Need Help Treating Winter Scalp Woes?

Dana Wexler
Feb 5
3 min read

You’ve heard of dry skin in winter — but what about a dry scalp?

Tightness. Itching. Flakes. That strange feeling like your hair is clean but your scalp still feels uncomfortable?

Yep. That’s winter scalp imbalance — and it’s more common than you think.

❄️ Why Your Scalp Freaks Out in Winter

Here’s what’s happening:

Indoor heating dries the air (and your skin)
Hot showers feel amazing — but they strip your scalp’s natural oils and disrupt the skins natural barrier
Cold air + wind make everything worse
Product buildup from dry shampoos and stylers can suffocate your scalp over time
Less frequent wash days (especially for textured hair) can lead to irritation if your scalp isn’t properly cleansed or hydrated. We all love to avoid static but this can lead to trouble.

It’s a lot. And your scalp is skin — it needs love too.

🚩 Signs Your Scalp Might Be Crying Out for Help:

Itchiness (especially around the crown or hairline)
Flaking that isn’t true dandruff
Tightness or sensitivity
More shedding or breakage
Dull, lifeless curls or waves

🧴 DIY Winter Scalp & Hair Hydration Routine — Once a Month Reset

If you’re not ready to book a full in-salon scalp treatment, here’s what you can do at home to support your scalp + hair from root to end. It may be a moderate investment upfront but we still have 6 weeks of winter left to go!

1. Gently exfoliate your scalp (1x/month)Use a light scalp scrub or an exfoliating scalp brush before shampooing to remove buildup.

2. Use a moisturizing, non-stripping shampoo Look for sulfate-free, hydrating formulas — especially those with aloe, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid. I would prefer we use the De Luxe Repair or Atlantis by R+Co.

3. Deep condition + steam Apply your favorite deep conditioner (or better yet, the one I give you during your appointment 😉), and sit under gentle steam or wrap your hair in a warm towel for 15–20 minutes. For a more spa like feel add a little lavender to the hot towel!

4. Apply a scalp serum or light oil Focus on hydration, not just oil — something with ingredients like squalane, oat, or tea tree can calm and hydrate without clogging. I have a few recommendations for a routine like this on my favorite things page!

Favorite Things!!!! Click HERE

5. Sleep with a satin bonnet or pillowcaseThis helps reduce friction, retain moisture, and protect your hair overnight. Effing GAMECHANGER!!!

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/98a3f7_fb15e9e62892495b809e3730d15b3490/720p/mp4/file.mp4

💊 One Winter Supplement Worth Considering

Omega-3s.These healthy fats support skin hydration from the inside out — including your scalp. They can reduce inflammation, support healthy hair growth, and help manage dryness.

Look for:

Fish oil or plant-based omega blends
Vitamin D (especially if you're in Chicago winters 🌨️)
Bonus: Collagen peptides if you're working on overall skin + hair support

(Always check with your doctor before adding new supplements.)

✂️ At the Very Least? Book Your Winter Trim

Even with the best home care, hair needs shape and ends need love. A winter haircut removes brittle, split ends, refreshes your style, and helps your at-home treatments work more effectively.