Winter dryness hits scalps and strands hard, with the dry, harsh conditions wreaking havoc on both. But, healthy, hydrated hair doesn’t have to be this season’s unicorn (or red-nosed friend).

Is your only wonder this winter how to manage dry scalp and hair? Check out the symptoms and causes of dry scalp in winter, plus tips to help prevent parched tresses and ensure your scalp and strands stay moisturized this season.

Symptoms of Dry Hair and Scalp

Dry hair and scalp can manifest in a number of bothersome and noticeable symptoms, particularly during the harsh winter months when environmental humidity drops. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward maintaining optimal scalp and hair health.

• Tightness + discomfort: A tight, tugging sensation on the scalp is commonplace in the winter.
• Itching + irritation: An itchy scalp with or without sensitivity, burning, or stinging is a tell-tale sign of dry scalp. In severe cases, scratching may lead to minor abrasions.
• Flakiness: Scalp flaking in winter is quite common, with small, white flakes resulting from a dry scalp shedding dead skin cells.
• Dull, brittle hair: A dry scalp lends itself to lifeless, dehydrated strands lacking shine, softness, and bounce, feeling coarse and straw-like.
• Breakage + split ends: Dehydrated hair lacks elasticity, making it prone to snapping and developing split ends.
• Frizz + static: Winter air strips hair of moisture and roughens the cuticle, causing strands to swell and resulting in a frizzy, unmanageable appearance. The lack of humidity allows electrical charges to build up on the hair surface, creating static electricity. Individual strands repelling each other, leading to that flyaway, 'shocked' look.

Parched Hair + Dry Scalp in Winter Causes

Brittle hair and a dry scalp in cold weather are common due to dry outdoor winter air. So, why does my hair get so frizzy in the winter? Wintertime frizz and static are signs of dry, dehydrated hair seeking moisture from the air. Low humidity from indoor heating pulls moisture from your scalp, leading to scalp dryness and itching.

And there are other habits that take hold during the chilly months of the year that contribute to dry winter hair and scalp:

• Hot showers: Taking hot baths and showers to chase away the winter chill may feel good, but the sapped skin they leave behind? Not so much.
• Certain hats: Does wearing a tight hat cause scalp irritation or hair issues? Hats can trap sweat and oil, which may irritate the scalp, while rough wool hats or beanies can create friction that can lead to frizz and breakage.
• Over-washing: Too-frequent washing removes sebum, the scalp's natural moisturizer.
• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water, combined with increased intake of dehydrating caffeinated beverages and celebratory libations, affects skin and scalp hydration. 

Flake Patrol

Scalp dryness and flaking swirling around, like the snow collecting at your feet, prompts a frequently asked question this time of year: “How can I combat dry, flaky, or itchy scalp (dandruff)? Despite winter conditions sapping moisture from your hair, not all flakes are treated the same. Mild flakes from dryness can be resolved with moisturizing haircare products and lifestyle adjustments, whereas excessive flakes are usually due to seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff—entirely different conditions.

Over-the-counter antifungals can help resolve minor dandruff. If the flakiness persists, resist the urge to douse your head in scalp oil, as this could worsen the condition. Instead, see a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and care plan.

If you notice large, yellowish, or greasy flakes and dryness persists or worsens, make an appointment with a dermatologist to rule out dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis, which require different treatment. 

Lifestyle Tips For Dryness

You don’t want to be decked out in your holiday finest, scratching away or burying your lifeless strands under hats. With a few small changes to your daily routine, you can keep your scalp (the foundation for healthy hair) and strands moisturized during the winter months.

• Product switch-up: So, what kind of products should I switch to for winter? While products with sulfates or alcohol are never recommended (due to them stripping away protective oils), it’s even more important to avoid products with these drying ingredients during the winter, as they further dehydrate hair. Choose a gentle, sulfate- and alcohol-free moisturizing shampoo and conditioner instead.
• Wash wiser: You can (and should) adjust how you wash during the winter.
  • Reduce washing frequency: Dial back how often you shampoo to help preserve vital moisture. That begs the question: How often should I wash my hair in the winter? The answer mostly depends on how oily your scalp is, and your hair type and texture. If you normally wash every day, stretch that to two days. Every other day “washers” should aim to extend washing to every two days. This doesn’t mean you try to go a full week sans shampoo, as infrequent washing leaves oil, dead skin cells, and product buildup on the scalp, which works against scalp and hair health.
  • Rinse well: Be sure to rinse your hair thoroughly after shampooing so no drying residue is left behind.
  • Change the temperature: You may have heard that cold water is better for hair and wondered, “Should I avoid washing my hair with hot water?” Unfortunately, hot water strips the scalp and hair of healthy, natural oils. But, the good news is that using lukewarm water for shampooing is fine.
• Condition better: Are weekly hair masks or deep conditioning treatments necessary? Unless you have severely damaged or color-treated hair, a quality moisturizing conditioner for dry hair is sufficient to combat dry air-induced dryness. While most aren't meant for the scalp, Charismo’s Sealing conditioner can be applied directly to the scalp and then worked into the strands for added defense against dry hair in winter. Rinse with cool water (if you can stand it) to smooth and seal the cuticle, improve shine, and de-frizz. To avoid the bone-chilling shock of exiting the shower afterward, turn on a space heater before jumping in to warm the air. (Just be sure to unplug when finished!)
• Massage: Massage in a scalp serum for dry scalp to encourage maximum product penetration. A formula with humectant castor oil and olive oil will be especially helpful for overcoming dry scalp in winter.
• Humidify: Will a humidifier in my home help my hair? Yes, a humidifier adds moisture to the dry indoor air, helping your hair and scalp retain hydration and reducing static.
• Protect your head: Shield your scalp and hair from the cold, blustery gales with looser-fitting hats or beanies featuring breathable silk linings that help prevent friction and frizz.
• Diet & internal hydration: Does drinking water affect my hair and scalp health? Yes, staying well-hydrated from within is crucial for a healthier scalp and hair.
• Adequate intake of water and healthy fats (such as avocados, nuts) is essential for keeping your scalp and hair hydrated.
• Modify Heat Styling: How should I adjust my use of heat styling tools (blow dryers, straighteners)? Air dry hair in winter and limit heat styling as much as possible to prevent dryness and damage. If you must use hot styling tools, use the lowest heat setting, keep them away from the scalp, and always apply a heat protectant.

Implementing these tips consistently can help keep your scalp comfortable and your hair lustrous well into next year.

Disclaimer: The treatment and product references in this article are for informational purposes only and are not intended for medical advice or diagnosis.