How to Fix Dry Scalp, Dandruff, and Other Hair Problems You’ve Been Ignoring

If your scalp itches, flakes, or your hair looks fried no matter what you do, this is the playbook. Each section explains the cause, the exact, repeatable steps to fix it, what products to use and how, and what to expect. Read it, pick your problem, follow the steps, and don’t skip the follow-through.

Quick primer: what’s happening up there (in plain terms)

The scalp is an ecosystem. You’ve got oils (sebum), microbes (good and bad), and skin cells. When that balance shifts, you get flakes, itch, grease, or dryness.
pH matters. Healthy scalp pH is slightly acidic. Harsh shampoos (sulfates) and alkaline products strip oils and raise pH — that damages the barrier and triggers problems.
Overcleaning and under-cleaning both break things. Scrubbing too often strips oils and causes rebound oil production; not washing enough lets buildup and microbes grow.
Damage shows on the hair, not the scalp. Dry, frizzy, split ends are signs the hair cuticle is damaged — masks and protein help, but you must fix the scalp first.

Keep that in mind while you read the routines below.

Tools & basics you should get right now

A mild, sulfate-free shampoo (daily users need a gentle one).
— Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Sulphate Free Shampoo (citric acid) is an ideal choice for dry, damaged, or treated hair because it cleans without brutal stripping and helps rebalance pH.
An anti-dandruff shampoo for heavy flakes (with active ingredients like zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, selenium sulfide).
— Man Matters Anti Dandruff Shampoo + Removal Lotion is for when flakes are serious and you need an aggressive, targeted approach.
A scalp-support oil for microbiome and itch control.
— Singular Anti Dandruff Hair Oil (tea tree + peppermint) — use as a pre-wash scalp treatment.
A weekly repair mask for dry, frizzy, damaged hair.
— Moxie Beauty Deep Dive Hair Mask — use once weekly to restore moisture and smoothness.
A reconstruction shampoo for oily roots but dry lengths — Oh! Italian Reconstruction Shampoo: designed to clean oily scalps while keeping hair manageable.
If you’re concerned about greying (preventive, not miracle): Bare Anatomy Advanced Anti-Grey Serum — use as directed for maintenance.

Extras: microfiber towel, boar-bristle brush (or soft bristle), silicone scalp massager (optional but useful), and a wide-tooth comb.

Problem 1 — Dry scalp (tight, flaky, but not classic dandruff)

Why it happens

Harsh shampoos / sulfates strip protective oils.
Hot showers and cold indoor heating dry the skin.
Low water intake, poor diet, or eczema/psoriasis can contribute.

What you’ll see

Small, white flakes that fall off when you move.
Tight, sometimes itchy skin right after washing.
Hair that looks dull and rough.

Step-by-step fix (daily + weekly plan)

Daily / every-wash (if you must wash often):

Switch to a sulfate-free shampoo. Use Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Sulphate Free Shampoo — it cleans without stripping.
- Use a coin-sized amount for short hair, a little more for longer hair.
- Focus lather on the scalp, not the ends. Massage 45–60 seconds with your fingertips (not nails).
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Finish with a cool rinse. 10–20 seconds of cooler water helps close the cuticle and lock moisture.

Weekly deep care (once a week):

Pre-wash oil (optional but highly effective): Warm 5–10 drops of Singular Anti Dandruff Hair Oil between your palms and work into the scalp. Massage 3–5 minutes, leave 30–60 minutes (or overnight if your hair tolerates it), then shampoo. The oil calms irritation and rebalances the skin barrier.
Mask: After shampooing, apply Moxie Beauty Deep Dive Hair Mask primarily on the mid-lengths and ends (scalp-only masks can be heavy). Leave 10–20 minutes, then rinse.

Why this works

Sulfate-free products and a lower pH preserve the scalp’s natural oils.
Pre-wash oil restores lipids and soothes irritation.
Weekly masks replenish moisture in the hair shaft so the scalp doesn’t overcompensate by producing oil.

Timeline

Improvement in tightness and visible dryness in 7–14 days. Full normalization may take 4–6 weeks with consistent care.

Problem 2 — Dandruff (visible flakes, flaking from the scalp)

What causes it

Often a fungal overgrowth (Malassezia) or imbalance in the scalp microbiome.
Can be worsened by stress, diet, humidity, or using the wrong products.

Signs

Larger, oilier flakes than dry scalp.
Itching, sometimes after sweating.
Flakes that stick to the scalp and hair.

