Does an itchy dry scalp leave you scratching your head for solutions for how to cure dry scalp? Nearly 42% of the population(1) across various age groups and demographics suffer from dry scalp at some point in their life.
Men are more prone to dry scalp than women.
Simply stating that dealing with dry scalp is annoying is an understatement. Fortunately, it is a problem that can be sorted out right from the comforts of your home. There are multiple home remedies that help answer the most important question: how to fix dry scalp?
Here is a quick lowdown on how to get rid of the dry scalp!
Dry scalp and dandruff have common symptoms, dry scalp flakes that fall out from your scalp. However, dry scalp and dandruff are not the same. The primary difference between the two is that dry scalp is caused when your skin doesn’t get enough moisture. On the other hand, dandruff is caused by the excess production of oil by the scalp.
If you have dry scalp, the dryness in your skin may be seen on other parts of your body like arms and legs – dry scalp results in smaller, dry flakes of skin. Dandruff is characterized by oily, red, and scaly skin where the flakes are oily, large, and yellow, or white.
Before you explore how to treat dry scalp, it is important to identify the causes of dry scalp. This way, you can not only get rid of dry scalp, but you can also keep it at bay. Here are a few common causes of the dry scalp:
Here is a list of natural remedies for dry scalp, which will address the root cause of your problems:
Apple Cider Vinegar, or ACV, can target a wide range of skin-related issues. Hence, it comes as no surprise that it can also fix dry scalp!
ACV is a natural astringent and, as such, offers the scalp a deep cleanse(2). Further, it not only gets rid of microbes and fungi but also balances the pH. Thus, in a way, it resets your scalp and triggers the regular functioning of the sebum glands, which can get rid of even severe dry scalp!
NOTE: If you have sensitive skin, consider diluting one part ACV with equal parts purified water or honey.
Do this once a week and not more than twice a week.
[Read: Home Remedies for Dry Scalp]
Aloe vera gel and juice can significantly boost your skin’s health. So, if you are wondering what to use for dry scalp? Then the answer is Aloe Vera gel!
The wild species of Aloe Vera can survive for nearly 100 years! Plus, 96 per cent of the plant is water alone!
Aloe Vera possesses antimicrobial(3) and anti-inflammatory properties, which help in reducing skin irritation. Further, it is an effective moisturizer, and as such, can keep dry scalp away.
Do this twice a week for a healthy scalp.
Castor Oil is a pale yellow oil that is viscous in nature. It promotes hair growth and cleanses the scalp.
Castor oil has the capacity to induce labor, and as such, women at all stages of pregnancy must avoid consuming castor oil.
Castor oil possesses antifungal and antimicrobial(4) qualities to keep the scalp healthy. The anti-inflammatory properties of ricinoleic acid soothe itching. It is capable of moisturizing the scalp and keeping it hydrated.
Oil your hair at least twice a week.
Hair masks are the best way to pamper your hair. However, it also positively impacts your scalp. Here are a few DIY hair masks for dry scalp:
A quick trip to your pantry could offer an effective remedy for the dry scalp! Try this hair mask that makes use of yogurt, honey, and egg.
Yogurt exfoliates the skin and removes all flaky and dry skin. As it sloughs away the dead skin, the pores get unclogged, and the sebaceous glands can operate normally.
The protein in eggs conditions the hair and nourishes the scalp(5). It can cure skin dryness. The antifungal and antimicrobial property of honey gets rid of unwanted elements.
For best results, do this once a week.
Baking soda and olive oil are readily available around the house. As such, using this hair mask can target your dry scalp.
Olive oil moisturizes the scalp, which addresses the core reason behind dry scalp. On the other hand, baking soda possesses antifungal(6) and antibacterial properties while also being a natural exfoliant. Together, they can not only treat an itchy scalp but also restore their health.
Do this not more than once a week.
[Read: Olive Oil for Dry Scalp]
If you have a few overripe bananas lying around your house, do not dispose of them off just as yet! Make a wonderful hair mask using it.
While bananas are scientifically classified as a berry, the banana plant is considered to be a herb!
