Beauty Clinic: SOS! dry flaky scalp
Q. My partner has such a dry scalp that flakes are visible and come off when he combs his hair (not gorgeous). He has tried dandruff shampoos with no success at all.
A. People tend, for good reason, to think the problem must be dandruff because the main symptoms of falling flakes and itchy scalp are the same for both.
In fact, dandruff is linked to too much oil on the scalp, which causes skin cells to build up and then shed. Whereas a dry scalp causes the skin to become irritated and flake off.
In general, if you have a dry scalp it’s important to use a gentle shampoo and a moisturising conditioner such as Botanical Therapeutics Shampoo and Body Wash/£25 for a huge 500ml bottle (victoriahealth.com). This product is free from Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), a known irritant and also from synthetic preservatives.
To start with, using a dedicated exfoliating product can lift the problem quickly. One family member had a similar problem and tried Bouclème Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo/£26 for 250 ml, which was very effective. The exfoliating agent is non-abrasive hydrogenated castor oil beads. Use it every week until the scalp returns to normal, then once a month. They recommend following it with the Intensive Moisture Treatment to help the condition of the scalp as well as hair.
Haircare company Living Proof says that dry itchy scalp is the top search term on their website. Experts say the causes include environmental stress particularly pollution, also a poor diet.
Living Proof has recently launched Dry Scalp Treatment/£25 for 100 ml, a leave in product with hyaluronic acid, which claims to instantly sooth and relieve any flakiness, dryness or itchiness. It also contains a vitamin B3 complex to ‘rebalance the microbiome for a healthier scalp and long lasting relief’.
Since the underlying cause is dry skin from top to toe, it makes sense to consume plenty of omega-3 essential fatty acids, both in your diet and as a supplement. So, do eat lots of good oils, nuts and seeds, oily fish and dark green vegetables and consider a supplement such as Omega 7 Sea Buckthorn Oil, which is known to be valuable for all dry skin concerns. Omega 7 Sea Buckthorn Oil/£19.95 for 60 capsules (victoriahealth.com).
