Dry, itchy scalp: how to restore balance to your scalp and hair (even if it is coloured and you frequently use straighteners)

If your scalp is dry, itchy and prone to flaking, the goal is not to ‘degrease’ it or constantly change products, but to restore balance and comfort with targeted cleansing and a scalp-specific treatment.

If your scalp is dry, itchy and prone to flaking, the goal is not to ‘degrease’ it or constantly change products, but to restore balance and comfort with targeted cleansing and a scalp-specific treatment. What we recommend with the ESTĒREL Method: 1) cleanse with a gentle, short-acting purifying shampoo, massaging the scalp thoroughly; 2) apply a scalp mask strand by strand for 10 minutes, especially when itching is evident; 3) protect the lengths (dyed hair + straighteners) with a sealing/brightening product to reduce frizz and heat stress.

When your skin feels tight and itchy: what is really happening

During this time of year, your skin may feel uncomfortable and become more reactive. Among the most common causes are:

• Fragile skin barrier: your skin retains less water and reacts more easily.
• Washing and excessively hot water: these can increase the feeling of dryness.
• Styling products and residues (hairsprays, heat protectors, finishing products): if they build up, the scalp becomes ‘tired’.
• Coloured hair + straightening irons after every wash: the lengths become frizzier and drier, and the overall feeling of “disorder” increases.

The correct strategy here is to work on two levels: scalp (balance and hydration) + fibre (protection and shine).

Dandruff or flaking due to dryness: how to deal with it

The symptoms may be similar, but the best approach is always one that respects the skin.

• If dryness prevails: itching, tight skin, light micro-flakes. → Gentle cleansing and an osmotic-moisturising treatment on the skin are required.
• If dandruff prevails (or a more structured alteration of turnover): recurring flakes, feeling of “unstable” skin. → a purifying and balancing action is needed, without aggression.

The most effective protocol is one that gently purifies and then moisturises/soothes the skin with a targeted treatment: this is exactly the logic behind the PURIFIANT PELLICULES line.

The recommended ESTĒREL Ritual (rebalancing scalp + tidier hair)

1) Rebalancing cleansing

PHYTO ACTION PURIFYING SHAMPOO +

Purifying and balancing treatment ideal for controlling and rebalancing dandruff, flaking, dryness and itching. Deep but gentle cleansing: helps leave hair lighter, silkier and shinier.

How to use

• Apply 15–20 ml of shampoo evenly to wet hair.
• Massage thoroughly into the scalp and hair.
• Leave on for a few minutes.
• Rinse thoroughly.

Recommended frequency

• During the rebalancing phase: regular (depending on washing needs), keeping the application time short and rinsing thoroughly.

2) Skin-specific treatment (for itching and flaking)

AP HYDRA PURE MASK

Recommended for all conditions of flaking and dehydration, or when the skin is particularly itchy. It has an effective osmotic-moisturising, purifying and refreshing action.

How to use

• Apply the mask to the scalp section by section (using a brush if necessary).
• Leave on for 10 minutes.
• Rinse.

Recommended frequency

• Once a week for a month, then as needed.

3) Focus on lengths (coloured, slightly frizzy hair, frequent straightening)

When straightening is a habit, it is essential to ‘seal’ and protect the fibre to prevent the lengths from losing shine and becoming rougher.

SEALING AND ILLUMINATING SPRAY LOTION (Seal & Shine Post-Colour Spray)

Ideal for coloured and sensitised hair: helps improve the appearance of the fibre, reducing frizz and dullness, with a neater and more luminous finish.

Two tips to protect the results (without changing your habits)

• Lukewarm water: sensitive skin will thank you (and itching will often subside).
• A gentler straightener: one slow pass at a moderate temperature is better than many quick passes. If possible, avoid using it every time you wash your hair for a few weeks: the fibre will recover more quickly.

When to seek advice

If significant redness or lesions appear, or if itching persists for weeks despite following the correct routine, it is advisable to consult a professional for a more accurate assessment.

(These tips are cosmetic and informative and are not a substitute for medical advice.)

FAQ

1) How can I tell if it's dandruff or just dryness?

When dryness prevails, the skin feels ‘tight’ and the flakes are often fine and light. When it's dandruff, the recurrence is more pronounced. In both cases, a routine that gently purifies and then moisturises/soothes the skin is an excellent basis for rebalancing.

2) Can I use the purifying shampoo often?

Yes, if your scalp requires it, keeping the application time short, massaging thoroughly and rinsing completely. Consistency is more important than randomly alternating products.

3) Should the mask be applied to the lengths or just the scalp?

In this protocol, it is scalp-specific: it is applied to the scalp row by row and then rinsed off. The lengths are treated with a dedicated product (especially if coloured and straightened).

4) I use a straightener every time I wash my hair: does this make the itching worse?

It can make your hair feel drier and make the lengths frizzier. If you don't want to give it up, reduce the temperature and number of passes, and use a sealing/brightening product to support the fibre.

5) How long should it take to see an improvement?

Every scalp is different, but with a regular and consistent routine, many people feel more comfortable within the first few weeks. We recommend following the protocol for at least one full cycle (4 weeks) before changing direction.

If you would like help understanding which routine is best suited to your scalp (dryness, itching, flaking or dandruff) and your hair (dyed, frizzy, frequent use of straighteners), the ESTĒREL Team is at your disposal.