10 Home Remedies For Dry Scalp
The scalp refers to the anatomical area bordering the face and neck. Usually described as having five distinct layers, it can be divided into the skin, connective tissue, aponeurosis, loose areolar connective tissue, and periosteum.
A dry scalp should not be confused with dandruff as the two conditions are distinct. While a dry scalp does not contain enough moisture, dandruff can be caused by a dry scalp, fungal infection, or other causes, resulting in flakes. It is important to know the difference as the treatment options are different for both these conditions.
A dry scalp is usually seen among individuals with dry skin and can cause flaking, itching, and irritation. The flakes seen in a dry scalp are smaller and whiter compared to dandruff. The hair can also appear dry as oil from the scalp is required to condition the hair. Some possible causes of a dry scalp include excessive hair washing, dry air (mostly seen during the winter months), and some skin conditions such as eczema. Below are 10 home remedies to try if you have a dry scalp.
Home Remedy #1: Gentle Shampoo
Shampoo is a product used to clean the hair. It is usually applied to wet hair, massaged onto the scalp and hair, and rinsed out after. It is mostly used to remove the buildup of sebum. Shampoo is usually made by combining a surfactant and cosurfactant in water. Specialty shampoos are available for individuals with issues such as gluten allergies, dandruff, and parasite infestations.
Individuals with a dry scalp should try looking for shampoo that contains gentle and natural ingredients such as baobab oil, aloe vera, and argan oil. It would be advisable to avoid shampoos that contain harsh chemicals and sulfates.
Home Remedy #2: Moisturizing Conditioner
Hair conditioner is a product that is used to reduce the friction between the hair strands. It is often advertised for other benefits such as moisturizing, hair repair, reduction of split ends, and hair strengthening. Conditioners are usually used after the hair has been shampooed.
Using a moisturizing shampoo not only benefits the hair but also the scalp. Conditioners that are moisturizing include those made with organic baobab, aloe, oatmeal, and honey. Individuals with a dry scalp should try not to over wash, even when using gentle shampoo, as it strips the scalp of the natural oils.
Home Remedy #3: Humidifier
A humidifier can be an effective home remedy for those experiencing issues such as dry skin and a dry scalp. This is especially important in regions with dry weather or during the winter months.
To use a humidifier as a home remedy for a dry scalp, place it in an area (such as the bedroom) where the affected individual spends most of their time. It can also be beneficial for colds, sore throats, and eczema. Using a humidifier for a dry scalp can improve symptoms such as prickliness, flaking, and increased sensitivity.
Home Remedy #4: Hydration
Up to 60 percent of the human body is made up of water. This makes hydration crucial as it is involved in many functions in the body. It acts as a solvent for chemical reactions and also as a transport material for waste and nutrients. It helps maintain circulation, blood volume, and body temperature regulation.
Staying hydrated is believed to help weight loss, improve physical performance, boost mood, increase brainpower, better the immune system, and prevent headaches. Staying hydrated also ensures that the skin and scalp does not become dry.
Home Remedy #5: Filtered Shower Head
Just like drinking filtered water, a filtered shower head can be used to eliminate chlorine, hazardous volatile organic compounds, and other substances in the water. While this may seem extreme, some studies have found that frequent swimmers and lifeguards that encounter high levels of chlorine experience more issues such as exacerbation of asthma.
There are also many individuals who notice that their hair is drier and frizzes more easily when they shower using hard water. Using filtered shower heads, individuals with issues such as dry skin, a dry scalp, and dandruff may find improvement of symptoms.
Home Remedy #6: Scalp Scrubs
Exfoliation is not just important for healthy skin. It is also the key to a healthy scalp and hair. Using a scalp scrub helps exfoliate the scalp to remove excess product build up, dead skin, and natural oils that have accumulated on the hair. Without a regular routine of maintaining a healthy scalp, it can lead to a dry scalp, clogged follicles, oily hair, and flaky scalp.
It can be an effective home remedy for dry scalp. However, those interested need to use it sparingly and use ingredients that do not cause further irritation and dryness. Scalp scrubs for a dry scalp should contain ingredients such as sugar and glycerin as it helps nourish the scalp while also exfoliating dead skin.
Home Remedy #7: Supplements
A supplement is a product that is consumed to provide nutrients such as amino acids, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, or fiber. There are some supplements that are believed to be beneficial for individuals with dry skin or scalp. Examples include vitamins A, C, E, and omega-3 oils.
Since these supplements benefit the skin, it is likely that it provides the same benefits for the scalp. Other potentially beneficial supplements are iron, zinc, and vitamin B (such as biotin).
Home Remedy #8: Argan Oil
Argan oil is oil extracted from the kernels of the argan tree found in Morocco. It is used there as a dipping, to drizzle over pasta, or in cosmetic purposes. It is commonly used in hair care products due to its hydrating properties.
Argan oil can be an effective home remedy for a dry scalp as it helps nourish the scalp. To use argan oil as a home remedy for a dry scalp, make an argan oil mask, apply it on the scalp, and leave it on for an hour before shampooing and rinsing as usual.
Home Remedy #9: Scalp Facial
A scalp facial is essentially like a facial that is for the scalp. While this concept may be new to the Western world, head spas have been popular in Japan for many years. It is believed to be able to benefit issues such as dryness and oiliness.
Some experts recommend having a scalp facial every 6 weeks as it helps take care of debris and dirt that clogs the follicles. Those who opt not to have it done at a salon can also try home kits that use oils such as lemongrass to reduce dryness and reverse the damages on the hair and scalp.
Home Remedy #10: Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a succulent plant that is cultivated for medicinal and agricultural purposes. It is commonly found in various products such as ointments, skin lotion, beverages, and cosmetics. Despite being used for thousands of years in traditional or folk medicine in the treatment of wounds, burns, and other skin conditions, there is little data available that proves the efficacy of aloe vera for the treatment of these conditions.
However, it can be tried as a home remedy to treat a dry scalp as it is believed to have moisturizing properties. To use it for a dry scalp, massage a tablespoon of aloe vera into the scalp and leave it for a minimum of 5 minutes before rinsing it off.
