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Vigorously scratching the hair in public and getting judged around by people is a scenario all of us have experienced at least once. Dry scalp isn’t a very pleasant feeling which is why finding the best ways to get rid of dry scalp is a must-do.
If your search results are all filtered with the remedies to treat dry scalp at home, we got your back sister. To make it easier for you, we will walk you through some of the ingredients that you can reach out from your pantry only.
By the end of this article, you will know about the best cure for dry scalp and will already be on your feet to try one of two of them.
What is Dry Scalp?
As gross as it might sound, if you have dry scalp, you will find traces of dead and dried skin cells in between your hair strands.
How Many of You Reached out to Check if that’s a Possibility?
Dry scalp is more common than you think. The lack of proper oil secretion from the scalp skin cells is what ends up causing the dryness and makes the skin shed off at some point.
Much like the common grounds, when you have a dry scalp, you are bound to experience the problems with oily hair as well.
Causes of Dry Scalp:
- Dandruff: Dandruff is the shedding of dry and dead skin from the scalp. It may not cause anything bad, but it’s a cosmetic condition. It’s a fungal borne state and causes too much itching. A small amount of dandruff is normal though. It affects majorly during a post-puberty stage. It increases as teens and declines after 30.
- Seborrhea: Seborrhea or seborrheic dermatitis a common skin disease-causing redness, itching and flaking. It is treatable and often causing dry itchy scalp. It is believed to have caused by a deficiency of zinc and lower immunity.
- Scalp Psoriasis: When too many skin cells grow on various parts of the body, Psoriasis results. When it occurs on the scalp, scalp psoriasis happens. It causes dandruff and dry scalp.
- Eczema: Eczema is a disease that results in inflammation of the skin. It develops red blisters and rashes around the infected area. It may be caused by allergic reactions and low immunity.
- Poor Hair hygiene: Not washing hair properly is a common cause for dry scalp. Remember its not the shampoo, but the deep effective washing that makes hair shiny and healthy.
- Stress: Lot of cases with stressed work-life balance have come to be associated with dry scalp. Most of the hair fall and dandruff related hair issues are certainly related to stress. With a little meditation and yoga, these can be cured in their early stages.
- Seasonal effects: With changing weather and dried-humid soundings the worst effects of dandruff and eczema are reported. It is increasingly important to take extra hair care during the changing seasons. Worst is winter when it’s cold outside and the warm indoor switch makes skin dry and shed.
- Too much shampoo and chemical-based hair colors: Over Shampoo and harmful chemicals are one of the major causes of dry scalp. It’s advisable to apply diluted and colourless shampoo. Also, too hot water for head bath is not recommended, try to keep water, cold or lukewarm for hair wash.
Symptoms of Dry Scalp
When it comes to the symptoms of dry scalp, chances are that you are going to experience things that you wouldn’t otherwise.
It is very important to ensure that you do lookout for the signs and symptoms because that is what helps you get a better idea around what to do to handle the situation better.
Some of the common symptoms of the dry scalp include:
- Flaking of the skin
- Itchiness
- Irritation
- Red scab like patches
- Bleeding on rigorous scratching
- Dandruff
- Constantly oily hair
- Thinning of the hair
- Hair fall
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Check Out These Effective Ways To Get Rid Of Dry Scalp.
Home Remedies For Dry Scalp
When it comes down to the remedies for dry scalp, there are many.
I am pretty sure every single of you reading this must have tried some form or the other of the treatment options, be it with oiling or even switching up the shampoos you used.
I myself have done that as well, so you don’t necessarily have to worry or be ashamed.
Given that we have so much in nature with such amazing therapeutic benefits, it is important that we make the maximum use out of it.
If you have been meaning to treat the dry scalp with natural remedies, read on.
1. Coconut Oil
The very first in the list to eliminate dry scalp definitely has to be the coconut oil. The main reason why it works in restoring the lost moisture in the scalp is mainly because of the presence of the medium chain fatty acids which deep moisturizes and boosts the oil balance in the scalp from within.
Additionally, if you have any sort of fungal or microbial infection on the scalp, the coconut oil further helps get rid of the same because of the beneficial antimicrobial (R) and anti-inflammatory (R) properties that it has.
What to do?
- Add 1 tbsp of coconut oil in a bowl
- Microwave it for 20 seconds
- Using your fingers, apply the coconut oil on the scalp
- Massage the oil gently to ensure that it seeps well into the scalp
- Leave it on overnight
- Shampoo with a mild shampoo the next day
How often?
- 3-4 times in a week
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is yet another one of the best ways to get rid of dry scalp. This is very good in treating dry scalp when it is caused because of some kind of skin problem that could be stripping the natural oils from the scalp.
Not only does it have beneficial antimicrobial (R) properties which get rid of any possible infections on the scalp, it also imposes effective impacts in unclogging the pores. This further helps in the regulation of oil production in the scalp further.
