If you’re someone who deals with a dry, red, or sensitive scalp, you’re not alone. Up to 15% of the population experiences some combination of these symptoms which indicate that the surface layer of the scalp’s skin cells (aka the skin barrier) has become compromised, allowing moisture to escape.

When the scalp’s barrier layer is damaged, the scalp may also overcompensate for its lack of moisture by overproducing sebum, resulting in extra oily hair even while the scalp remains feeling dry and sensitive.

For those with dandruff, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, the issue is even more complex because dandruff isn’t just a sign of dryness. Dandruff is related to similar skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, or it can sometimes be caused by a fungal infection. 

Since dandruff isn’t “just” dry scalp, it does require medicated care that isn’t always available over-the-counter. If you suspect that dandruff is your problem, speak with your doctor or dermatologist before attempting to solve the problem.

However, the great news is that there are many things you can do to restore health and balance to your scalp if your issue is basic dryness, sensitivity, or redness. Targeting the underlying causes of your scalp’s issues will leave you with a more comfortable scalp and a fuller, more beautiful head of hair.

Wait longer between washings

If your scalp is driving you crazy or excess sebum production is making your hair look oily, you may be tempted to wash your hair more regularly to combat the uncomfortable feelings. But, excessive washing may actually be contributing to your problems!

Other bathing habits that may make dry scalp worse are using hot water (especially during winter when dry scalp is at its peak), using harsh shampoos and soap ingredients, or scrubbing too hard in an attempt to make flaking disappear.

The first step you can take toward restoring balance to the scalp is to wait longer between washings, and then washing with mild cleansers in tepid water. 

Instead of harsh scrubbing, allow your shampoo to sit on the scalp for a few minutes before cleantly scrubbing and rinsing away. This allows the shampoo to break down dead skin cell bonds and excess oil without irritating your already sensitive scalp.

Be choosy about your products 

As mentioned above, using gentle hair care products is essential to helping your dry scalp heal. In addition to choosing products with helpful ingredients, it’s also important to stay away from irritants which will make your dry scalp condition worse.

Zeroid Rootheal is a two-product range designed for whole scalp and hair health that’s free from known scalp irritants including fragrances, colorants, ethanol, parabens, phenoxyethanol, mineral oil, propylene glycol, diathanolamine, BHT, and benzyl alcohol. This means irritation-free use that won’t contribute to the scalp’s compromised moisture barrier.

Zeroid Rootheal features two advanced formulations to keep your hair and scalp clean, conditioned, beautiful, and irritation-free. You’ll find that it’s not a regular shampoo and conditioner set, but rather a shampoo and scalp moisturizer—a dynamic duo for whole head health.

One thing that sets Rootheal apart is that it’s specifically formulated to support the skin’s barrier layer. Zeroid Rootheal’s star ingredients include:

• MLE®, which is a proprietary ingredient that has a similar structure to the skin’s natural healthy barrier. MLE helps protect and strengthen the skin barrier in order to restore healthy function and diminish symptoms of dryness.
• Defensamide® helps stimulate the production of anti-microbial peptides which act like the body’s natural antibiotic. In this way, it helps improve and reinforce the functions of the skin barrier and the self-defense system.
• Restomide and Zinc Gluconate both act as anti-redness agents.
• ADfence-P calms sensitive skin and helps slow down excess sebum production to reduce oily hair.

Skip the home remedies

It may be tempting to let Dr. Google tell you what to do, but home remedies don’t often fix a dry, sensitive scalp. In fact, some of the more popular home remedies for dry scalp will actually just cause more imbalance and irritation.

Instead of playing mad scientist, stick to the tried-and-true methods of proven hair and scalp care, and reasonable changes to your bathing practices as mentioned above. These two simple steps will gently yet effectively bring about the changes you desire without risk of causing more issues.

Talk to your dermatologist

In general, it’s best to discuss any and all changes to your skin care routine with your doctor or dermatologist, especially when you’re dealing with issues like dry scalp, sensitive scalp, or oily hair that just won’t stabilize. 

While we are passionate about skin and scalp care, nothing takes the place of the health plan that you and your doctors create based on your unique needs and goals. Remember to stick to the professional opinion whenever possible.