Dry scalp is an irritating but ultimately harmless condition which is similar to other scalp conditions like eczema or dandruff. While it does sometimes (but not always) cause flaking, dry scalp rarely produces the excessive and constant itching that’s associated with these other conditions. Dry scalp can lead to dull, frizzy, or fragile hair, and if left untreated for long enough it can result in permanent hair loss. The leading factors which cause dry scalp include extended exposure to very dry conditions (either hot or cold) and poor diet.
Scalp Hygiene Treatments
Scalp Massage
Make your shampoo routine more sensitive to help fix your scalp. Use a soft boar bristle brush to massage your scalp prior to washing your hair. This will get rid of dead skin, oils, and excess hair products. Genuine boar bristles will lift out unwanted debris and distribute your naturally-occurring oils throughout your scalp and hair.
DIY Hair Masks
Sometimes your scalp just needs a little help holding on to the natural moisture it needs to thrive. An oil treatment is a perfect way to help ramp up moisture levels and keep them locked in your scalp where they belong. Our favorite natural oil for this purpose is coconut oil. You should rub this directly into your scalp and hair. Use a shower cap to protect your hair and let the oil penetrate for at least 45 minutes. Also, take a look at the homemade coconut oil and honey hair mask we’ve described elsewhere for an even more effective (and luxurious!) hair and scalp treatment.
Alternatively, you can make a very simple hair mask with an even mix of apple cider vinegar and water. Mix the two ingredients thoroughly, spray them on your scalp, and give them at least 15 minutes to sink in. Then rinse the mask out.
Masks should be applied on a weekly basis. Stick with it until you see signs of improvement; they’ll show up quicker than you think!
Topical Treatments
Hair Lotion
Washing your hair too frequently can lead to an itchy, flaky, dry scalp. Use a quality hair lotion to treat dry or scaly patches on your hairline and extend your time in between full washes. Our personal favorite is Dr. Hauschka’s Neem Hair Lotion. This product contains Neem leaf extract, which is a potent antibacterial ingredient that stops flakes; Nettle, which provides an astringent effect; and Calendula to soothe irritated skin. It can help with both dry scalps and those that are too oily.
For a fast dry scalp spot treatment, use Burt’s Bees Hand Salve. Although it’s intended to moisturize dry hands, it also works wonders on your hairline. It can bring quick and effective relief to any spots that flare up or start bothering you.
Some sites specialise in offering advice on dry scalp and one of those is http://www.dryscalpgone.com/. This site has a raft of information on how to get rid of dry scalp and the problems it causes and is worthy of a look.
Dietary And Supplemental Remedies
Fatty Acids
Eating more of the foods that deliver essential fatty acids (e.g. salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds) and staying away from coffee and alcohol can prevent dry scalp.
Kelp
Kelp is an edible seaweed that’s packed with useful trace minerals. It’s particularly rich in iodine, which plays a vital role in hair growth and scalp health. You should talk to your physician or a nutritionist about using kelp and keep track of how much iodine you’re ingesting – this will be noted on the label of any kelp supplement.
Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is essential for every aspect of skin health, including keeping your scalp in good shape. Hydration can make such a difference that it may be the only thing you need to fix a case of dry scalp. Take our 30 Day Challenge to boost your hydration levels and drink 8 glasses of water every day. We think you’ll be surprised by the results!
