Your scalp craves balance. If it gets too oily, it sets up a great environment for fungus, which can lead to itching and flaking. A scalp that’s too dry is also prone to itching and flaking. The following combination of practices will keep your scalp happy – and prevent dandruff before it happens.
Assess your scalp’s natural oil levels
Start by taking a moment to determine whether you’re dealing with a dry scalp or an oily one because your answer will inform your approach to the rest of this process. Those of you who are predisposed to dryness should focus on moisturizing solutions, and those who are predisposed to oiliness should lean into solutions for balancing sebum. (More on this in a moment.)
Add a scalp product to your regimen
Your skincare regimen should include at least one product that addresses your predisposition. A daily hydrating serum, for example, can help nourish and moisturize a dry scalp. Charcoal, on the other hand, will absorb excess oil. Tea tree oil is also effective at mitigating oiliness. An antimicrobial, it prevents fungus from forming.
Use a dandruff shampoo sparingly
Unless you’re trying to soothe a scalp that’s very dry and itchy and perhaps even peeling, there’s no need to use a dandruff shampoo every day. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be using one at all. If this is strictly a proactive measure, reach for it once a month. If you’re trying to prevent a dry and itchy scalp from escalating, start with once a week. It should contain at least one of these ingredients: salicylic acid, pyrithione zinc, or ketoconazole.
Dandruff shampoos can really parch hair, so follow it with a nourishing conditioner.
Put the shampoo down
A surefire way to a dry scalp: Shampoo every day. But I have an oily scalp, you may be thinking. Washing your hair every day will train the pores to produce even more oil, creating a never-ending cycle. Instead, switch to every other day or, even better, every third day.
Simply rinsing your hair and scalp daily will flush away much of any accumulation of sweat, grime, and hair styling products, as well as the oil, if it’s an issue. And using a conditioner every day can nourish your hair and scalp.
Take shorter, cooler showers
Taking long, hot showers is another way to set yourself up for a dry scalp. Long showers, regardless of their temperature, rinse away too many of the oils that our skin depends on. A long and hot shower will only exacerbate the problem. Aim for a five-minute-or less, lukewarm shower. (Sorry.)
Be aware of anything that could undo your work
What we’re doing here is controlling a very small part of your scalp’s day. There’s a laundry list of things that could undo all of your hard work: a blow dryer, spending long stretches in air conditioning, sun exposure, swimming in chlorinated or salt water, and on and on. You’re never going to eliminate all the threats, but you can minimize their effects. Make sure you’re applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to any exposed parts of your scalp. Blow dry on the cool setting. Use your hydrating serum the night after swimming. And so on.
Basically, be mindful of what you’re exposing your scalp to, and supplement your daily routine as needed.
Your Shower is Undermining Your Skincare Routine