Step-by-step fix (targeted protocol)

Initial corrective phase (first 2–4 weeks):

Use a targeted anti-dandruff shampoo. Man Matters Anti Dandruff Shampoo — use it 2–3 times per week. Lather and leave on the scalp for 2–3 minutes before rinsing (this gives the active ingredients time to work).
Intensive removal treatment. Use the Man Matters Removal Lotion according to product instructions as an intensive treatment for stubborn areas — usually applied to the dry scalp, massaged, and left for a prescribed time or overnight depending on product guidance. (If packaging instructs, follow the timing exactly.)
Support with a scalp oil. Singular Anti Dandruff Hair Oil can be used once weekly as a pre-wash treatment or used lightly on dry scalp areas to calm itching.

Maintenance phase (after visible improvement):

Rotate shampoos. After the initial 4 weeks, alternate anti-dandruff shampoo with a gentle sulfate-free shampoo (Redken) — e.g., anti-dandruff 1x/week, Redken 1–2x/week.
Use a weekly mask (Moxie) if hair is dry or brittle from the treatment.

Why this works

Anti-dandruff shampoos have actives (zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, etc.) that reduce fungal load and inflammation. Leaving the product on the scalp for a few minutes increases effectiveness.
Oils with tea tree and peppermint soothe itch and support a healthier microbiome.
Rotation reduces resistance and prevents over-drying.

Timeline

Expect noticeable reduction in flakes within 1–3 washes for mild cases, but full control often takes 2–6 weeks. If nothing improves after 6 weeks, see a dermatologist.

Problem 3 — Oily scalp with dry ends (the split personality)

Why it happens

Sebum overproduction at the roots, while the hair tips are deprived of moisture.
Harsh shampoos can worsen the problem by stripping roots, causing rebound oil.
Product buildup can make roots feel greasier sooner.

Signs

Greasy roots 24–48 hours after washing, but hair still looks dry or frizzy on the ends.

Step-by-step fix

Cleansing:

Use a gentle clarifying but rebalancing shampoo — Oh! Italian Reconstruction Shampoo is formulated to clean oily roots while managing the lengths.
- Apply to the scalp primarily, lather, massage 45–60 seconds, rinse.
Avoid daily heavy conditioners at the scalp. Apply conditioner or mask only to mid-lengths and ends.

Weekly routine:

Deep clean once every 2–3 weeks. Use a clarifying treatment if you use a lot of styling products.
Weekly mask for ends. Moxie Beauty Deep Dive Hair Mask on ends to restore moisture without weighting the roots.

Daily handling:

Rinse (no product) midweek if hair feels limp. This refreshes hair without stripping.
Brush your scalp daily with a soft brush to spread oils evenly down the hair rather than letting them pool at the roots.

Why this works

Targeted cleaning prevents the scalp from overcompensating with oil.
Reserving moisturizing agents for the lengths prevents root heaviness.

Timeline

Roots should feel less greasy within 1–2 washes after switching tactics; overall balance in 2–4 weeks.

Problem 4 — Frizz, breakage, weak hair

Why it happens

Damaged cuticles from heat, sun, chemicals, or rough drying.
Lack of protein & moisture balance.
Rough towel drying and aggressive brushing.

Fix steps (repair + prevent)

Immediate repair (weekly):

Mask: Moxie Beauty Deep Dive Hair Mask once a week for 10–20 minutes. Focus on mid-lengths and ends.
Protein balance: If your hair is brittle, use a protein-containing product occasionally; alternate with moisturizing masks.

Daily prevention:

Blot dry with microfiber towel — no rough rubbing.
Avoid heat or use a low-heat setting with a heat protectant.
Use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair to detangle, start at tips, work up slowly.

Why this works

Masks repair the lipid layer and fill gaps in the cuticle.
Proper drying and detangling prevent mechanical breakage.

Timeline

Smoothness is noticeable after the first mask; measurable strengthening in 3–6 weeks.

Problem 5 — Premature greying (what you can realistically do)

What you can control

Genetics determine most of it. But oxidative damage, poor scalp health, and nutritional deficits accelerate greying.

Practical approach

Topical support: Bare Anatomy Advanced Anti-Grey Serum (peptides + biotin + rosemary) — apply as directed (typically to the scalp/roots). This is preventive maintenance, not instant reversal.
Lifestyle: Reduce smoking, manage stress, get sleep, and eat antioxidant-rich foods (berries, leafy greens, nuts).
Keep the scalp healthy: A balanced scalp resists oxidative stress better.

