Winter rescue from hair care blues

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(NC)—The scalp is an extension of your skin, so scalp care is just as important as skin care, especially in winter months.

In the winter, the combination of colder weather outdoors and central heating indoors can have a drying effect on scalp and skin, primarily due to the lower humidity and dryer air.

As with the skin on the rest of our bodies, scalp skin can also become dry, and flakes become more noticeable – especially in the winter when fashion dictates darker clothes. Interestingly, it has been reported that 50 per cent of Canadians may suffer from dandruff or its symptoms.

Dandruff is the result of the body's natural reaction to a fungus that lives on the scalp called malasezzia globosa. This condition can cause symptoms such as itching, irritation, redness and flakes. Dandruff sufferers may also experience dryness.

“Dandruff is actually a year round condition that may worsen or become more noticeable during the winter,” says Jerry Teuschler, a principal scientist for Head & Shoulders. “Many wintertime scalp problems can be addressed by using an anti-dandruff hair care shampoo and conditioner.”

Indeed, a specialized brand such as Head & Shoulders, with its pyrithione zinc (ZPT) and hydra-zinc formula, is an effective tool to control the symptoms of dandruff, helping to ultimately promote a healthy looking scalp and beautiful hair.

Here, courtesy of this brand are some useful winter care tips:

• Avoid taking long showers in hot water – too much hot water can strip the essential natural oils from your skin.

• You moisturize your skin in the winter, so make sure you also moisturize your scalp. Always use a conditioner after you shampoo.  

• When you use an anti-dandruff shampoo, always use an anti-dandruff conditioner with it. By using a ZPT containing conditioner, you will actually boost the amount of ZPT that stays on the scalp.

• Limit your exposure to heating styling implements – especially blow dryers. They can dry out your scalp from their excessive heat.

• Keep your body hydrated.  Staying hydrated has lots health benefits, and provides needed water to all our organs and systems. 

• Use a humidifier in your home.  This can help your skin and scalp from feeling so dry.

• Protect your scalp as you would your skin against the harsh elements outside.

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