Sometimes, it’s not your hair itself but a dry scalp can cause you a bad hair day. Falling flakes and itchiness are common dry scalp symptoms. So what causes this condition? And how can you treat it to feel comfortable and confident with your hair again? Keep scrolling down to discover!
1. What causes dry scalp?
Generally speaking, a dry scalp happens when the scalp has too little moisture. This lack of moisture can be caused by a lot of factors, including:
- Harsh ingredient in hair care products
- Cold, dry air
- Excessive washing
- Not drinking enough water
- Skin conditions, such as eczema psoriasis
2. How to treat a dry scalp at home
So if you are struggling to deal with your itchy, flaky scalp, stay calm and try one of the following home remedies. A natural dry scalp treatment is safe, accessible and cost-effective, so why not give it a try?
2.1. Natural oil
Natural oil is something easy to be found in your kitchen, and it has wonderful health benefits. Some natural oils recommended for dry scalp treatment at home are coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, and avocado oil. These oils are well-known as a moisturizer and some also have antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective in treating scalp dryness and preventing infections.
How to use: Warm a small amount of oil and massage it onto your scalp. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes or overnight (covering your scalp with a towel) and wash it out with a sulfate-free shampoo afterwards.
2.2. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a great natural remedy that helps moisturize your dry scalp without making it greasy like oil does. Rich in anti-inflammatory properties, it can also relieve your scalp itchiness effectively.
How to use: Apply a certain amount of aloe vera gel onto your scalp and massage it. Leave it on for about 30 minutes, then wash it out with a gentle shampoo.
See more: 10 Homemade Aloe Vera Hair Mask Recipes For Beautiful Tresses
2.3. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a popular essential oil widely used for various health and beauty benefits. It does wonders for your dry scalp due to its antifungal, antiseptic, and antibiotic properties. Always remember to dilute it in a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or olive oil as applying 100% tea tree oil can result in dryness, blistering and rashes. Note that some people are allergic to tea tree oil, so you should try a patch test beforehand.
How to use: Mix 2-3 tablespoons of carrier oil with 2-3 drops of tea tree oil. Apply a certain amount of the mixture onto your scalp and massage it. Leave it on for about 30 minutes, then wash it out with a gentle shampoo.
2.4. Apple cider vinegar
You may be surprised to know that apple cider vinegar – a common ingredient in cooking – can also be used to treat a dry scalp. Yes it is. Apple cider vinegar is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory so it can relieve itchiness and eliminate dandruff.
How to use: Mix ½ cup of ACV with 1 ½ cups of cool water. Shampoo and rinse your hair as normal, then pour the diluted ACV through the hair and massage it. Let it sit for a few minutes and wash it off thoroughly with cold water.
2.5. Yogurt and egg
Yogurt and egg – two common ingredients not only in cooking but also in hair care – is a good formula for treating a dry scalp. Yogurt and egg mask can provide your scalp with the moisture it is in desperate need of.
How to use: Mix 2 eggs and 1 tsp of fresh, unflavoured yogurt. Apply the mask to your scalp and leave it on for about 30 minutes. Then, rinse it out with warm water and a mild shampoo.
3. How to prevent a dry scalp
As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. You can minimize the risk of scalp dryness by incorporating the following tips into your hair care routine:
- Use a gentle clarifying shampoo that is free of harsh chemicals, such as sulfate, paraben and alcohol.
- Avoid oily products that can cause too much buildup on your scalp.
- Don’t wash your hair every day.
- Drink enough water.
4. Q&A
Can dry scalp cause hair loss?
If a dry scalp is caused merely by a lack of moisture, this may not be the direct cause of hair loss. However, there is still a link between them. That is, when you have a dry scalp, you’re likely to feel itchy and scratch your scalp and this can weaken hair follicles and cause hair loss.
When should I visit a doctor?
In this post, we’ve shared home remedies for dry scalp, but in some cases, you should get it treated by a healthcare provider. If those remedies don’t work for you and you experience worse symptoms, such as constant itching, red rash or swelling, you’d better visit a dermatologist.
Hope that our post is helpful for use in dealing with your dry scalp! By knowing the prevention and cure, you’ll soon recover the health of your scalp. Follow Macsarahair – the biggest Vietnamese hair factory for more useful posts on hair care, hairstyles and hair knowledge. And if you’re looking for hair extensions to add length, texture and color to your hair, our 100% Remy human hair extensions will help you achieve your hair dream. For more details and best deals, don’t hesitate to contact us at (+84) 37 9989 559!
