Dry scalp in winter: how to keep it calm
Central heating, hats, cold air: in winter your scalp feels tight and itchy faster. Here's how to care for it gently through the cold months.
Dry scalp in winter is mostly caused by dry heated air, the cold outside and showers that are too hot. Your scalp loses moisture faster, feels tight, itches and sometimes even sheds fine flakes. The good news: with a few gentle habits, it soon feels comfortable again.
Why your scalp suffers in winter
- Central heating: indoor humidity often drops noticeably. Your skin gives off moisture into the air.
- Cold and wind: outside, your skin runs on low power and produces less oil.
- Hot showers: they feel amazing, but they strip the protective oils from your scalp.
- Hats: friction and trapped heat, then cold again. A constant back and forth.
Dry scalp or dandruff?
| Dry scalp | Dandruff | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Tight, slightly itchy | Itchy, often more intensely |
| Flakes | Fine, white, fall easily | Larger, often yellowish and oily |
| Hair | Rather dry | Often gets greasy quickly |
Read more about the difference in Dandruff and Itchy scalp.
Your winter scalp routine
- Lukewarm, not hot: wash your hair with lukewarm water. Save the hot part of the shower for your back.
- Wash gently: a mild shampoo like our Every Day Shampoo pH 5.5 cleanses thoroughly without drying out your scalp. With panthenol and glycerin, fragrance-free.
- Give moisture: after washing, a few sprays of Organic Aloe Vera Spray on your scalp. It feels cool and fresh and adds moisture, completely alcohol-free.
- Extra care: Evocapil Panthenol Foam Spray spreads easily over your scalp and cares for it with provitamin B5.
- Hairdryer on medium: keep a little distance and don't go too hot.
- Treat your ends: one or two drops of argan oil on your dry lengths, not on the roots.
Little rituals for indoors and out
- Open the windows wide for a few minutes instead of leaving them tilted, a bowl of water on the radiator or a humidifier
- Hats with a soft cotton or silk lining
- Drink plenty: water and warm teas both count
- Don't wash your hair every day if you don't need to
Find more care for your hair and scalp in our Hair care category. How aloe vera pampers your scalp is covered in Aloe vera gel for hair and scalp.
When to see a doctor?
If your scalp is very red, weeping, forms thick scales or the itching lasts for weeks despite gentle care, have a dermatologist take a look.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my scalp so dry in winter?
Mainly because of dry heated air, the cold and hot showers. Your scalp then loses moisture faster.
What helps a dry scalp in winter?
Wash with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo, give your scalp moisture, for example with Aloe Vera Spray, and add some humidity to your home.
How often should I wash my hair if I have a dry scalp?
As often as you need to, but no more. In winter, two to three washes a week with a mild shampoo are enough for many people.
Can I put oil on a dry scalp?
Light, moisturising care like aloe vera suits the scalp better. Oils like argan oil are better for dry lengths and ends.