Dry scalp

Dry scalp

Itching, dryness or a feeling of tightness – more than one man out of every four has a sensitive scalp. This is not only unpleasant, it can also lead to annoying dandruff. Find out what causes a dry scalp and how to prevent it here.

How do I recognise a dry scalp?

The balance of the moisture barrier of the scalp is very delicate. Disturbing this balance can lead to a dry scalp; the skin becomes tight, itchy and inflamed. Due to the loss of moisture, besides itching, redness or tight skin, dry dandruff can also develop. The dandruff flakes are small and white, and they fall off the head and out of the hair.

Causes of a dry scalp

A healthy scalp is surrounded by an intact lipid film. This regulates the moisture and protects the scalp. If this lipid film is impaired, the skin loses moisture and dries out. One possible cause is under-production of the sebaceous glands, which can disrupt the scalp's natural balance. A dry, sensitive scalp is no longer able to perform its protective function. This results in itchy, flaking skin.

Alpecin Skin barrier

What factors cause a dry scalp?

  • A genetic predisposition determines whether there is a tendency for dry skin.
  • The temperature has an effect on the moisture balance of the scalp (e.g. very cold or very hot air).
  • Age is also a possible factor; for example, older people tend towards drier skin than younger people.
  • Stress is also a possible cause of dry skin.

How to prevent a dry scalp

In order to avoid a dry scalp and dry dandruff, you need to eliminate the cause.

Choosing the right shampoo is also important:

The right shampoo: 

Particularly mild shampoos support the regeneration of the scalp and reduce the uncomfortable symptoms.

The wrong shampoo: 

Anti-dandruff shampoos that control oiliness are too aggressive for a dry scalp and dry it out even more. This often aggravates the condition. If you suffer from a dry scalp, you should also not wash your hair every day, because this disrupts the lipid film even more, ultimately contributing to a dry scalp.

Not all dandruff is the same

There are two types: dry dandruff and oily dandruff:

  • Oily dandruff appears as large, greasy, yellowish flakes that stick to the head and the hair. This type of dandruff must be treated with special anti-dandruff shampoos.
    » Read more about oily dandruff here.

  • Dry dandruff due to a dry scalp needs to be treated with a particularly mild shampoo that has a positive effect on the moisture balance..

Hybrid technology for a dry scalp

Alpecin Hybrid Sensitive Caffeine Shampoo

With its hybrid technology, the Hybrid Sensitive Caffeine Shampoo from Alpecin is both powerful and mild at the same time. Due to the mild formula, it is particularly suited to a dry, sensitive or itchy scalp. Hair growth is also stimulated by highly concentrated caffeine. That means moisture for the scalp and fuel for the hair roots, all in one.

  • Moisturising effect: The mild, gentle shampoo formula has a moisturising effect on a dry, sensitive scalp. It soothes the scalp. It prevents itching of the scalp.
  • Fuel effect: The fuel, caffeine, penetrates into the hair roots. This prevents hereditary hair loss.

More information

Other Alpecin products for a dry, sensitive scalp