Timeline

Any change from topical products takes months. Set expectations: prevention is the realistic goal.

How to apply products — exact technique that actually works

Shampooing (the right way)

Wet hair with lukewarm water.
Dispense coin-sized amount for short hair, up to two coin-sizes for thicker/longer.
Rub shampoo between palms, apply directly to scalp in several spots.
Use fingertips to massage in circular motions for 45–60 seconds — this loosens flakes and improves blood flow. Don’t use your nails.
Rinse thoroughly. If using anti-dandruff shampoo, leave on scalp 2–3 minutes before rinsing on your first pass. If you use it as your second wash, you can rinse sooner.

Pre-wash oil (Singular Anti Dandruff Hair Oil)

Warm 5–10 drops in palms, work into scalp, massage 3–5 minutes.
Leave 30–60 minutes (overnight for severe dryness), then shampoo. For oily scalps, use only 3–4 drops and avoid the hair shaft.

Mask (Moxie Beauty Deep Dive Hair Mask)

After shampoo, squeeze excess water from hair. Apply mask from mid-length to ends.
Leave 10–20 minutes under a shower cap for heat, then rinse. Use weekly.

Anti-dandruff removal lotion (Man Matters)

Follow product label strictly. Typical pattern: apply to dry or towel-dry scalp, massage into problematic patches, leave as directed, rinse if instructed. Use as an intensive treatment on problem areas.

Anti-grey serum (Bare Anatomy)

Apply a few drops to the scalp (mainly roots), massage gently. Use daily or as directed. Quick-absorbing, non-sticky formulas are best.

Daily habits that matter (and why)

Don’t wash every day unless necessary. Overwashing strips oils — aim 2–3x/week for most guys. If you sweat a lot, rinse with water and use a mild cleanser occasionally.
Avoid hot showers. Hot water dries skin and hair.
Sleep on cotton or silk? Cotton is fine; if your hair tangles, silk pillowcases reduce friction.
Use less product. Too much pomade/wax -> buildup -> greasy scalp -> more washing -> damage cycle.
Brush daily with a soft brush to distribute oils.
Hydrate & eat protein. Hair needs protein, zinc, iron, omega-3s.
Sun protection. Extended sun exposure fades and dries hair — wear a hat or use a UV spray.

Troubleshooting & when to see a pro

No improvement after 6–8 weeks of proper routine → see a dermatologist.
Severe itching, bleeding, scabs, pus, or sudden, patchy hair loss → medical appointment same week.
If an oil or product causes burning or rash, stop immediately — you may be allergic to an essential oil or preservative.

Real routines you can follow (pick one)

Routine A — Dry scalp / frizzy hair

Sunday: Pre-wash Singular Hair Oil 30–60 min → Redken Acidic Bonding Shampoo → Moxie Mask 10–20 min → cool rinse.
Midweek: Redken Shampoo (gentle wash).
Daily: cool finish rinse when possible. Avoid hot showers.

Routine B — Heavy dandruff

Week 1–4: Man Matters Anti Dandruff Shampoo 2–3x/week (2–3 min contact time) + Man Matters Removal Lotion as directed on problem nights. Use Singular Oil as calming pre-wash once weekly.
Week 5 onward: Rotate Man Matters 1x/week + Redken 1–2x/week.

Routine C — Oily roots, dry ends

Oh! Italian Reconstruction Shampoo on scalp 2–3x/week. Mask Moxie on ends weekly. On non-wash days, rinse or use a dry shampoo sparingly.

Realistic timelines (so you don’t give up)

Itch and tightness: 7–14 days.
Visible dandruff reduction: often within 1–3 washes; full control 2–6 weeks.
Hair softness & reduced frizz: noticeable after first mask; stronger hair after 3–6 weeks.
Greying prevention: months.

Final practical checklist (print this)

Stop sulfates if you have dryness. Use Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate or similar.
Active dandruff: Man Matters Anti Dandruff Shampoo + Removal Lotion; follow contact-time directions.
Pre-wash oil for itch: Singular Anti Dandruff Hair Oil — warm, massage, leave, then shampoo.
Weekly repair: Moxie Beauty Deep Dive Hair Mask on mid-lengths/ends.
For oily roots but dry lengths: use Oh! Italian Reconstruction Shampoo and mask ends only.
Anti-grey maintenance: Bare Anatomy Anti-Grey Serum as directed.
Massage scalp 60s with fingertips during each shampoo. Don’t use nails.
Rinse cool, towel-blot (microfiber), and avoid excessive heat.