#MakeMillionsMoreConfident with Strong Girls United
#MakeMillionsMoreConfident with Strong Girls United
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Persistent flakes and excess oil production, leading to discomfort, flaking and irritation.
A parched scalp lacking moisture, often resulting in tightness, itchiness, and powdery flakes.
A clogged and congested scalp due to product residue, dead skin cells, and/or excess oil.
Fragile hair prone to snapping, often caused by weak strands and a compromised scalp environment.
Reduced hair density and volume, often due to weakened follicles and scalp health deterioration.
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We’ve seen some remarkably cold weather this month. If you didn’t happen to notice, well, there’s a good chance your scalp did. Here’s a quick primer on what happens to your scalp when we see swings in weather - be it cold or warm - and what you can do about it.
The Basics
You probably already know this, but your scalp is essentially an extension of your skin, meaning it faces the same environmental challenges your face and body do. When temperatures drop, so does the humidity in the air. Low humidity can strip moisture from your skin—and that includes your scalp—leading to what’s called transepidermal water loss (TEWL), a condition where water escapes from the outer layer of your skin, resulting in dryness and tightness.
If that weren’t enough, the cold itself can cause vasoconstriction - a big and scary word that just means the narrowing of blood vessels - reducing circulation and slowing down the delivery of essential nutrients like oxygen and amino acids to your hair follicles.
Additionally, the sudden transition from cold outdoor air to heated indoor environments creates a one-two punch. Indoor heating systems often lack humidity, further exacerbating TEWL and drying out your scalp. This combination can compromise the protective outer layer of your scalp, making it more susceptible to irritation and inflammation.
When the barrier is weakened, the scalp’s natural lipids (or sebum) can’t perform their role as effectively, which might lead to itching and flaking. For some people, these symptoms can exacerbate pre-existing scalp conditions like dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.
Interestingly, some people may experience an increase in oil production as their scalp attempts to compensate for moisture loss. While this might sound beneficial, this overproduction of oil can actually clog hair follicles and mix with dead skin cells, potentially leading to inflammation. This super annoying combination of dryness and oiliness is why your scalp may feel both flaky and greasy during cold-weather swings.
Low humidity can strip moisture from your skin—and that includes your scalp
So Here’s What To Do
To be clear, many of the changes in skin hydration and oil levels aren’t unique to the scalp. So what you’ll read below can be thought of in the same way you do your skin care routine. It’s just that scalp care is getting a ton of attention - for good reason - since we historically haven’t spent as much headspace (get it?) on the topic.
1. Moisturize Your Scalp
Just as you switch to a richer moisturizer for your face in winter, consider using a hydrating scalp treatment. Look for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, emollients like aloe vera, and occlusives like jackfruit to provide lightweight moisture without clogging your follicles. Naturally, I’d recommend our Renewing Scalp Moisturizer.
2. Switch to a Gentle Shampoo
Cold weather is the perfect time to switch to a sulfate-free shampoo, which is less likely to strip your scalp of its natural oils. If you’re dealing with thicker, oily-feeling yellowish flakes, consider an anti-dandruff shampoo containing the active ingredient like zinc pyrithione (which helps regulate oil production and reduces the proliferation of Malessezia, the yeast that often causes dandruff).
If your flakes are more sugar-like in size (and/or resemble dry skin elsewhere), consider a more hydration-focused shampoo. Again, the goal here is less to control oil production, but to support your scalp’s lack of hydration.
And if you have a little bit of both, like me, you’ll want both on your shower shelf. Note: this is super super common - think of it like you would your T-zone, where you get oilier on your forehead, nose and chin, but drier elsewhere.
3. Invest in a Humidifier
Adding a humidifier to your home can make a world of difference for your scalp (and skin overall). Aim for an indoor relative humidity level of around 40-60% to prevent excessive moisture loss.
4. Limit Hot Showers
As tempting as a hot shower may be on a cold day, excessively hot water can disrupt the oily, protective layer (aka the hydrolipidic film) of your scalp, stripping it of its natural oils and exacerbating TEWL. Stick to lukewarm water and try to rinse your hair quickly.
5. Avoid Tight Hats and Scarves
Opt for breathable fabrics and avoid overly tight headwear to minimize sweat and oil buildup. I use a hat made of anti-microbial material and works like a charm. Also, wash hats and scarves regularly to keep them clean and free of irritants.
6. Maintain a Balanced Diet
Your scalp’s health starts from within. Eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins like biotin and vitamin D can support healthy scalp and hair function.
7. Seek Professional Help if Needed
If your scalp issues persist despite the above recommendations, it may be time to consult a dermatologist. Chronic flaking, itchiness or inflammation could indicate an underlying condition like psoriasis that may require prescription treatments.
Let’s Bring It Home
We’re at that oh-so-special time of year where the temperature and weather conditions are changing as quickly as my musical preferences (my Spotify algorithm is confused). While cold-weather (or warm-weather) swings can wreak havoc on your scalp, understanding what’s happening beneath the surface can empower you to take better care of it. With a few simple changes to your haircare routine and some extra attention to hydration, you can keep your scalp healthy and comfortable all season long. After all, your scalp deserves the same care and attention as the rest of your skin—especially when the temperatures drop.
