Winter conditions are notoriously difficult on the health of our skin, it can make it dry, cracked, sensitive to the touch, and worst of all cause the dreaded build-up of falling dry flakes onto our winter woollies.
It will sometimes be the result of the exasperation of pre-existing conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, but it can also be simple dehydration. Either way the main thing you will need is relief from the physical discomfort, by soothing, calming and hydrating the scalp and returning it to good health.
Below are a few of my favourite products for gentle cleansing, scalp hydration, soothing irritation, and increasing elasticity so your scalp won’t feel so tight and unbearable.
Davines A Single Shampoo
I have opted for tis shampoo as it is so naturally based, and free of many the irritants most other shampoos contain. The minimalistic nature of its formula allows it to be suitable for even daily use if desired, as it also adds elasticity to the hair and scalp. Free from colorants, silicones, artificial fragrance, animal derived products, and artificial preservatives it’s 100% naturally sourced ingredients provide gentle cleansing and hydration of the scalp and hair.
OWAY Purifying Hair Bath Shampoo
This one is specifically designed for those suffering with dry, flaky dandruff, it works to purify any microbes with organic Willow and Ethical Teak for their anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, and Biodynamic Rosemary to sooth and refresh the scalp. This most natural, organic, and biodynamic company, OWAY, strive to be as eco-friendly as possible while also providing luxury haircare. I must say, they are one of my favourite haircare lines, for the quality of their products and the nature by which they make them. Free from silicones, parabens, SLS, SLES, artificial fragrance, and largely vegan, except for the use of their own organic honey, this eco positive company have given us a wonderfully effective shampoo that will bring comfort to those with dry, uncomfortable dandruff.
Kerastase Specifique Masque Hydra-Apaisant
This is a real ‘go-to’ product for anyone with discomfort, tightness, and dryness in their scalp, and I have only ever heard positive reviews of it. It is designed to sooth and calm irritated and dehydrated scalp, to bring the user comfort, ease, and more flexibility in their scalp. The silicone free formula is suitable for all hair types and works best when given several minutes to sit on the scalp and allow the active ingredients time to take effect. It will help to sooth and cool even sensitised scalps, and make them more supple to increase scalp health, and will leave zero residue.
Kerastase Scrub Apaisant
Once your scalp is not openly sore, an exfoliating scrub can really help with removing flakes and relieving a tight scalp. I would not advise using one if your scalp has cracked open, or has open abrasions from scratching or otherwise, they are only suitable for sealed scalps. However, if you do fit the criteria a scalp scrub can bring you great comfort, least of all by removing the fear of flakes building up on your back and shoulders. Kerastase Scrub Apaisant is designed specifically for sensitive scalps, and its gel texture allows you to massage it into your scalp to remove product build-up, dead skin cells, and flaky dandruff. It will also increase micro-stimulation improving blood flow, and unclog follicles, allowing for optimal scalp health
AVEDA Invati Intensive Hair and Scalp Mask
Often dry, tight scalps and hair fall go hand in hand, especially with more fragile hair types. The follicles can constrict on the hair strand as it grows, reducing the circumference of the hair strand and increasing the fragility of the hair, resulting in frequent breakage, and slower growth. To help combat this AVEDA Invati Intensive Hair and Scalp Mask works to nourish your scalp, relieving tightness and softening the follicle to allow for healthier growth. It also plumps and strengthens the hair by up to 46%, reducing the amount of hair fall through breakage.
If you have any questions about dry scalp, or anything hair related, please feel free to get in touch and message me on Instagram or Facebook, or book a consultation and I will be happy to help you in any way I can.
Fiona O’Connor
Head Educator, Haircare Department
