How to Treat Dry Scalp with Black Hair

A dry scalp can be irritating for anyone. No one is immune to it, either. There are so many factors that can contribute to a dry, itchy, flaky scalp, making it more common than most people realize. But, the flaking is much more noticeable when you have black hair.

Unfortunately, black hair doesn’t always respond well to certain products. That’s especially true of hair products that are oil-based. In fact, some can do further damage to your scalp.

Thankfully, it’s possible to treat a very dry scalp when you have dark hair. You just have to take extra precautions. The first thing to keep in mind is that you may have a scalp condition. Dandruff and psoriasis are common conditions that affect all different hair types.

Your dry scalp might also have something to do with a particular style. If you have a weave or relaxed hair, it could be causing issues that cause your skin to become itchy and flaky underneath the hair. Identifying these problems can make it easier to find the right treatment.

How to Have a Healthy Scalp with Black Hair

This guide will provide tips on what you can do if you have a dry, itchy scalp. We’ll identify some of the common issues and how you can find some much-needed relief.

You can have a healthy scalp with black hair. It may take extra work to keep your scalp hydrated. But, it’s worth the effort to keep your hair looking great and your skin feeling comfortable without irritation.

Know what to look for if you’re not sure you have a dry scalp. It can be difficult to pick out some of the signs sometimes, especially if you have a dry scalp under a weave.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms?

There are certain symptoms to pay attention to if you have a dry scalp with dark hair. One of the most noticeable signs is a gray or ashy look on the skin itself.

Depending on what’s causing the dryness, you may also experience things like:

• Flaking and peeling skin
• Inflammation
• White/silver scales on the skin
• Thick scales
• Redness
• Itching

With some scalp conditions, you may start to experience things like temporary hair loss. This is often either due to itching the scalp frequently or because the hair follicles are clogged.

What Causes a Dry Scalp?

It’s been suggested that cause of a dry scalp hair may be hereditary. It’s important to understand that some people have drier skin than others.

But, there are so many possible reasons for a dry scalp. The best thing you can do is to identify specific symptoms of these possible conditions.

Some of the most common ones include the following:

• Dandruff
• Ringworm
• Eczema
• Psoriasis

There are also external conditions that can lead to an itchy scalp. This includes things like environmental issues (weather), or how you take care of your hair and scalp.

Other common causes include the following:

• Stress/Anxiety
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Hormone fluctuations
• Medications
• Natural kinks in black hair

If you often treat your hair or have a weave, these treatments can lead to scalp and hair problems, too. Some are more prominent than others and need specific attention.

Why Do I Have a Dry Itchy Scalp with Relaxed Hair?

Hair relaxers are common among women with dark skin. If you’re prone to having tight or curly hair, it’s understandable that you’d want to use a relaxer treatment to get it straighter. Unfortunately, these treatments can cause problems if they aren’t done correctly.

Relaxers use chemicals to ‘relax’ the hair from its curls. They break up kinks in the hair to let it fall naturally. Think of it as the opposite of a perm. The chemicals used are designed to be a semi-permanent solution to straightening your hair.

As you might expect, they aren’t gentle. In fact, they can be quite harsh. If they aren’t applied correctly, or for too long, it could cause serious damage to your scalp. That includes itching and irritation.

Thankfully, there are things you can do to protect your hair and scalp from relaxers:

• Start with a healthy scalp – If you already have a scalp condition, it’s best to avoid getting a relaxer treatment until everything is cleared up. You can do this by developing a hair care and scalp-care routine. This should include things like cleansing and moisturize regularly. Make sure there isn’t a product build-up, and be sure that things like sweat, dirt, and oils don’t cause dandruff or flaking.
• Protect your scalp – You can help to protect your scalp from relaxers using certain oils. Castor oil is commonly used to create a protective barrier between the chemicals and your scalp. Talk to your stylist about your options for creating this kind of ‘barrier’ safely.
• Stimulate your scalp – Never underestimate the power of a scalp massage. By getting a scalp massage before you have a relaxer treatment, you’ll stimulate circulation. This can make your scalp stand up better against the chemicals used in the treatment.

If you’re still concerned about how your scalp will react to a relaxer, you can go over your options with your stylist. Be sure to go to someone you can trust.

Many times, the reason a relaxer irritates the scalp so much is because it was done wrong. If you’re going to have this treatment done, it’s worth it to make an investment and have it done the right way.

How to Treat Dry Scalp with a Weave

As we mentioned above, a weave can cause a dry scalp.

There are two main reasons for this. First, weaves that are put in the wrong way can irritate. You shouldn’t use glue to put in your weave, especially if you take it in and out frequently. The glue can pull on your scalp, clog hair follicles and may lead to hair loss.

Sewn-in weaves are a better option. But, it’s important that they aren’t sewn into your braids too tightly. This can pull on the hair follicles and cause stress. That leads to itching, and if you scratch at your scalp, you could cause the weave to become loose.

Once you’ve made sure your weave was put in properly, it’s equally important to take good care of it. The best way to treat your scalp under your weave is to make sure it’s properly cleaned.

Wash and condition your hair under the weave every 7-10 days, or as needed. You can even use a specialized weave shampoo for better results.

When you do wash your hair underneath your weave, it’s important to make sure it’s completely dry afterward. If moisture gets trapped underneath, it could lead to mold and mildew, which can be extremely embarrassing!

It’s possible to have a healthy scalp with a weave, as long as you take care of the hair underneath and the weave itself. When you do, you can avoid itching and embarrassing flakes.

What is the Best Scalp Moisturizer for Black Hair?

Black hair is different in a lot of ways and sometimes needs special treatment. One of the best scalp moisturizers for black hair is “Ooh!” Dry Itchy Scalp Relief.

