New Delhi, Jan. 23 -- Winter is unforgiving on the scalp. As temperatures drop and humidity falls, the scalp, like facial skin, loses moisture rapidly. This dryness disrupts the scalp's natural barrier, leading to tightness, flaking, itchiness and, eventually, dull and brittle hair. While many people instinctively reach for richer conditioners during winter, the real issue often begins much earlier in the hair-care routine: at the cleansing stage itself.

Does conditioner help with dryness?

A common misconception is that conditioners are the primary solution for winter dryness. In reality, hydration that starts only at the hair shaft is often too little, too late. "The scalp is living skin, and when it is stripped of its natural lipids b...