What to do?
- In a bowl, add 1 tbsp of coconut oil and 4-5 drops of tea tree oil
- Mix it well and use it as a massaging oil for the scalp
- Leave it on overnight
- Alternatively, you can use a tea tree oil shampoo if you don’t want the hassle
How often?
- Twice a week
3. Colloidal Oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal is yet another one of the ways to treat dry scalp that not many people are even aware of.
The main reason why this works is because of the combination of the antioxidant (R) and anti-inflammatory (R) properties that it has. This helps in preventing any kind of itchiness and dryness that has been lingering around on the scalp. It is quite important to ensure that you do focus on getting your hands on the good quality oatmeal.
This helps in preventing any allergic reaction and helps in making a thin protective layer on the scalp which further helps in locking the moisture in.
What to do?
- Take a cup of rolled oats in a muslin cloth and tie it up
- Hold that cloth under the lukewarm water, ensuring that you collect the water runoff in a bowl
- Use that water to rinse your scalp
- Rinse off the remnant under the shower if needed
How often?
- 1-2 times every week
4. Castor Oil
Castor oil is yet another one of the beneficial remedies for dry scalp that works. The main reason why it works is because of the beneficial antimicrobial (R) as well as the anti-inflammatory (R) properties that get rid of the excess problems associated with the dry scalp and any sort of infection behind it.
Additionally, the oil is also enriched with Vitamin E extracts and omega-6 fatty acids which further boosts the oil balance on the scalp and gets rid of the flaky and dead and dry skin.
What to do?
- In a bowl, add 1 tbsp of aloe vera gel, 1 tsp of coconut oil and 1 tsp of castor oil
- Mix everything well
- Using your fingers, apply the mixture on the scalp
- Massage it in with light fingers
- Leave it on for a few hours
- Wash it off with a mild shampoo
How often?
- Once every week
5. Aloe Vera Gel
The efficacy and therapeutic benefits of the aloe vera gel in the treatment for dry scalp doesn’t require much of an introduction.
The combination of the antimicrobial (R), anti-inflammatory (R) and skin healing properties of the aloe vera is what has been found to have amazing impacts in helping with the condition of the dry scalp.
It boosts the oil production and even moisturizes the skin on the scalp from within, thus further helping out with the condition of the itchiness and irritation that you have been experiencing all throughout.
What to do?
- Take an aloe vera leaf and clean it under running water
- Cut it open with a knife and scoop out the pulp from within
- Blend it to make a smooth paste
- Apply the same on the scalp
- Leave it on for 1-2 hours
- Wash it off with some mild shampoo
How often?
- 1-2 times in a week
6. Aspirin
Yet another one of the effective remedies for dry scalp definitely has to be aspirin because of the kind of impacts it has in healing the condition of dry scalp.
It contains salicylic acid which helps in keeping the irritation and the skin flakes on the scalp in check and helps prevent it for good.
What to do?
- Crush 1-2 aspirin tablets in a mortar and pestle
- Add some water to make a smooth paste
- Apply the same on the scalp
- Leave it on for 1 hour
- Wash it off with some mild shampoo
How often?
- 1-2 times in a week
7. Always Condition
Many people have the tendency to not condition their hair following the shampooing process. The main reason why it does have beneficial impacts in helping get rid of the dry scalp is because of the fact that the majority of the conditioners are enriched with nourishing compounds.
It helps in not just strengthening the hair but even boosts the moisture and oil balance in the scalp that you could have been missing all along. It is best suggested to ensure that you do focus on getting this done the right way.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is yet another one of the amazing remedies for dry scalp that works wonders in getting rid of the symptoms that come along with the condition.
If you have been struggling with this condition, it is best suggested to ensure that you opt for apple cider vinegar. The antimicrobial (R) properties get rid of the possible signs of infection that could be worsening the condition while the anti-inflammatory (R) properties further help boost the overall problems associated with the dry scalp and even gently exfoliate any such issues.
What to do?
- In a bowl, add ½ cup of apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of water
- Mix and transfer it to a spray bottle
- Spray this directly on the scalp
- Leave it on for 10-15 minutes
- Wash it off with a mild shampoo
How often?
- 1-2 times in a week
9. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is yet another one of the best ways to get rid of dry scalp and treat the symptoms of the condition.
The main reason why it works is because of the mild acidic properties which get rid of any sort of infections while the astringent properties of the same help in calming down the irritation and itchiness that has been constantly bothering.
Additionally, it further helps in balancing the pH levels of the scalp which further helps in getting rid of the problems associated with the oil secretion in the scalp.
What to do?
- In a bowl, add the juice of two lemons and add 3-4 tbsp of water to thin it down
- Transfer it to a spray bottle
- Apply the mixture on the hair
- Leave it on for 10 minutes
- Wash it off with some mild shampoo
How often?
