What to do for dry scalp?

[torinsmom]

DS15 has a dry, flaky scalp. He is black/white biracial with very curly hair, but with a more caucasian texture. The dry scalp just started in the last 6 months or so. It is not dandruff, or so the hair stylist says. I have been buying him different types of shampoos and hair products lately to try and help. Right now he is using an olive oil based shampoo and conditioner and using an oil from Carol's Daughter after he shampoos.

Anyone have any products that work? He is really embarrassed by this.

Marsha

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

I would take him to a dermatologist. He may have eczema or psoriasis. I had a very dry flaky scalp for years and when I went in for a mole check I had mine look at one on my scalp. She said I had psoriasis and gave me a prescription for some oil to wear overnight for a week. It worked, although I have really long hair so it was a pain. It did come back because I wasn't maintaining it.

It's also possible all the shampooing and self treatment is aggravating it.

Good luck.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

How often does he shampoo or condition his hair, he could be doing it far too often? What types of products is he using for styling?

 

[torinsmom]

I keep telling him not to wash it so often. He is washing 2-3 times a week, and African American friends have told me that is too often and he is washing away the natural oils.

 

[torinsmom]

He doesn't use any styling products, and does not even use the hair dryer. He keeps his hair really short--gets it cut with the clippers--1" on the sides, 2" on top and it may get to 3" on the sides and 4" on top. He does good to brush it in the morning, LOL

 

[ADisneyQueen]

Neutragena makes a shampoo for dry itchy scalps and it is very mild.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

He very well could be causing all of the issues with how often he is washing his hair. I personally use this:

I tend to wash my hair too much too because I hate how my hair feels after I work out, but I'm a white male, a person that is african american or part there of is going to be even more sensitive (I've heard this from friends and stylists).

 

[Liberty Belle]

Try Nizoral.

 

[hniki234]

How miserable! I had a dry, flaky scalp when I was younger, too. I now wash my hair with Neutrogena T-Gel about once a month, and I have no more problems. Granted, I had to use the T-Gel shampoo for a while to clear up the scalp issues, but I haven't had problems since!

 

[Crystal0608]

I have oily hair & a dry flaky scalp, odd combo I know. My cousin, a cosmotologist, does my hair and does a rinse with sea breeze & baking soda. It really helps my scalp. You rub the baking soda all in your scalp then head tilted back squirt sea breeze all over and let it sit a few mins, then rinse (keep eyes closed!).

 

[Tinijocaro]

google "vinegar dry scalp"

 

[Imzadi]

Is he massaging the conditioner right into the scalp, not just on the hair? That made the biggest difference for me. It's like putting a moisturizer right on the scalp.

 

[pixie_dust88]

He could try a homemade hot oil treatment. If that doesn't work, try switching shampoo & conditioner.

 

[WhatATreat]

I have very dry naturally curly hair and have had a problem with flakiness in the past. I have been using Organix tea tree oil shampoo and conditioner for about a year now and have much less flaking. I also wash only every other day. If none of the suggested remedies work I would have it checked by a dermatologist as there may be a problem that requires different treatment, especially since the issue is new.

 

[JessicaR]

Neutrogena T-Gel is what worked when my son had the same problem.

 

[NAB]

How miserable! I had a dry, flaky scalp when I was younger, too. I now wash my hair with Neutrogena T-Gel about once a month, and I have no more problems. Granted, I had to use the T-Gel shampoo for a while to clear up the scalp issues, but I haven't had problems since!

This is what my son used. He used to use the axe shampoo but since he used this shampoo no more problems. He can use it everyday too. Mind you the stuff smells to me. He doesn't mind because it is working. He is only 12 , so that is probably only 2 to 3 times a week.