care needs.
Linola Shampoo uses the special composition of the glucose-based cleansing ingredients to cleanse the scalp and hair very gently. The natural moisture retention regulators and linoleic acid in the shampoo help to prevent scalp dryness and irritations.
Linola Forte Shampoo is designed to meet the special care needs of itchy scalps prone to psoriasis. ·It relieves itching and soothes irritated scalps. Linoleic acid supports the skin's protective barrier.

Regular use of Linola shampoos can help to noticeably relieve the symptoms of a dry scalp.

Both products are available over the counter in your pharmacy. Find the Linola Shampoo that best meets your needs.