can hard water cause dry scalp?

Answer 1

Yes, a dry or flaky scalp can be caused by a variety of things including hard water. Changes in weather (as in the humidity level) can affect scalp moisture and cause flaking. Winter produces a dry climate in houses and offices, and the cold air outside can chap the skin, even on the scalp. Overwashing after swimming excursions in the summer can also cause a change in the scalp. Some medications, such as Accutane, can cause surface dryness too. Shampoos with strong detergent bases (watch out for detergent cleansing agents sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate) can dry out the scalp, as can some plant extracts such as peppermint or menthol. Alcohols in hair spray may be problematic too, particularly if you live in a dry climate with low humidity.

The cause determines the course of action. If the products you're using are causing problems, stop! If you have to wash your hair frequently, don't lather more than once and try to massage the scalp as little as possible. If the environment in your house is a problem, run a humidifier in your bedroom, which can help the skin all over your body as well.

If you still are struggling with a dry scalp and dandruff isn't the culprit (dandruff would not be affected by any of the things I've suggested above), you can massage a small amount of almost any moisturizer such as Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion or Cream, Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion, Curel Ultra Healing, or Paula's Choice Completely Emollient Moisturizer With Antioxidants carefully into your scalp at night when you plan to wash your hair the next morning. You may also use a non-volatile oil, especially if your scalp is very dry. Unscented jojoba oil is brilliant for this, as is olive, sesame, sunflower, or safflower oils. Use enough oil to saturate the scalp without leaving the entire hair shaft greasy.

If your scalp is constantly itchy and dandruff shampoos aren't helping, an over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream such as Lanacort or Cortaid can be massaged into the scalp on nights when you plan to wash your hair the next morning. An itchy scalp may also be the result of a sensitivity to fragrance or other irritants used in hair-care products. Very few truly fragrance-free shampoos and conditioners are available; my line has two options and you can also consider the Free & Clear line from Pharmaceutical Specialties, California Baby's Super Sensitive Shampoo, or DHS Extra Body Conditioning Rinse (at your pharmacy).

By the way, the notion that drugstore dandruff shampoos are too harsh on the hair and salon brands are gentler is blatantly false. The active ingredients in salon brands are identical to those in Head & Shoulders, to mention just one line.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Hard Water Itchy Scalp

Answer 4

Caffeine is actually good for hair growth but you could have an intolerance which could cause a dry scalp. If you like coffee and don't want to stop drinking it mix a few drops of tea tree oil with your shampoo, that will keep your scalp healthy and immediately get rid of dry, flakey skin.

Answer 5

sure can, causes dry skin ya know? use conditioner.