Don’t you want to enjoy free-flowing and luscious hair that accentuates your appearance significantly? Well, who does not want to enjoy healthy hair, as they indeed are the defining factor of our personality? But on many occasions, you feel irritation on your scalp or see the dreaded dandruff flakes on your clothes and start wondering why it is so that even after using the best hair products, you see persistent issues
These very products that you use cause your scalp to dry and damage your hair. Dry scalp is a severe problem which if not addressed can end up ruining your hair.
Dry scalp is a condition wherein the skin and the scalp get highly sensitive leaving the skin irritated, and it starts flaking off. This is where you must use natural remedies like coconut oil for dry scalp. Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer which nourishes your scalp from within and strengthens your hair.
Perhaps we should try getting a better glance at the facts and so why not take a look at the details below!
Causes of dry scalp
A significant reason for dry scalp is lack of moisture content in the scalp as well as hair strands. Dry scalp can be caused due to following reasons;
- Cold and dry air in the environment
- Old age
- Also, a reaction caused due to the usage of products onto the scalp like hairsprays, styling gels, and even shampoo
Symptoms of dry scalp
Some of the signs through which one can identify dry scalp include;
- Dry and smaller flakes
- Itching scalp
- Dry skin(1) on other parts of the body can also be a signal towards having a dry scalp
One way to deal with dry scalp is to keep the scalp moisturized. Here, coconut oil for dry scalp can be of great help. This oil has unusual properties that help tackle a variety of conditions including the dry scalp.
Coconut Oil For Dry Scalp
Coconut oil is very widely used for a variety of activities. This oil has a very powerful but pleasant aroma. Coconut oil is said to have so many benefits for skincare and hair care. It is very much evident especially from tropical and coastal regions which boast their shiny and think hair.
It is said that coconut oil is the very first plant to be used by humankind. This oil is extracted from the thick and white semisolid fruit inside the coconut shell through the process of cold pressing, making it organic and potent. This oil acts as a barrier between hair washes hence the hair stays shiny and healthy. Coconut is said to have the following benefits;
- Helps stimulate hair growth
- Promotes hair growth by fighting dandruff, lice and other infections
- Gets rid of the dry scalp by providing moisture
- Add shine and luster to the hair
- Helps prevent breakage of hair and heals split ends
- Slows down hair loss
Coconut oil is beneficial for extreme dry scalp condition, itchy scalp, and also conditions of chronic dry scalp since the oil provides enough moisture for the scalp to stay healthy and prevent flaking of the skin.
[ Read: How to Get Rid of Dry Scalp at Home ]
Why use coconut oil for dry scalp
Coconut oil is a rich source of fatty acids in the natural and purest form. The oil has terrific antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, and it also has mystical moisturizing properties.
This oil is said to be more penetrative on the scalp whereas other oils are not able to. Coconut oil can also be used for small babies having dry scalp issues which are most commonly called Cradle crap. The oil is said to have hydrating effects and helps loosen those dry flakes making the scalp moisturized.
It is trusted oil which can be used for all age groups, be it babies, toddlers, teenagers, adults, and oldies. It is beneficial for chronic dry scalp condition wherein this is very similar to dandruff where the skin flakes off.
[Read: Remedies for Itchy Scalp]
How to use coconut oil for dry scalp
There are numerous ways to use Coconut oil for dry scalp. Coconut oil mask: it is a scalp treatment. Take 3-5 tablespoons of coconut oil(2) or preferable amount depending on hair length onto a bowl. Heat the oil for 30 seconds in a microwave and massage the oil onto the scalp and strands of the hair.
Comb through the hair to help the oil spread evenly all across. Use a shower cap to cover hair and let it sit for two hours and rinse the same by shampooing.
Below are a few ways as to how Coconut oil should be used safely;
Using excess oil can clog the pores; therefore, it is important to use coconut oil only in adequate amounts. Always begin with using small amounts of oil rather than pouring in excess, since more is not good always. Coconut oil can also be used with blending along with other essential oils that will have more benefits and help in dealing with dry scalp issues.
Side effects
There are two forms of coconut oil – the Virgin coconut oil and commercial coconut oil. The virgin coconut oil is said to be the purest form of coconut oil, and it comes with barely any side effects. This oil is extracted from premium quality coconuts and through cold pressing which is organic, not containing any artificial and synthetic fillers and preservatives.
Commercial coconut oil undergoes chemical processes during extraction and comes with the added chemical as preservatives, which can lead to side effects like allergies, rashes, inflammation and much more. Use of commercial coconut oil should be avoided in children and toddlers as they are more prone to allergies owing to the chemicals.
Precautions
Coconut oil is considered very safe for everyone across all age groups. However, there are few pointers to be kept in mind as precautions before using Coconut oil. Pregnant women especially who are breastfeeding should careful and consult a health expert before using the same. A consultation with a health expert for using coconut oil for children is a must.
[Read: Get Rid of Dry Scalp]
Other Home Remedies
- Aloe Vera has moisturizing properties which are very helpful for dry scalp. It helps reduce skin irritation and also is a fantastic hydration agent. Aloe Vera gel can be applied topically onto the scalp and let it sit for ten minutes and then rinsing it off with a mild shampoo.
- Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has excellent health benefits and can help reduce dry scalp issues. It also helps exfoliate the scalp and lock in the hydration. Mixing one part of apple cider vinegar and two parts of water and applying it to the scalp. And after that wash it with a shampoo and a conditioner.
- Avocados: applying mashed avocado mixed with olive oil onto the scalp and massaging it thoroughly. And let it sit for 10 minutes and wash it off. Avocados have a high content of fatty acids that have unusual moisturizing properties.
Conclusion
Having dry scalp is so uncomfortable, but the great news is that it can be treated with the help of Coconut oil. Using a lot of hair products and changing the hair regime frequently can also lead to dry scalp conditions. With the benefits of coconut oil for dry scalp and other alternative home remedies for the same, you can effectively tackle this problem.
