5 Scalp Care Essentials to Help Soothe Flaky Skin
AndreyPopov / Getty Images and Courtesy of Briogeo
Our hair commands so much attention and so much need for maintenance, cleansing, and styling. But all too often the focus on our style can come at the expense of the scalp. I'm speaking from experience. I've battled scalp issues since I was a teenager shedding flakes on my high school uniform. I spent years trying a variety of scalp-focused products, treating everything from dandruff to dry scalp, without finding lasting results. Moving to Chicago made things worse, but eventually, I discovered there was a seasonal pattern to my flaking issues. I also discovered that many of my hair and scalp issues were a result of dryness and product buildup.
Chicago-based hairstylist Aeleise Ollarvia recommends simplifying your routine and focusing less on issues like length retention, and more on improving the health of your hair and scalp. She is also is co-creator of Black Curl Magic, an educational online hub and program for hair professionals, and co-author of Wash Your Damn Hair guide. "The biggest scalp issue I see is that we are forgetting the scalp. The skin of the scalp needs regular cleansing to maintain a healthy environment, so bacteria and fungi don't overgrow and impact the health of the skin both above and below the surface," Ollarvia says.
Ollarvia recommends seeing a professional before self-diagnosing and attempting to treat an issue you don't have. "Flaking due to dry air or dry skin can be common, but sometimes flaking isn't just dry skin. If the flaking is concerning, I advise clients to see a dermatologist first to understand the root cause. If the sebaceous glands aren't producing enough sebum, the waxlike substance our body secretes, then a dermatologist will likely be helpful in finding a remedy. Same with finding out if those flakes are from psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, or other causes."
To tackle seasonal scalp flaking, Ollarvia recommends drinking more water to increase internal hydration and increase humidity in your living spaces. Adding a humidifier to my bedroom and living room helps me combat the effects of forced dry air and overall skin dryness. Ollarvia also recommends skipping heavy oils and greasy ointments for your scalp. Raw butter and ingredients like coconut oil can lead to buildup, which can lead to flakes and itching. "If an oil is the only accessible remedy to actual dry scalp skin, applying a few drops of argan or jojoba oil to just the dry areas of the scalp after cleansing and conditioning may see some temporary relief," she says.
In terms of product recommendations, Ollarvia recommends perusing the shampoo aisle first. "Our mantra is cleanse, condition, and style using high-quality shampoo and conditioner then follow up with one or two stylers that are formulated to execute the finished look you desire. Right now I'm rotating AG Balance from their Naturals line and Innersense Organic Beauty Color Awakening as my primary in-shower shampoos. For spa-like scalp care, Innersense Organic Beauty has the True Enlightenment Scalp Scrub that smells divine," Ollarvia says.
Today, I make regular use of clarifying shampoo and I have cut significantly back on heavy shea butter and coconut oil-based styling products. I'm happy to say that my flake issues have largely subsided. These are some of my go-to's to address product buildup, itchy scalp, and seasonal dry scalp issues.
Aunt Jackie's Curls and Coils Power Wash Intense Moisture Clarifying Shampoo
An affordable choice, this formulation includes jojoba oil and apple cider vinegar to cleanse and soothe. Not to worry—there is no apple cider vinegar smell, just a pleasant, clean scent and gentle cleansing for removing buildup from hair and scalp.
Briogeo Scalp Soothing Solutions Set
If you're looking for a fully exfoliating experience, consider Briogeo's Scalp Revival product line. This 5-piece set includes a charcoal exfoliating shampoo and stimulating therapy massager to manually exfoliate without scratching. The shampoo has just the right amount of grit to make my scalp feel perfectly clean.
Drunk Elephant Happi Scalp Scrub
Known for delightfully packaged and highly effective face products, Drunk Elephant also has a scalp care line that brings skincare above the hairline. This 10% AHA/BHA blend is intended to break up build-up and dissolve dead skin cells that would be trapped in your hair.
Head and Shoulders
Head and Shoulders is a cult classic for addressing scalp concerns. Their latest line taps into the popular DIY apple cider vinegar trend for scalp care, adding the ingredient to a rinse, shampoo, and 2-in-1 conditioner to stave away itch and excess oil.
Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Haircare
Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Haircare is a complete scalp-focused product line, brought to the market by the brand also known for the highly effective T-Sal scalp care line. With varieties including micellar water, tea tree oil, and pink grapefruit, there's a shampoo and conditioner combo for every kind of scalp need.
