Dandruff and winter hair

The short answer: winter dries out the scalp, and a dry scalp often flakes into dandruff. What helps is lukewarm, not hot water, a hydrated scalp and a gentle shampoo. If the dandruff is persistent and comes with heavy itching, that is one for the dermatologist, not the salon.

Why winter makes it worse

The cold outside and the dry heating inside strip moisture from the skin. When the scalp dries out, it flakes, and the flaking looks like white dandruff. The hot water we wash with when it is cold makes it worse, because it removes the natural protective oils.

What helps

• Wash with lukewarm, not hot water; hot water dries it out even more.
• Do not sleep with wet hair in winter; wet hair in the cold breaks more easily.
• Use a gentle shampoo and a hydrating mask once a week for the hair.
• Protect the hair from the cold wind with a hat, but let it breathe indoors.
• For a dry scalp, a light oil before washing calms it.

Dry dandruff versus oily dandruff

There are two kinds: dry dandruff (small white flakes from dry skin) and oily dandruff (larger greasy flakes with itching). The first eases with hydration; the second often needs a specialized shampoo and, if it continues, medical advice. Besire looks at the state of your scalp and tells you which route is worth trying.

When to see a doctor

The salon helps with care and hydration, but heavy dandruff with redness, strong itching or sores is not a salon job, it is one for the dermatologist. We tell you openly when something falls outside our field. For dry winter hair, a cut that takes off the split ends and a hydration routine start the recovery. To book, write to us.