Treating a Dry Flaky Scalp

All skin cells shed, and the skin cells of the scalp are no exception. But sometimes so many scalp skin cells are shed that they become noticeable as tiny white flakes in your hair and on your shoulders. If you have a dry, flaky scalp — especially if the flaking is confined to the top of the head, the hairline, or the back of the neck, and the flakes are tiny and white — the cause may be as simple as dry winter weather or the way you take care of your hair.
In some cases, scalp flaking can be due to another condition. Dandruff makes skin cells flake off, but they’re usually oily rather than dry. If heavy dandruff is accompanied by intense scalp itching, the problem may be a form of eczema called seborrheic eczema, which causes irritated skin to become red and inflamed. Scalp psoriasis also causes flaking, but the scalp is typically itchy and irritated and the flakes, or scales, are silvery.
Treating Scalp Flaking
If you have a dry, flaky scalp, it may be time to make some changes to your hair-care routine. Try the following tips:

• Shampoo the right way. Especially in winter, when the air is dry, use a shampoo and conditioner for dry scalps. It also helps to limit how often you shampoo. Too-frequent shampooing can strip the scalp of moisture from its natural oils. And use only a little shampoo each time. Using too much makes it harder to rinse it all out — and any shampoo left behind dries and flakes off.
• Turn down the heat. Too much heat on the scalp can irritate it and dry it out, making it even flakier. Taking long showers that are hot, hot, hot can add to the problem. The same goes for overusing blow-dryers and curling irons. Instead, shower with warm (not hot) water, and let your hair dry naturally.
• Massage your scalp. This increases blood flow to the scalp. It also helps clear any blocked pores, and that can release the scalp’s natural oil. A scalp massage also loosens dead skin cells, making them easier to wash away.
• Use an oil treatment. Try one from your local drugstore or hair salon, or try olive oil — some people swear by it. Rub the oil into your scalp, wrap your hair in a towel and leave it on for about a half hour. Then rinse the oil out with lukewarm water and shampoo.
• Wear a hat in summer. Getting a sunburn on your scalp adds to its dryness. Cover your head with a hat when you’re in the sun.

When to See a Dermatologist
If at-home treatments don’t do the job, visit a dermatologist to see if there’s a medical reason behind your flakes. He or she can prescribe medications for eczema or psoriasis, if it turns out that you have one of those conditions. Your doctor can also prescribe a dandruff shampoo or suggest an over-the-counter one.
When it comes to banishing a dry flaky scalp, the solution is a one-two punch of adding moisture and protecting your scalp and hair from heat and sun.
source:http://www.dailyglow.com/hair-problems/dry-flaky-scalp.html