Fall Scalp SOS: Why Your Scalp Feels Drier When It Gets Cold
Hey friend! Do you notice your scalp starting to feel tight, itchy, or flaky right around the time you pull out your sweaters? You're not imagining it. As a licensed cosmetologist, this is one of the most common things I hear about once the weather turns.
The good news? A few small, steady habits can make a real difference. Let's talk about what's going on and what you can do at home.
What Cold Weather Does to Your Scalp
Cold air holds less moisture than warm air. When the temperature drops, the air around you gets drier, and so does your skin, including the skin on your scalp. Then we head indoors, turn up the heat, and that warm, dry air pulls even more moisture away.
Add in hot showers, hats and scarves rubbing against your hair, and a little more heat styling for the holidays, and your scalp and strands are working overtime. The result can be tightness, flakes, extra frizz, and ends that snap more easily.
5 Simple Habits for a Happier Fall Scalp
1. Turn the water temperature down a notch
I know a hot shower feels amazing on a chilly morning, but very hot water can strip natural oils from your scalp. Wash and rinse with lukewarm water, and finish with a cooler rinse if you can handle it.
2. Be gentle with your wash routine
Cold weather is a good time to look at how often you wash and what you wash with. A gentle, moisturizing shampoo and a good conditioner go a long way. Massage your scalp with your fingertips, not your nails, so you're not scratching up already-dry skin.
3. Put moisture back in, and seal it
After washing, follow up with a leave-in conditioner on your strands. If your scalp feels dry, a light oil applied sparingly to the scalp can help it feel more comfortable. Focus on your ends too, since they're the oldest and most fragile part of your hair.
4. Protect your hair under hats and scarves
Wool and cotton can rough up your hair and soak up moisture. Try a satin or silk scarf or a satin-lined cap under your winter hat, and sleep on a satin pillowcase or bonnet at night. Protective styles can also help keep your ends tucked away from the cold.
5. Give the heat tools a rest
Between dry air and indoor heating, your hair is already losing moisture. Try to cut back on blow-drying, flat-ironing, and curling where you can. When you do use heat, use a heat protectant and the lowest setting that gets the job done.
A quick note: If your scalp is very itchy, irritated, sore, or flaking a lot and isn't getting better, please check in with a dermatologist or your doctor. These tips are for everyday comfort, not a replacement for medical care.
Want the Full Cozy Season Routine?
I put together a free Cozy Season Hair & Scalp Care Guide to walk you through the colder months step by step. Inside you'll find a simple weekly wash, moisture, and protect routine, protective style ideas for hat-and-scarf season, tips for cutting back on heat, and a short devotional or affirmation for each week.
Download your free Cozy Season Guide
Caring for the Whole You
Taking care of your scalp might seem like a small thing, but I believe caring for yourself is a way of honoring the life God gave you. This season, I hope you'll slow down, be gentle with yourself, and make a little room for rest.
Grab your free guide, pour something warm in your favorite mug, and start with just one habit this week. And if you're shopping for the women you love this season, take a peek at my faith-filled gifts.
With love,
Niecey