How Your Dry Scalp Could Be Causing Hair Loss

Here’s what happens when science meets scalp care

Does dry scalp cause hair loss? Quite simply, yes it can. Think of your scalp as the foundation to healthy hair – without a healthy scalp, your hair does not have a fit base from which to grow.
We have all suffered with an irritated scalp at some point, and minor hair loss is perfectly normal (on average we lose 50 to 100 hairs per day) – but if you are noticing more than usual hair loss then something is probably wrong, and your dry scalp could be to blame.

What causes your scalp to be dry?
If you are struggling with a dry, inflamed and irritated scalp, it may be due to conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. In this case, it’s best to see your doctor to ask for appropriate treatments. However, there are many things you might be doing yourself that can cause a dry scalp...
• Over-washing
That’s right, being too clean can actually be detrimental to your scalp and hair. Washing your hair everyday can strip your hair of natural oils it needs to stay nourished and healthy.
• Cold weather
In the chillier months, the humidity drops, and the cold air dries out our skin – including the skin on your scalp.
• Hot water
Washing your hair with hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, so ensure you use warm water and don’t stay under the water for longer than 10 minutes at a time.
• The wrong hair products
Certain hair products can cause allergic reactions which result in a dry, itchy, flaking scalp. As soon as this happens, it’s crucial you switch to a different haircare system.

Dry scalp or dandruff?
Dandruff and dry scalp can both cause itchiness and flakiness, but they aren’t the same thing. The key difference is that excess oil causes dandruff and lack of moisture causes a dry scalp – so it’s important to treat them both differently.

How your dry scalp causes hair loss

You may not have been aware, but dry scalp and hair loss are closely linked. The main reason a dry scalp can cause hair loss is because a dry scalp can cause itchiness, and scratching your scalp can affect the structure and strength or your hair follicles. A dry scalp is an unhealthy scalp, and an unhealthy scalp can reduce further hair growth and cause existing hair to become weaker and break. Just think, would you expect flowers grow and thrive from dry, dehydrated soil?

How ageing affects your scalp
According to M. Julie Thornton. Ph.D, University of Bradford, scalp skin ages in a similar way to our facial skin because it's exposed to the same environment. Key stressors such as environmental aggressors, oil build-up, dryness, irritation, and redness can cause premature scalp ageing. The stressors can accumulate and oxidize resulting in oxidative stress on the scalp which can damage and impact the scalp barrier, leading to premature scalp ageing. When the scalp ages the skin gets thinner, flatter, drier and the sebaceous glands that produce oil become less effective. These changes in the scalp impact on the quality of hair produced – which is why hair becomes thin, frizzy and dull as we age.

How to combat a dry scalp

There are various lifestyle changes you can make that might be able to help, such as:
• Staying hydrated
Dry scalp is caused by lack of moisture, so upping your water intake can help nourish your skin and your scalp.
• Washing your hair less
Unless you suffer particularly with greasy hair, try to shampoo slightly less regularly in order to keep healthy oils in your hair that prevent your scalp from drying out.
• Increasing your home’s humidity
It can be beneficial to purchase a humidifier in order to ensure the air circulating round your home has enough moisture and isn’t dehydrating your skin.

However, it's more than likely that the solution is to revamp your haircare routine to cater to your scalp’s needs. This is where our New Scalp Solutions range comes in, comprised of six scalp-saving products to take you through washing to styling.

EXFOLIATE: scalp solutions exfoliating scalp treatment

Why we love it: This treatment instantly reduces scalp oil by -76% and provides a revitalising cooling sensation. Wintergreen-derived Salicylic Acid along with Glucosamine derived from fermentation exfoliates the scalp to remove surface pollution, product build-up, micro-dust and excess sebum without disrupting the scalp barrier. Use once a week for normal to dry scalp types and colour treated hair. If you suffer with an oily scalp, use as often as needed. Massage into wet or dry scalp prior to shampooing.

CLEANSE: scalp solutions balancing shampoo

Why we love it: This shampoo boosts scalp hydration by +92%, making it perfect for dry scalps. Thanks to plant-derived cleansing agents, it helps remove excess oil, impurities and pollution from your scalp and hair.
How we use it: Use with every wash, as often as you need.

CONDITION: scalp solutions replenishing conditioner

Why we love it: Enriched with a blend of Babassu and Moringa oils, this conditioner hydrates, replenishes and softens hair and scalp while providing a fresh, cooling sensation.
How we use it: Use with every wash, as often as you need.

PROTECT: scalp solutions refreshing protective mist

Why we love it: Offering all-day antioxidant protection, this protective mist is infused with Adaptogenic botanicals, Centella Asiatica and Andrographis to help control sebum and protect against pollution, oxidative stressors and environmental aggressors. It is designed to help your scalp feel less oily and your hair feel light and airy at the roots.
How we use it: Use daily. Apply directly to your scalp and massage in. Do not rinse.

OVERNIGHT: scalp solutions overnight scalp renewal serumscalp solutions refreshing protective mist

Why we love it: A Biotech natural blend of Lactobacillus Ferment and Ectoine helps to strengthen and fortify the scalps barrier to help support a balanced microbiome. Hyaluronic Acid to help improve scalp hydration for a more supple scalp.
How we use it: Ideal for all scalp types, use nightly or as needed. Apply directly to scalp (hair can be damp or dry) at bedtime and massage in. Do not rinse.

MASSAGE
scalp solutions stimulating scalp massager
Why we love it: This scalp massager gently, yet effectively, lifts impurities from the scalp while increasing micro-circulation.
How we use it: For all scalp types, use as often as desired.

The Aromas
Our scalp collection feature two unique aromas that work in harmony to provide the optimal sensorial experience for day and night use.
• The first scent is a clean, uplifting aroma with bright citrus notes of lemon and orange on a light floral heart of neroli, balanced by delicate hints of crisp, cool mint.
• The second is ideal for night-time; a light, soothing aroma that balances airy and fresh citrus and floral notes with a soft heart of flowering herbs - lavender, neroli and chamomile.

If trouble with your scalp persists, please seek medical advice.