Dryness, itchiness and flaking can all be signs of a dry scalp. Whether it’s caused by too much sun exposure, the wrong hair care products, or washing your hair too frequently, having a dry scalp can be a real drag. Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent and treat a dry scalp and it’s all about getting moisture back into your hair. If you’ve been dealing with itchiness and flaking, check out these natural dry scalp treatment tips and remedies.
What Is ‘Dry Scalp’?
Dry scalp can easily be confused with dandruff, as they have the same main symptoms (flaking and an itchy scalp), but they’re not actually the same thing. If you have a dry scalp, your skin gets irritated and flakes off, whereas dandruff is caused by too much oil on your scalp, along with an overgrowth of yeast (Malassezia) that’s already on your skin.
The main way you can decipher between dandruff and a dry scalp is that dandruff creates larger flakes that may be yellow-tinged or look oily, whereas a dry scalp creates dry, small flakes.
What Are the Symptoms of Dry Scalp?
- Itching
- Flaking (dry, small flakes)
- Tight-feeling scalp
- Redness
- Dry skin on other parts of your body
What Causes Dry Scalp?
Dry scalp occurs due to a lack of moisture. This can be caused by hair care products, changes in the weather, washing too frequently, age and various skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
The hair products you use could cause contact dermatitis, which is a condition that occurs when chemicals in the products cause a reaction. You could also be using products that strip the natural oils from your skin, reducing moisture.
Too much sun exposure, without proper protection, can burn your scalp, resulting in dryness and irritation, while cold, dry air can also lead to a dry, flaky scalp. All these things can cause the natural moisture defenses in your skin to be harmed. The irritation damages the outer layer of skin and causes flakes and itchiness.
4 Tips to Prevent Dry Scalp
1. Switch Up Your Shampoo Routine
If you feel a dry scalp coming on, minimize how often you wash your hair. Over-washing strips the scalp and hair of natural oils, which are already lacking if you experience dryness. You’ll also want to choose your shampoo carefully. Steer clear of alcohol and sulfates and look for nourishing, moisturizing ingredients. The LivSo Moisturizing Shampoo contains coconut oil for moisture, glycolic acid for exfoliation and xylitol, which contains anti-fungi and anti-yeast properties.
2. Avoid Alcohol in Your Hair Care Products
If you see alcohol on the ingredients list of any of your hair care products, it’s time to throw them out. Alcohol dries out the scalp a lot. While it’s typically used in styling products to help the hair dry faster, it also wicks moisture from the hair and scalp. Ingredients like sulfate, menthol and eucalyptus can also be drying and cause an imbalance in the pH of the scalp.
3. Stay Well Hydrated
When you don’t drink enough water, your skin (including your scalp) starts to dry up and can flake. This can lead to itching and irritation, and can actively damage your skin, making you more prone to conditions like dandruff. Make sure you’re drinking enough water each day (the recommended amount is eight 8-ounces glasses). Keep a water bottle next to you at work all day, add fruit, lemon or cucumber to spice things up, and try herbal teas if you’re a fan of hot drinks.
4. Protect Your Scalp From The Elements
The sun can cause your scalp to burn and become irritated, and cold, dry air can cause it to become dry and itchy. Wearing a hat in the summer and winter can help protect your scalp from the elements. The more you can keep your scalp covered when outside in the sun, heat or cold, the healthier (and happier) your scalp will be.
4 Natural Dry Scalp Treatment Remedies
1. Make a Scalp Scrub
A scalp scrub should be part of your regular hair care routine, especially if you have a dry scalp. Dead skin cells accumulate on your scalp, pores become clogged, and there’s also residue that builds up from the products you use.
Regular scalp exfoliation helps remove product residue and environmental pollutants, reviving your dry scalp. You can easily create a scalp scrub at home by combining 2 tablespoons of natural sugar, 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Use it once or twice a week, massaging it into your scalp for a few minutes before shampooing and conditioning.
2. Use an Essential Oil
Applying a nourishing essential oil is an excellent way to give your scalp some TLC. This can help alleviate an itchy scalp and reduce inflammation. Lavender is best known for its soothing properties and lemon oil helps unclog the pores around the follicles, which reduces flaking.
Peppermint is anti-inflammatory and helps soothe an itchy scalp. Rosemary essential oil is known to stimulate your scalp and promote hair growth. You can mix the essential oils into a carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil or mix it into your shampoo.
3. Do a Jojoba Oil Hair Treatment
Jojoba oil is super moisturizing and nourishing for the scalp and hair. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, and although it’s great for all types of hair, it’s particularly effective on curly and textured hair.
Due to its anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, it helps restore the scalp’s moisture and pH balance, so it will moisturize your hair without leaving it greasy. Massage it into your scalp and leave it on for 10-20 minutes before shampooing.
4. Make a Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse
An apple cider vinegar hair rinse is sometimes all you need to balance the skin on your scalp and eliminate bacteria that could be causing dry scalp symptoms. Mix together 1 part apple cider vinegar and 4 parts water.
Fill a squeeze bottle and apply to clean, wet hair after shampooing in the shower. Massage it gently into the scalp and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and then condition.
If you’re experiencing a dry scalp, try these tips and remedies for some serious relief.
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