Hair and winter: how to preserve your scalp’s health?

When temperatures drop and daylight becomes scarcer, the scalp is exposed to multiple winter stressors. The outdoor cold, combined with the dry air from indoor heating, disrupts the skin’s water balance. The scalp then becomes drier and may feel tight, itch, or exhibit small, visible flakes. It is common to observe an itchy scalp in winter or a dry scalp in winter. Furthermore, during this time of year, we tend to cover up more with hats, scarves, or hoods, which creates friction and can lead to irritation.

But winter is not limited to dryness: it also promotes the onset or worsening of dandruff. Several studies have reported that seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff follow a seasonal cycle, with more pronounced flare-ups during the colder months. The chart below, showing monthly Google search trends for the term "dandruff" in the United States from 2015 to 2019, clearly illustrates this pattern.

It is suggested that a lack of natural light and associated hormonal fluctuations could stimulate sebum production. This lipid‐rich environment then benefits certain scalp yeasts, such as Malassezia, which contribute to inflammation and accelerated cell turnover, processes typical of dandruff. Thus, dandruff in the hair can become particularly visible in winter for some individuals, even if they do not experience it during the rest of the year.

Key takeaway : Between increased dryness and intensified dandruff, the scalp is subjected to significant stress during winter and must be protected.

When cold weather sets in, the scalp tends to become more sensitive and new hair-related issues manifest. To preserve comfort and maintain an environment conducive to scalp health, there are fortunately several simple measures.

Choose an appropriate shampoo.

This recommendation actually holds true year-round. We suggest using a sulfate-free shampoo, compounds whose irritant potential and ecological footprint are significant—especially during winter when the scalp is more prone to irritation. Sulfates can disrupt the skin barrier by removing a portion of protective lipids, which weakens the hydrolipidic film and promotes dryness. Therefore, it is preferable to opt for gentler cleansing bases, such as glucosides or acylglutamates, which the scalp tolerates better. Additionally, shampoos enriched with soothing agents like colloidal oat, aloe vera, or calendula are particularly useful in winter to reduce tightness and restore comfort to a dry or itchy scalp in cold conditions.

If you are prone to dandruff or notice it appearing as winter approaches, it is nonetheless necessary to incorporate an anti-dandruff shampoo into your routine, specifically formulated to address this issue. Certain active ingredients, such as ciclopirox olamine or piroctone olamine, have indeed proven effective at targeting dandruff and reducing flakes. Ideally, you should alternate this type of shampoo with a gentle, hydrating shampoo: the former targets the root cause of dandruff, while the latter maintains scalp comfort and prevents irritation. Anti-dandruff serums, applied between shampoo sessions, can also serve as a valuable complementary solution.

Moisturize the scalp.

Like the skin of the face or body, the scalp is covered by a hydrolipidic film that protects it from dehydration and external aggressors. In winter, this film is compromised by reduced humidity and the dry air from heating systems, leading to increased insensible water loss. To offset this deficit, the weekly application of lightweight vegetable oils, such as that of jojoba or that of sweet almond, can help strengthen the skin barrier. In parallel, the hair serums containing glycerin or hyaluronic acid can deliver immediate and long-lasting hydration to the scalp, thanks to their ability to retain water in the stratum corneum.

Regularly exfoliate the scalp.

As previously explained, in winter the scalp is particularly exposed to dryness and the buildup of dead skin cells, worsened by indoor heating and dry air. Exfoliating the scalp once or twice a week helps remove these residues, to reduce dandruff formation and limit irritations associated with winter conditions. This habit, maintained throughout the year, also promotes better absorption of subsequently applied treatments. It can also help curb hair loss during winter, as a healthy scalp supports hair growth.

Limit heat sources.

To offset the biting cold outdoors, people sometimes tend to overuse heating devices, such as the hair dryer. However, repeated use of it, as well as of hair straighteners or curling irons, can weaken the skin barrier and exacerbate scalp dryness. To maintain its balance, we recommend setting the temperature to a warm setting (ideally below 50°C) and, with regard to the hair dryer, holding it at a sufficient distance from your scalp (about 6 inches away). The prior application of a heat-protective treatment containing film-forming polymers or hydrolyzed proteins can also help limit heat-related damage.

But heat doesn’t come solely from styling tools: indoor heating also plays an important role. Air that is too hot and dry increases the scalp’s insensible water loss and promotes irritation. Therefore, even though it can be tempting, it is recommended to avoid overheating your home in winter (ideally between 19 and 21°C) and to maintain sufficient relative humidity, for example with a humidifier or by placing a bowl of water near radiators. This simple adjustment helps keep the scalp comfortable and also reduces your electricity bill.

• EBLING F. & al. Seasonal changes in human hair growth. British Journal of Dermatology (1991).

• TAIEB C. & al. Sensitive scalp: Does this condition exist? An epidemiological study. Contact Dermatitis (2008).

• ABRAHAMS C. & al. Seasonal and daylight saving time fluctuations in Google searches for scalp seborrheic dermatitis. Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatology (2021).

• PATNAIK S. & al. An assessment of the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of a novel scalp treatment regimen combining a hydroxy acid-based scrub and copper tripeptide serum in the management of seborrheic dermatitis in adults. Cureus (2024).