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"It is commonly due to environmental factors, such as weather," she says. "However, it is more likely to occur when your scalp is not producing enough, or adequately replacing, sebum (oil) – which tends to happen as we get older.”

Anabel also shares that although dry scalps are common, it's not nearly as common as dry facial skin since the scalp is an area that tends to generally fall on the oilier side simply due to it containing more oil glands than other parts of our bodies.

Is dandruff related to having a dry scalp?

Although it's commonly believed that a dry scalp can lead to dandruff, experts share that this is actually not the case and that there is a difference between the two conditions. Dr Anastasia Therianou, consultant dermatologist at VICHY shares that dandruff is related to having flaking and redness, but this does not mean that the hair is necessarily dry. “People with either dry, normal or oily hair can still have dandruff,” she says.

So what exactly is the difference and why are the two so closely linked in our minds? According to Helen Reavey, founder of Act + Acre, the main difference is the feeling of the scalp. For example, when you have dryness, the scalp tends to feel tight, while with dandruff the scalp can feel itchy and sometimes even look oily. But because the two conditions are often lumped together, many anti-dandruff products targeted will actually treat dry scalps and vice versa.

Our microbiome and the overall condition of our skin barrier plays a role in not only affects you facial skin, but can also have an impact on the health of our scalp and hair. For this reason, it may be a good idea investing in a pH-balanced shampoo. According to Olaplex artist Tom Smith, "whilst a troublesome scalp can be caused by a variety of skin conditions and health factors, dryness and flakiness often stems from an imbalance of our skin barrier on our scalp." In other words, factors such as our diet and pollution can lead to changes in the scalp’s microbiome, resulting in dryness.

So what ingredients should I look for?

Samantha Cuisick, Olaplex ambassador and founder of Samantha Cuisick London and Sta Studios, advises looking for shampoos that contain moisturising and hydrating ingredients such as aloe vera and hyaluronic acid, as well as natural oils like coconut oil, jojoba oil or argan oil. You can also turn to hair products that contain ingredients used as more traditional remedies for clearing out impurities and treating dry scalps, including tea tree oil, peppermint oil and apple cider vinegar.

If you're prone to allergies or have a sensitive scalp, you'd generally want to go for a hypoallergenic shampoo or one that's dye- and fragrance-free. Samantha also recommends sulphate-free options as they can strip away the natural oils on the scalp, which can also lead to dryness and irritation.

When it comes to clinically proven formulas, Dr Anastasia highlights active ingredients like ketoconazole, selenium sulphide, piroctone olamine, salicylic acid, ciclopirox and zinc pyrithione to help ease a dry scalp. However, if your dry scalp is caused by a specific skin condition like eczema, dermatitis or scalp psoriasis, we strongly recommend speaking to a dermatologist for advice regarding a medicated shampoo.

Does dry scalp cause hair loss?

Experts agree that while a dry scalp is high unlikely to be the root cause of hair loss, long-term dry scalp issues can may amplify hair loss and hinder hair growth. According to Helen, “dryness can lead to itchiness and scratching, potentially damaging hair follicles and causing breakage or hair loss.” Plus, a scalp that lacks moisture can also affect the overall health of your hair, making it more prone to breakage, split ends and potentially thinning hair.

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