Archive · 9 Nov 2025
Dermatologist Offers Tips for Healthy Winter Scalp Care
Winter can make your scalp dry and flaky, just like your skin.
When it gets cold and dry outside, your scalp tries to make more oil, but this can cause problems.
Sometimes, a tiny fungus that lives on everyone's head can grow too much and make dandruff worse.
To help, a doctor suggests using special shampoos with ingredients like zinc pyrithione.
You can also gently oil your scalp with light oils like coconut oil before washing.
It's important to use lukewarm water instead of hot water when washing your hair, as hot water makes dryness worse.
Using a humidifier inside your home can also help keep moisture in the air.
Eating healthy foods with good fats and vitamins, and drinking lots of water also helps your scalp from the inside.
If your scalp is very itchy or has thick, yellow flakes, it's best to see a doctor because it might be something more than just dandruff.
Winter's drop in temperature and humidity disrupts scalp's natural oil balance, leading to dryness and flakes.
Hot showers and heated environments exacerbate scalp dryness by stripping natural oils.
Anti-dandruff shampoos with ingredients like zinc pyrithione can help manage fungal growth and restore balance.
Moisturizing the scalp with serums containing niacinamide and aloe vera, and using light oils like coconut oil, are recommended.
Internal factors like diet rich in antioxidants and omega fatty acids, and staying hydrated, are crucial for scalp health.
- Who
- Dr. Pravin Banodkar, a dermatologist.
- What
- Provides a guide on how to care for a flaky and dandruff-prone scalp during winter.
- When
- During the winter season.
- Where
- The scalp.
- Why
- Winter's cold air and low humidity disrupt the scalp's natural oil balance, leading to dryness, irritation, and dandruff.
- Primary Cause of Winter Scalp Issues
- Disruption of natural oil balance due to dropping temperatures and low humidity.
- Aggravating Factors
- Frequent hot showers, heated indoor environments, and dehydration.
- Recommended Shampoo Ingredients
- Zinc pyrithione.
- Recommended Oils
- Light oils like coconut oil.
- Recommended Moisturizing Ingredients
- Niacinamide and aloe vera.
- When to See a Dermatologist
- Thick yellow scales, severe itching, or bleeding.