Bananas have nourishing and moisturizing properties. It not only tackles dry scalp but can also help in treating dandruff. Their antimicrobial properties clear up the dry scalp.
Apply this hair mask once a week.
Since dryness of the skin is the primary reason behind a dry and itchy scalp, topical application of the oil can naturally solve the problem. However, some oils provide more relief than others. Here is a list of such oils:
Coconut is well-known for boosting skin health, and the scalp is no exception. Application of coconut oil can significantly reduce the dryness of your scalp.
Coconut oil moisturizes the scalp while the antibacterial and antifungal(7) properties reduce the chances of infections.
Repeat this process for at least twice a week.
The health benefits offered by tea tree oil are endless. It is known to boost your physical and mental well-being.
Some people are allergic to tea tree oil!
If the dryness is caused due to fungal buildup, the antifungal properties of tea tree oil can unclog the pores and boost natural sebum production. The antiseptic and antibiotic(8) agents will help relieve dry scalp symptoms. Further, the anti-inflammatory properties will relieve the itching. On the other hand, the moisturizing action of Jojoba oil will hydrate your scalp.
NOTE: You could also mix some essential oil to your hair care products, like shampoo.
Follow this routine twice a week.
[Read: Treat Dry Scalp with Essential Oils]
Nicknamed ‘Liquid Gold’ Argan oil is extracted from the kernels of the Argan tree in Morocco. It is widely used in skin and hair products.
Argan oil has a composition, which is much similar to the body’s naturally produced oils.
The fatty acids present in argan oil lubricate the scalp and locks in the moisture. Further, the fatty layer prevents dryness. The anti-inflammatory(9) and antioxidant properties improve scalp health too.
Follow this hair care routine twice a day.
If your diet lacks certain vitamins and minerals, you could consume supplements to compensate for the deficiency. In case of dry scalp, here is the perfect supplement:
A number of hair products and cosmetic products are enriched with Vitamin E. It is known to protect the skin from the damaging effects of the sun and, as such, comes as no surprise that it prevents the scalp from drying out.
Vitamin E has antioxidants(10), which reverses the damage caused by free radicals. Further, it boosts blood circulation, hydrates the scalp by locking in the moisture, and promotes hair growth.
Consume the capsule as per your physician’s directions.
Avoid consuming too much of Vitamin E. Consult your doctor for an adequate dosage.
The following foods can help with your dry scalp:
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Along the same lines, apple juice can also help target your dry scalp woes.
Apples were the favorite fruit of ancient Romans and Greeks.
The mildly acidic nature of apple juice offers exfoliation to the scalp. It gets rid of all the dead, flaky, and dry skin. Further, it balances the scalp’s pH and restores the oil production of the scalp.
You could use this trick twice a week.
While everyone knows the trick of using lemon to treat dandruff, very few are aware that lemon could help with dry scalp too! Here’s how:
Lemon is a natural astringent. Furthermore, it balances out the scalp’s pH and creates a mildly acidic environment, which prevents the breeding of microbes. Its antifungal properties are also capable of treating fungal infection.
Follow this routine twice a week.
Just a little care can go a long way in dealing with a dry and itchy scalp. In addition to these natural remedies, it is extremely important that you drink copious amounts of water to hydrate your skin.
Finally, consuming a healthy diet that supplies you an adequate dose of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids can improve your scalp health.
So, go ahead and try out these natural cures for dry skin and you will be pleased with the results!
Let us now address a few frequently asked questions related to dry scalp.
If you are plagued with dry scalp, a variety of home and natural remedies have been listed out for you above. Depending on your body’s response to it, choose which works best for you.
Supplement these remedies with a balanced diet and an adequate water intake. After a while, you will notice a significant improvement in your scalp condition.
Unhealthy scalp robs the hair of its natural shine and lustre. Due to the buildup and the infection, your hair follicle may get weak, which could result in hair loss.
While excessive use of shampoo could cause dry hair, you could switch to a hydrating shampoo that could nourish your scalp. However, strictly stay away from chemical-rich shampoos as they may rob your scalp of moisture.
Dry scalp in infants could lead to cradle cap. To prevent it, you can apply virgin olive oil or organic castor oil to moisturize your kid’s scalp.