At this time of year the scalp can become flaky and dry. The effects of the cold weather, and of central heating in our homes, disrupt the moisture balance of the scalp, which can become sensitive, dehydrated and, worst of all, itchy, which in turn can cause unsightly and embarrassing flakes.

At the first sign of a small patch of dry skin on the shoulder, it’s natural to assume that this is dandruff, but that is not necessarily the case — it may simply be a dry scalp. Dandruff, which is the shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp at an excessive rate, causes large, yellowish flakes to fall — the result of a sebum imbalance. What you may be experiencing instead is an effect of environmental conditions that cause the skin on the scalp to dry out and, as a result, smaller white flakes to fall.

Rushing out to the nearest chemist to buy an anti-dandruff shampoo may not be the answer — this could actually make the condition worse, as it may strip the skin of more moisture. If, however, you do believe it is dandruff and the problem persists, try using a shampoo such as Bain Gommage Cheveaux Secs from the Kérastase range (£11, 0800 3164400), a very effective anti-dandruff product. If in doubt, seek advice from your hairdresser. However, changing other factors first may help to restore moisture to your scalp and stop the flow of flakes.

Your diet can help. Increase your intake of essential fatty acids. Eat more oily fish or avocados, for instance, as both have a naturally high oil content. Alternatively, take a supplement such as evening primrose oil (£2.29, Holland and Barrett, 0870 6066605) or my particular favourite — Quest evening primrose oil, borage and fish oil (£5.29, 0121 3590056).

Avoid using strong, perfumed shampoo and conditioner as they may dry out your scalp at this time of year. Synthetic colours and fragrances, aggressive sulphate detergents in shampoos and product build-up left by conditioners high in silicone cause many problems with the hair and scalp. Avoid these and try a gentler product such as Ren’s new everyday shampoo. The Moringa Seed Micro Protein Universal Shampoo for all hair types (£16.50, 0845 2255600) is formulated with detergents derived from corn and coconut that gently cleanse the hair without the aggression that is often associated with sulphate-based shampoos.

Kérastase has also produced a range called Dermo-Calm, which is specifically designed to treat sensitised scalps. The Bain Vital (£9.30, 0800 3164400) treats normal to combination skin, and the Bain Riche (also £9.30) is for those with dry skin.

Avoid an overly warm and dry bedroom. Keep a humidifier in the room — this will help not only with the scalp but also with your skin in general and your sinuses.

After you have washed your hair with a gentle shampoo, rinse it through with apple cider vinegar. Try this for a week.

You could also try a home-made recipe to relieve a dry scalp. Combine 2 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tbsp of runny honey, and pour the mixture into a small plastic sandwich bag. Fill a coffee cup with water that has almost come to the boil and carefully immerse the sandwich bag in the hot water. Let it sit there for a few minutes, take it out and pierce the bag in one corner, then pipe the liquid on to the hair.

Coat your hair from the scalp to the tips, cover your head with a shower cap and leave the mixture on for 15 minutes. Then lightly shampoo your hair.



Kirsty McLeod runs her own salon in Chelsea (020-7225 3939)

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