Dealing with Fall Hair Woes: Dry Scalp, Eczema, and Psoriasis

Let’s be real, ladies—fall is that awkward in-between season where your hair and skin are just confused. One minute you’re feeling that cool breeze and loving it, and the next, your scalp is begging for moisture like it's in the Sahara. If you’re noticing flakes, itchiness, or irritation when the temperature drops, you could be dealing with more than just dry scalp—eczema or psoriasis might be trying to crash your fall vibe. And no, this isn’t your basic dandruff situation; these are serious scalp conditions that deserve extra attention, especially in the Black community.

Eczema and Psoriasis in the Black Community:

Eczema and psoriasis are no joke. Both can cause red, itchy, flaky patches on the scalp, and they’re more common than you think in Black women. While eczema is usually triggered by dryness and irritation, psoriasis is an autoimmune issue that causes skin cells to overproduce, creating thicker patches. Add in the fact that Black skin often shows these conditions differently (hello, hyperpigmentation!), and we’ve got a whole extra layer to deal with.

So what causes the flare-ups during fall? Simple. The drop in humidity strips moisture from your scalp, and those cozy indoor heaters? They’re culprits too. Dry air everywhere means your scalp’s natural oils just aren’t cutting it. But don’t worry—there’s hope! The key is to moisturize, treat, and protect. Let's break it down.

Scalp Treatments: Soothe, Heal, and Slay

First things first—start showing your scalp some love with products that soothe and heal. Look for ingredients like tea tree oil, aloe vera, or peppermint oil. These are known for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, perfect for calming that itchy scalp and reducing irritation. Plus, they smell amazing, and who doesn’t love a fresh, invigorating scent?

One of the easiest remedies? Aloe vera. This plant isn’t just great for soothing sunburns—it’s a powerhouse for scalp health. Mix some aloe vera juice with a little water in a spray bottle, and mist your scalp whenever it’s feeling dry. It hydrates, soothes inflammation, and promotes healing. Bonus? Aloe vera is an absolute boss when it comes to treating psoriasis flare-ups. This miracle plant also works great in a pre-shampoo treatment—simply massage it into your scalp, let it sit for 15 minutes, and rinse out before you shampoo.

Tea tree oil is another MVP. Add a few drops to your shampoo or mix with a carrier oil (like jojoba) to massage directly into your scalp. The tingling sensation is real, y'all—and that’s the tea tree working to clear up any irritation.

Feeling fancy? Whip up a scalp treatment with neem oil, an herb that’s been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It has anti-inflammatory properties that calm eczema and psoriasis while deeply moisturizing your scalp. Plus, it's got a little pop-culture relevance: Zendaya swears by natural remedies and Ayurvedic treatments for her hair and scalp!

Hydration: Inside and Out!

I hate to say it, but it’s true: drink more water. I know, I know—it’s fall, and you’re trying to trade that water bottle for a pumpkin spice latte, but hydration is key. The more hydrated you are from the inside, the better your scalp and hair will behave on the outside. Flaky scalp? Dry patches? That’s a sign your body (and scalp!) need some extra hydration.

Also, consider getting yourself a humidifier for your home. With the heat on blast indoors, the air gets dry, and so does your scalp. A humidifier brings moisture back into the air, helping your scalp stay hydrated while you sleep. This one little change can make a huge difference!

And of course, the fall season is perfect for herbal teas that not only taste great but also benefit your scalp. Try sipping on nettles tea or green tea. Both are packed with antioxidants that improve scalp health and can help with inflammation associated with eczema and psoriasis.

Protective styles like braids, twists, and wigs are great for giving your hair a break from constant manipulation, but remember that your scalp still needs attention. Even when it’s tucked away under a sew-in or wig, make sure you’re moisturizing your scalp and using a lightweight oil to seal in moisture.

And for my Silk Press queens? Keep that moisture locked in! Moisture is just as important for straightened hair.

Gabrielle Union once said, “Your hair is your crown. If it’s not thriving, it’s time to figure out why.” This is your reminder to keep deep conditioning and using leave-ins even when you're flaunting that pressed-out look.

A Little Encouragement for the Fall Season

Look, we know fall is gorgeous, but it can be tough on our hair and scalp. But sis, you’ve got this! A little extra care goes a long way in keeping your hair and scalp healthy through the season. Moisturize, treat, hydrate, and protect. Your hair is your crown—don’t let the cold weather mess with it!

In the words of Tracee Ellis Ross, “Embrace your hair, love it, and it will love you back.” Take a little extra time to care for your scalp this fall, and you’ll see the benefits when your hair is still thriving by winter.

So, go ahead and enjoy those cozy sweaters, hot drinks, and fall hairstyles. Just make sure you’re giving your scalp the TLC it needs to stay healthy, moisturized, and free from flakes. You deserve to slay this season!

Key Takeaways for Fall Hair Scalp Care:

- Treat your scalp with aloe vera, tea tree oil, and neem oil to soothe eczema and psoriasis.

- Stay hydrated from the inside out by drinking water and using a humidifier at night.

- Don’t forget to moisturize and protect your scalp, even in protective styles or Silk Presses.

Embrace the fall, embrace your hair, and let’s keep these crowns flourishing!