When winter sets in, we're quick to stockpile moisturisers and rich creams for our faces – but often forget our scalp needs some cold-weather TLC too. If you've noticed more flakes than usual, an itchy crown or a tight, uncomfortable scalp, you're not imagining things. Your scalp does get more high maintenance in winter.

Two major culprits are usually to blame for your scalp's hissy fit: cold air and indoor heating. The sudden drop in humidity outdoors combined with blasting heat inside creates the perfect storm for scalp dryness.

Add in extra-hot showers and heavier hair product buildup, and your scalp's barrier can get thrown out of balance – and that means flaking, itchiness, dull roots and sometimes more oil as your skin tries to compensate.

Here's how to reset your scalp and keep it healthy, and stop it from freaking out all winter…

Like an exfoliator for your face, scalp scrubs buff away product buildup, dry flakes and dead skin – leaving your roots refreshed and ready to absorb moisture. This is especially useful in winter when dry patches tend to cling on for dear life.

Look for scrubs with ingredients like sugar, sea salt or fruit enzymes to gently polish, plus soothing elements like tea tree, peppermint or salicylic acid to calm irritation. Use weekly, or whenever your scalp starts to feel congested.

Once your scalp is clean and clear, it's time to treat it like the skin it is. Scalp serums are lightweight treatments that are often packed with hydrating humectants like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide or aloe vera, delivering moisture right where it's needed. They're especially helpful if you’re dealing with tightness, redness or an itch you can't scratch. Massage one in post-wash and let it work its magic; no rinse required.

Other skincare-esque products, like Oribe's Serene Scalp Oil Control Treatment Mist, also help regulate oil production, so your hair stays fresher for longer between washes.

A weekly deep treatment can make all the difference. Scalp masks or oils act like a restorative blanket for stressed skin, offering longer-lasting hydration and repair.

Choose a treatment that matches your concern: Christophe Robin's Purifying Mask features thermal mud, great for dealing with build up and oily roots, while Oribe's specialised Soothing Leave On Treatment soothes with mint and chamomile.

• We get it: it's cold AF but avoid scalding hot showers, as they dry the scalp out further.
• Don't skip wash days, even when you're being a hermit and not leaving the house - buildup can make irritation worse.
• When you do wash, add a clarifying shampoo or conditioner into your weekly routine to remove product residue and refresh the scalp. But don't overdo it, or you'll strip away essential moisture.
• Keep your brush clean (or invest in a new one), and swap out your pillowcase regularly to avoid bacteria and oil transfer.