“Ooh!” is made of entirely natural ingredients. That’s important when it comes to the general health of your scalp. Natural ingredients tend to be less harsh and won’t pull moisture from your skin.

The ingredients include:

• Coconut oil
• Aloe vera
• Jojoba oil
• Vitamin E
• Peppermint

These ingredients are designed to soothe irritation and lock in moisture. Ingredients like peppermint can even help to rejuvenate your scalp and boost circulation to make it stronger. It’s not a shampoo. Rather, it’s an oil you can use up to twice a day by just massaging it into your scalp.

Finding a moisturizer with simple ingredients that are proven to be effective is usually the best option for a dry scalp and hair. They will nourish your skin and don’t have any harsh chemicals to strip away the natural oils from your hair and scalp.

What Products Should I Avoid?

Black hair can respond differently to certain hair products. So, certain things like oils and pomades can do more harm than good. Natural essential oils like the ones in “Ooh!” Dry Itchy Scalp relief, and even on their own can help to moisturize your scalp. But, it’s important to use them correctly. It can be tempting to use a lot of oil-based substances to help seal in moisture faster.

Actually, that can cause a product build-up on your scalp. It could even clog your hair follicles which can lead to itching and potential hair loss. You might also have more greasy flakes falling from your head. Using oils and oil-based products can be helpful, but only use a few drops at a time and thoroughly massage them into your scalp.

You should also avoid products that contain sulfates, preservatives or alcohol. Just because a product contains natural ingredients doesn’t mean it’s perfect.

All the ingredients should be natural for it to be sensitive enough for a dry scalp. Any chemicals or additives can strip moisture from your scalp and leave it feeling itchy and flaky.

What Are the Best Home Remedies for a Dry Scalp?

The good news about home remedies for a dry scalp is that they usually contain natural ingredients. Or, they are made up of things you probably already have in your own home! More people are turning to DIY solutions for the scalp because they aren’t as harsh as some over-the-counter treatments. But, it’s a good idea to know what works and what doesn’t. Some of the best home remedies for treating a dry scalp are:

• Tea tree oil: It works like a moisturizer to help with dryness and flaking. But, it also has antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic properties. If your dry scalp is caused by something like ringworm or another type of bacteria or fungus, tea tree oil can help to treat it.
• Apple cider vinegar: This helps to balance the pH levels of your scalp. It also has antifungal and antiseptic properties that can keep your scalp clean. Using a rinse with apple cider vinegar once a week can cleanse your scalp and help to prevent flaking.
• Coconut oil: You can use coconut oil for a dry scalp in many ways. One of the most effective is to use it as a type of hydrating mask. You simply melt a few tablespoons of oil and gently massage into your hair and on your scalp. Let sit for a few minutes or even overnight, then rinse away.

Can a Dry Scalp with Black Hair be Prevented?

There is no way to prevent a dry scalp completely. Some people are more prone to it than others. But, if you’re able to find out what’s causing your issue, it can be easier to prevent or manage the condition. Even if you aren’t sure what’s causing your dry scalp or if it’s hereditary, there are some things you can do to lower your risk and find more comfort.

Some of the best preventative measures include:

• Protect your scalp: If you think your dry scalp is from weather conditions, keep it protected. Too much sun or too much cold can both be harmful. If you have a weave, wrap it at night in a silk scarf to prevent pulling and to keep it healthy and soft.
• Change your diet: A healthy scalp starts from the inside out. We already stated that some scalp problems could be the result of nutritional deficiencies. If you think you aren’t getting the nutrients you need from your food, you can supplement with a multivitamin each day. You should also make sure to stay as hydrated as possible.
• Choose the right style: It’s common to tie black hair up in braids or up-dos. Unfortunately, that can cause pulling on the hair follicles. That leads to an itchy scalp and may even lead to hair loss. If you pull back your hair or style it in braids, keep them as loose as possible. You should also give your hair a chance to ‘hang loose’now and then to reduce stress on the follicles.
• Avoid hot showers: Heat is the enemy of healthy hair and a healthy scalp. If you can, don’t wash your hair every day. When you do take a shower, use lukewarm water instead of hot water. The heat can strip your scalp of moisture and cause it to itch while making your hair look dry and frizzy. The same goes for using heated styling tools. If you have to use these things, be sure to use a protectant spray beforehand.

What Are the Dangers of an Itchy Scalp?

A dry scalp can be irritating. If you have black hair and you have flakes, it can also be embarrassing. No matter how hard you try to hide it, there’s a good chance it will be noticeable. Aside from the embarrassment, though, a dry and itchy scalp can be dangerous.

When you scratch your scalp, you could accidentally cut it open. The cut itself can be painful and even cause more itching. But, it also puts you at risk for an infection. If bacteria, dirt or sweat gets into the open area, you may have to treat it with an antibiotic.

Scratching at your scalp can also lead to hair loss. Each time you scratch your head, you’re pulling at the hair follicles. This can cause them to become inflamed and make it easy for hair to fall out. If the hair follicles are damaged, it might be harder for new hair to grow regularly.

The risks of an itchy scalp go far beyond irritation and embarrassment. So, it’s important to follow the tips in this guide to avoid the need to scratch your head.

Most people know that taking care of black hair is a little different from other hair types.

When you’re keeping your hair healthy and looking great, you can’t ignore the health of your scalp. The suggestions listed throughout this guide should help you achieve a healthy scalp. The healthier your scalp is, the more it will show in your hair.

The more you scratch, the bigger your problems can become. Second, you should adopt a great hair care routine for yourself. Some products work better for certain people. Others may prefer natural solutions. Try different things in your routine to determine what works best for you.

You can have a healthy scalp and healthy black hair. Using the products and solutions suggested here, you can find relief from dryness, flakes, and itching.