If you're tired of fighting flaky scalp, dryness, and inflammation, it's time to take back your hair care routine and banish dandruff and build-up for good. A flaky scalp can affect any head of hair - and likely does from time to time! However, curly hair is especially prone to dryness and seasonal changes which can cause scalp irritation. You may notice an increase in flaking at certain times during the year or maybe you've observed a general tendency of your once flawless curls to suffer from a dry, aggravated scalp. No matter the case, your curls deserve relief from itching, frustration, and flakes.
Take a break from the itchy scalp battle to check out these top reasons why you have a flaky scalp -- and how you can fix it.
You Have Product Build-Up
If you like to change up your hair color, use lots of fun styling products, rock a protective hairstyle, or have low porosity hair with poor absorption, you may be suffering from product build-up. Harsh chemicals get left behind during treatments and eventually flake off the scalp.
One way to prevent this is to stick to all-natural hair products. When it comes to preventing a flaky scalp, choosing products that are sulfate-free and paraben free is one of the best ways to keep your scalp hydrated. These products will also absorb more readily without stripping your scalp of its natural oils the way some harsh chemicals do.
Protective styles often struggle with build-up due to the weight of the style as well as the cleansing techniques used. If this case matches your flaky scalp struggle, there are a few important steps to take. First, don't over-wash. Washing daily or even bi-weekly will dry out your hair and strip down the cuticle, leading to breakage. A curl-specific clarifying shampoo followed by a deep conditioning treatment is the perfect remedy for build-up-based flaky scalp. Work in a clarifying routine once a week alongside a reduced shampoo schedule. You can even add a hair mask to your routine to lock in that extra moisture and keep your scalp healthy.
If your flaky scalp is especially irritating, give your hair a rest completely. Take some time off from dying, styling, or relaxing your lovely locks and embrace your natural curls while your scalp gets a breather. Not only will a reset help prevent the dry scalp from recurring, but taking a break can actually boost hair growth and make your curls come in stronger, fuller, and more vibrant than ever.
You Have Dandruff
Did you know there's a difference between dandruff and dry scalp? While the dry scalp is often due to environmental factors, dandruff is caused by debris and build-up. If you're seeing telltale white flakes, this is generally indicative of a dry scalp. However, if your flaky scalp looks more like greasy flakes and an oily scalp, you likely have a build-up of dandruff
It's time to implement a healthy scalp clarifying routine! There's no need to invest in a luxury treatment to maintain a healthy scalp balance. The best ingredients for a scalp cleanse are probably already in your cupboard. Get started with an apple cider vinegar rinse. Apple cider vinegar is a fantastic natural acid that works to balance your scalp's pH. In addition, ACV fights bacteria and yeast, leaving your scalp pristine and refreshing. You can take advantage of other natural antibacterial agents like honey and combine these with an ACV clarifying treatment or use them on their own. Honey works as a fantastic makeshift hair mask for treating flaky scalp when applied for thirty minutes to the hair and toot.
With a bit of prep and a great hair care routine on your side, dandruff is easy to combat and even easier to banish entirely with consistent healthy hair habits.
You're Dehydrated
Our scalp can tell us a lot about our overall health and wellness. If you're suffering from flaking and build-up, it may be an indication that you aren't getting enough hydration. Look out for this common symptom of the flaky scalp in the summer months when dehydration is especially common. Of course, dehydration can often sneak up on us during the winter time too when we aren't as focused on meeting our daily water intake. This can quickly dry out our skin and hair, leading to a flaky scalp over time. Getting more water in can correct and prevent this irritating issue.
According to the U.S. National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, men should drink 3.7 liters (about 16 cups) and women 2.7 liters (about 11 cups) of fluid per day. Double that if you lead an active lifestyle. You can prioritize hydration by starting each day with a glass of water. Not only is this a great trick for getting energized, but having a glass of water when you first wake up balances your appetite so you can stay on track with a healthy lifestyle. Some find it helpful to invest in a fun water bottle as a reminder to meet their daily hydration goals. You can also set a phone alarm to remind yourself to drink up throughout the day.
Remember; staying hydrated doesn't have to be boring. Mix up your routine with smoothies, fresh fruits and veggies, iced lemonade, and freshly squeezed juice.
You Aren't Giving Your Scalp Enough Love
With so much emphasis on caring for our curls, it's easy to forget that amazing hair starts at the scalp. Just like your skincare routine, getting a great scalp care routine together is the foundation of maintaining your stunning style. A flaky scalp is a natural consequence of not giving your scalp enough love. Take stock of your scalp care routine and see where you can make improvements.
Oil treatment for the flaky scalp is an excellent place to get started. Coconut oil, argan oil, or jojoba oil are all great options. These oils are lightweight and readily available for absorption. You can add a dash of your favorite essential oil such as lavender, clove, rose, and even a hint of peppermint. You can also treat your scalp to a professional hot oil massage at your favorite salon once a month. Giving your scalp a little extra pampering is a great way to restore your smooth skin and prevent flakes.
After all, the best way to prevent a flaky scalp is by giving your scalp plenty of love and care. Treat yours right and enjoy amazing, lux locks.
Your Shower is Too Hot
Just like with heat exposure from styling tools, a scalding hot shower isn't the best remedy for a flaky scalp. In fact, taking hot showers can strip away moisture from the skin and even burn your scalp. If flakes are ruining your look, take the temperature down a notch. Cold water is best for maintaining healthy curls, but a lukewarm shower with a little steam can be a helpful tool for maintaining a healthy scalp. Be sure to wet brush your hair while in the shower. This will prevent you from brushing dry hair and further irritating your flaky scalp by disturbing the sensitive skin. Brushing your hair immediately after conditioning is the best way to ensure your locks have plenty of "slip" and won't get caught or snared
Dry your hair with a microfiber towel to prevent frizz. Avoid scrubbing at your scalp when drying. With enough time and consistency, you'll begin to notice fewer flakes and more flawless hair.
Your Hair is Burnt Out
Frequent heat styling and blow drying are one of the main culprits behind a flaky scalp. Exposure to heat can dry your skin out fast. This leads to chronic flaking, inflammation, and poor scalp health. If you've noticed that your flaky scalp isn't improving, chances are it may be due to your heat treatment routine. Going low heat is the best option for maintaining your scalp's natural oils.
Lock in moisture by keeping your blow dryer at least an inch from your hair and scalp. Always protect your lovely locks with a gentle anti-frizz spray or serum prior to heat styling. If you're ready to go low heat, we'd love to recommend our reverse air dryer. Not only does our amazing RevAir stretch, style, and dry 3x faster than a conventional blow dryer, but the unique technology behind the trend protects your scalp from intense heat without sacrificing intense style. Our device is designed for all hair types including tight curls, loose waves, pin-straight tresses, and everything in between. That makes reverse air technology a fantastic asset for combatting flaky scalp.
We understand the pain and irritation of dealing with a flaky scalp. Dryness, dandruff, and inflammation are things no one wants to deal with. It can be hard to feel flawless when you're picking flakes out of the brush. At RevAir, we're empowering all hair types and textures to look, feel, and be their best. Take a moment to read up on what causes flaky scalp so you can implement a scalp care routine that's right for you.
Reach out to our hair care experts for more tips for curly hair, RevAir and more!
