Dry scalp is a dreaded hair issue among people all over the world. The deficiency of oil in the skin causes this situation. This leads to a lot of dandruff, dry, itchy and irritated scalp. Frequent usage of shampoo and an unhealthy lifestyle also add to the already bad issue. Unless very serious, dealing with dry scalp does not need chemical medication.
The best option to deal is safe and the right care which is healthy, that can be got from essential oils.
Essential Oils for Dry Scalp
Causes of Dry Scalp
- Using harsh shampoos with a lot of chemical content frequently.
- Lack of nutrients.
- Fungal infections.
- Overexposure to hard water.
- Coming across extreme weather conditions.
- Excessive usage of styling products.
- Neglecting hair care.
- Lack of oiling/conditioning treatments.
Risk factors
- Washing hair too frequently.
- Usage of too many chemical-based products.
- Dry air, particularly during winters.
- Various skin conditions, such as eczema.
Signs and Symptoms
- Shedding of flakes from the scalp, i.e. dry, flaky scalp.
- Hair loss and dandruff.
- The scalp may often turn red or develop small sores, i.e. irritated scalp.
Essential Oils for Dry Scalp
Following are the best essential oils that can solve your issues related to dry scalp and provide your hair with extra benefits-
1. Peppermint Oil
Extracted from the mint family, this oil greatly helps in scalp stimulation and promotes hair growth. Because of its properties, peppermint oil has been proven to be beneficial for thickening hair and relaxing your scalp.
2. Rosemary Oil
Coming from the steam distillation of the leaves of rosemary plant, rosemary essential oil is among the top oils for hair thickness and growth. It is capable of increasing the micro nutrition of dry scalp, which promotes healing as well as hair growth. It ensures proper circulation and solves many of your hair problems. Additionally, this oil also tackles dandruff problems and delays greying.
3. Lavender Oil
This oil is obtained from the steam distillation of the flowers of the lavender plant. Lavender oil helps in the deep conditioning of the hair and keeps your hair shiny. It is effective against dandruff. It deepens the hair follicles and aids in hair growth and provides relief from the dry, itchy scalp and fungal infections.
4. Cedar Oil
Cedar oil is made from the wood pieces of a cedar tree. It helps in reducing dry, flaky scalp by and increasing the circulation to the scalp and stimulating hair follicles. It promotes hair growth and slows down hair loss.
5. Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon essential oil is naturally blessed with natural healing properties. It can soothe an irritated scalp and strengthen your hair follicles, therefore, appropriately treating your dry scalp with the least side-effects.
[ Read: How to Get Rid of Dry Scalp at Home ]
Why use essential oils for treating dry scalp?
Essential oils deal with various problems related to dry scalp very effectively more healthily and economically. These oils stimulate hair growth and ensure the maintenance of proper circulation for your scalp.(1)
These oils can immensely help in getting rid of dandruff and preventing dry scalps. They strengthen the hair follicles and provide proper nourishment to the scalp. They have many other benefits related to hair care and as an icing on the cake, reduce the stress and balance hormones as well.
How to use essential oils for hair growth?
You may mix a few drops of the appropriate essential oil with your shampoo or conditioner and cover your head. Leave it for some time before washing your scalp and hair in your usual way. Do consult your healthcare expert first and do this only if your scalp and hair are capable enough to bear the oil directly.
In case of sensitivity, take consultation from your healthcare expert and figure out the best carrier oil for yourself. You can now mix the essential oil with the carrier oil and apply it over your scalp and hair. Massage and leave it for some time and then rinse it off.
Before trying any of the methods or recipes, you have to confirm the right proportion and time for the products to be used.
Dos and Don’ts of Using Essential Oils
Dos
- Do consult a healthcare expert and confirm your allergies, if any, before using any of the oils.
- Do dilute your essential oil with some suitable carrier oil as and if required.
Don’ts
- Do not expose essential oils directly to the sun.
- Do not store them in plastic containers.
- Do not use any of these oils without dilution if recommended so.
DIY essential oil recipes for dry scalp
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Ingredients:
8 drops each of cedar oil and rosemary oil, six drops of tea tree oil, one tsp raw honey and 4 ounces of olive, almond or coconut oil.
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Method:
Blend all the ingredients well in a glass container to create a beautiful oil mask. Massage this oil gently into your scalp and leave for at least 20 minutes. Shampoo your hair in the usual way.
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Tip:
You may leave your scalp undisturbed for overnight in severe cases.
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Ingredients:
2-3 tbsp of coconut oil, seven drops each of lemon essential oil and tea tree oil, 3 tbsp aloe vera gel.
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Method:
Make a mixture of all the ingredients. Apply it on your scalp and then your hair. Keep it overnight and take a head wash in the morning.
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Tip:
Repeat this twice a week.
General tip – Prefer organic and natural shampoos and avoid chemicals as far as possible.
Side effects
- Essential oils are harmful to pregnant women.
- These oils can lead to allergic reactions if misused.
- Ingestion of essential oils can be dangerous and even fatal too.
Precautions
- Keep these oils at a safe distance from your eyes.
- Use of essential oils is not suggested for pregnant women.
- Before trying any oil (or combination of oils), do consult your healthcare expert and use properly.
- Ingestion of these oils should be avoided.
Other home remedies for dry scalp
Apple cider vinegar
Apply 2-3 tbsp of apple cider vinegar on your scalp using a cotton ball and massage for 2-3 min. Leave it for about 10 minutes and then rinse off with cold water. Be careful and do not repeat this recipe more than twice a week.
Lemon juice
Gently scrub half a lemon juice on your scalp and leave it for about 5 min. After this, you can rinse and condition as per your normal routine. Try this twice a week to cure dandruff related fungal infections and pH maintenance.
Baking Soda
Make a paste of 3-4 drops of baking soda with rose water and apply it on the scalp. Gently massage for 2-3 minutes and then rinse with cold water. Using this remedy twice a week can do wonders.
[ Read: How to Get Rid of Dry Scalp ]
Conclusion
Using essential oils for getting rid of dry scalp issues and even for regular hair care is a comparatively safer, effective and economical option. Hair care is not rocket science; all you need to know are the right things to do and the right products to use.
Essential oils are the remedies that exist as a blessing from nature that is well-capable of getting rid of dry scalp and further improving the health of your hair. Make a smart choice and turn to essential oils for your solutions. It is never the wrong time to take a few steps in the right direction for your health and well-being.
