Dry Scalp Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
You will find in this article what dry scalp is, the causes of dry scalp, and effective treatments to cure dry scalp at home. A dry scalp usually causes dry hair accompanied by dandruff and falling white flakes onto your clothes and shoulders. That can cause great embarrassment to you. Moreover, an extremely dry scalp can result in itchiness and redness on your scalp and makes your hair look very dull and dry. If you are struggling with a dry scalp, we recommend you use the following home remedies to nourish your scalp and hair to get rid of dry scalp fast.
What is a dry scalp?
When the skin on your head loses too much moisture, it can lead to a dry scalp. This condition can cause itching and flaking. The skin on your scalp gets irritated and flakes off.
There are many reasons why your scalp can go dry.
What Causes Dry Scalp?
The most common causes of dry scalp are:
(i) Under secretion of natural oils (sebum) by the sebaceous glands.
(ii) Too much use of shampoo, chemicals, and hair-heating appliances.
(iii) Cold, windy, and dry weather.
(iv) Washing hair with hot or/and hard water.
(v) Dietary deficiency of essential fatty acids. Too much intake of diuretics or caffeine.
(vi) Hormonal changes.
(vii) Eczema.
Best Dry Scalp Treatment At Home To Cure Dry Scalp
Given below are effective home remedies to cure dry scalp:
# 1
Scalp Massage
The most effective dry scalp treatment is scalp massage. Give yourself a gentle scalp massage with your fingertips as you shampoo or while doing deep hair conditioning or giving hot oil treatment to your scalp.
(i) This stimulates the production of sebum (natural oil) and increases blood flow to your scalp; therefore, the hair follicles get more nutrients.
(ii) A gentle massage opens up your scalp pores and loosens the flakes and dead skin cells, making them easier to wash off.
(iii) Make it a habit to massage your head once or twice a day for a couple of minutes each time. You can also use a battery-operated massage device for this purpose.
(iv) You can use lukewarm olive oil for massaging your scalp. Other essential oils you can use for this purpose are rosemary, basil, nettle, camellia, lavender, or vitamin E oil. Massage a small quantity of any of these oils onto your scalp once or twice a week and let it be on your scalp for as much time as is available, then wash it off. You can also consider applying oil before sleeping at night and rinsing it off in the morning. You can cover your pillow with a towel so as not to stain your pillow.
(v) Olive oil contains many nutrients for the hair and contributes to hair growth. Lavender has good cleansing properties.
Read here what oils are good for your scalp and hair
# 2
Deep Condition your Hair and Scalp
Your dry scalp is primarily due to the lesser production of natural oils by your scalp. Give your scalp some nourishment by deep conditioning at home to your hair once or twice a week. Read this excellent recipe to learn how to make a deep hair conditioner at home.
# 3
Hot Oil Treatment – An effective treatment for dry scalp
Look for a good quality Hot Oil Treatment kit at your local beauty supply or drug store. Read the directions given on the kit/package and follow them carefully. Make sure the oil is not too hot to burn your scalp skin. Here is an effective hot oil intense hair conditioning treatment kit you can buy online.
# 4
Use the Right Hair Care Products – A must-dry scalp treatment tip
Avoid using hair products containing chemicals, alcohol, etc. Use shampoos and conditioners that are meant for dry scalp and dry hair, containing essential oils and herbs.
# 5
Vinegar Rinse
This is one of the best natural remedies for dry scalp.
(i) Mix one cup of apple cider vinegar ( or lemon juice if you have light-colored hair) with one cup of boiled but cooled or distilled water. If you have a very itchy scalp, add 20 drops of peppermint to the mixture and mix them thoroughly in a container.
(ii) Pour the above mixture onto your hair and massage it gently. Pour as much mixture as needed to cover your entire hair.
(iii) As an alternative to Vinegar, you can also use undiluted beer or lemon juice (if your hair is light-colored).
(iv) If you desire, you can add essential oils because of their healing properties. But it’s optional.
(v) Wash your hair with lukewarm water.
# 6
Home-Made Hair Wash for Dry Scalp Treatment:
(i) Mix one cup of distilled or boiled but cooled water; 1/4 cup of fragrance-free mild baby shampoo; 1/2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil, pure avocado, jojoba, or almond oil, and 10 drops of lavender, Cedarwood, or juniper in a container.
(ii) Shake well before use and wash your hair with the above mixture in a normal way.
# 7
Olive Oil, an effective cure for dry scalp:
(i) Take two to four tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil; if you desire, add 10-15 drops of essential oil of your choice.
(ii) Warm the oil a little bit in the microwave for a few seconds.
(iii) Wet your fingers with the warm oil, massage it into your scalp, and apply it to your hair to cover it till the end. Let the oil remain on your scalp for around 15 minutes.
(iv) Shampoo your hair with a herbal or chemicals-free shampoo of your choice, and rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Read here 5 homemade hair moisturizer recipes
# 8
Other useful Dry Scalp Natural Remedies tips:
(i) The most effective dry scalp treatment is not using hot water to wash your hair. Use instead water as cool as you are comfortable with.
(ii) Avoid shampoos containing alcohol chemicals like Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, which is the main ingredient used to make liquid dish wash detergent.
(iii) Avoid using a hair drier or other heating appliances on your hair.
(iv) The dry scalp hair problems get aggravated due to overwashing and overuse of shampoos.
(v) Dry scalp can occur due to nutritional deficiencies, like those of B6 and B12. Vitamin B is an excellent dry scalp remedy, as it improves the production of melanin, which provides moisture to your dry scalp. Have a nutritious diet by consuming more fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain bread. If required, consider taking supplements like flaxseeds, zinc, selenium, and multivitamins.
(v) Hydrate yourself from the inside, too, by drinking plenty of water and cutting down consumption of alcohol. Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
(vi) For further very effective dry hair treatment, read this article on home remedies for dry hair.
If your dry scalp conditions persist even after following the above dry scalp home remedies, you are advised to consult your dermatologist, as this can be due to underlying medical reasons.