- 1-2 times in a week
10. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is yet another one of the ways to treat the dry scalp with natural remedies.
The active compound in the peppermint oil, menthol is what has been found to have therapeutic benefits in helping out with the condition of the dry and dead skin cells on the scalp.
It does have a very cooling effect on the scalp as well which further helps in getting rid of the skin allergies and boost the recovery even more so.
What to do?
- In a bowl, add 1 tbsp of coconut oil and 3-4 drops of peppermint oil
- Apply this on the scalp and massage with light fingers
- Leave it on overnight
- Wash it off with some mild shampoo the next day
How often?
- Once every week
11. Witch Hazel
Yet another one of the best remedies for dry scalp definitely has to be witch hazel.
The primary reason why it works is because of the fact that it is loaded with anti-inflammatory and the astringent properties (R) which help in getting rid of the dryness and the itchiness and irritation that one feels because of the condition.
If you have sensitive skin, patch test it first before directly applying on the scalp.
What to do?
- In a bowl, add 1 tbsp of coconut oil, 3-4 drops of witch hazel oil, 2-3 drops of jojoba oil
- Mix everything and apply it on the scalp
- Leave it on for a few hours
- Wash it off with some mild shampoo
How often?
- Once every week
12. Olive Oil
It is enriched with Vitamin E which has been found to have amazing impacts in boosting the scalp health (R) by getting rid of the dry and dead skin cells and boosting the oil secretion from the follicles.
Additionally, the presence of the monosaturated fatty acids further helps in getting rid of the problems associated with the lack of moisture and oil balance in the scalp.
What to do?
- Take 2 tbsp of olive oil in a bowl
- Heat it for 10-15 seconds in a microwave
- Apply the oil on the scalp and massage it with gentle fingers
- Leave it on overnight
- Wash it off with some mild shampoo the next day
How often?
- 2-3 times weekly
13. Yogurt and Egg
The combination of yogurt and eggs work wonders for the condition of dry scalp and helps manage the symptoms effectively.
The main reason why it works is because of the fact that yogurt helps in moisturizing the scalp while the proteins from the eggs help in boosting the hair and scalp health for the better. It is very important to ensure that you do take the time out for making the hair mask and do it during the holidays.
What to do?
- In a bowl, add 3 tbsp of yogurt and crack an egg to it
- Mix and beat everything to make a smooth mixture
- Using a hairbrush, apply the mixture evenly on the scalp and the hair all over
- Leave it on for an hour
- Wash it off thoroughly with some mild shampoo
How often?
- Once every week
14. Baking Soda
What to do?
- In a bowl, add 1 tbsp of baking soda and some water
- Make a smooth paste
- Using your fingers, apply the same on the scalp
- Leave it on for 10-15 minutes
- Wash it off with some mild shampoo
How often?
- Once every week
How to Prevent Dry Scalp
1. Proper Conditioning:
Natural hair oil or sebum is absent in many cases with dry scalp. So it is necessary to condition the hair with enriching oils. Even some healthy oil massage at home can result in better nourishment for dry scalp. Best is hot oil conditioning. Apply warm oil to the scalp and use your fingertips gently in a circular motion. This compensates for sebum and nourishes the scalp. In addition, you can use a mild conditioner every time to wash your hair. Conditioning is very important after shampoo, as it reduces moisture from the scalp.
2. Use Cold or Lukewarm Water to Wash Hair:
Hot water is a known cause for dandruff. It is advised not to use hot water on hair. Also hard water is worst for hair and thus use water softeners.
3. Scalp Massage:
Apply nourishing oils at least twice a week and massage the scalp gently. Stimulate your scalp with strokes of fingers to enrich them. Even while shampoo it is necessary to massage gently. The massage with fingers makes the scalp healthy and get rid of dry dead skin.
4. Use Anti-Dandruff and Mild Shampoo:
Choose your shampoo wisely, dark dye-based and heavily chemical-laden shampoos are harmful to the skin. They even cause breathing disorders if prolonged. Try medicated over the counter dandruff treatment shampoos. These are containing zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, or selenium oxide; these active ingredients can help clear up irritated, flaky, and dry skin. Use them alternating with your nourishing shampoo, once a week.
5. Vitamin B and Zinc supplements:
Vitamin B is known to cause a dry and itchy scalp problem. Have more vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin B and Zinc and also supplement with flax-seed oils, zinc and selenium. See your dermatologist for further vitamin supplements.
There are multiple ways to get rid of dry scalp. The only thing you need to do is ensure that you are doing things the right way to ensure the maximum benefits. We have shared the top 14 natural remedies that work amazingly and definitely hope that one or the other works in getting rid of the symptoms associated with the dry scalp for you.
