Having a dry scalp can often be mistaken with having dandruff, which is why many use anti-dandruff treatment as a measure for dry scalp treatment.
It is due to the common symptoms that include having a flaking and itchy scalp; however, there can be two distinct reasons for that.
The main cause of dandruff is excess oil on the skin. On the other hand, a dry scalp’s skin gets irritated and flakes off.
What is a dry scalp?
A dry scalp is caused when the scalp doesn’t have enough oil for the skin on the head to feel lubricated.
You can easily associate dry scalp with other dry skin conditions that cause itching, flaking, and irritation.
A dry scalp makes your hair appear dry and brittle as the hair are not conditioned with the scalp’s natural oils.
People with dry skin are much more prone to having a dry scalp. Some of the trigger factors that cause the drying of the scalp are (1):
- Harsh and dry air, especially during winters
- Excessive hair wash
- Prevalent skin conditions like eczema
Dandruff vs. Dry Scalp
A dry scalp has smaller and dry flakes, an itchy scalp, and is prevalent in people with dry skin conditions on other parts of their body.
On the other hand, dandruff is the presence of oily and large flakes that are yellow or white in color accompanied by an itchy scalp and a red, oily, or scaly skin.
The principal cause of dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis, which is a condition that turns the skin oily, red, & scaly and can be present anywhere on the body where you have oil glands, including your armpits, eyebrows, etc. (2)
A fungus called Malassezia can also trigger dandruff. (3)
Dry Scalp Treatment: Home Remedies For Dry Scalp
We have put together the best dry scalp remedies that can be done at home that will be your scalp moisturizer, leading to healthier scalp and more supple hair.
While there a number of reasons that can lead to a dry scalp, these home remedies for dry scalp will help you tackle your problem from the root with the natural dry scalp treatment.
5 Definite At-Home Dry Scalp Remedies
1. Coconut oil
Coconut oil has been used for generations for the n number of skin and hair benefits, especially in South-East Asia.
Coconut oil’s chemical structure, predominantly made of medium-chain fatty acid called lauric acid, makes it the perfect lubricant for dry scalp.
It also contains antifungal and antimicrobial properties that are useful in treating dry scalp and dandruff. (4)
How to use for dry scalp treatment as a scalp moisturizer (home remedies for dry scalp):
You can use naturally extracted coconut oil, containing zero mineral oil, for dry scalp treatment by:
- Melt one scoop of coconut oil.
- Making oil lukewarm helps it penetrate deeper into the scalp.
- Massage the coconut oil onto your scalp and leave it from 10-30 minutes.
- Wash your scalp as usual.
2. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and helps in reducing skin irritation while moisturizing the skin simultaneously. (5)
The plant-extracted gel can prove of immense help as a dry scalp remedy by helping tackle itchiness and dryness, acting as a scalp moisturizer.
How to use as a dry scalp remedy as a scalp moisturizer:
- Scoop out aloe vera gel.
- Massage the gel onto your scalp thoroughly.
- Leave it for 10-15 minutes.
- Wash your hair as usual
Note: Perform a patch test to ensure you’re not allergic to aloe vera.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is amongst the most popular essential oils that is usually used along with a carrier oil for its potential health benefits.
Tea tree oil holds strong antifungal, antiseptic, and antibiotic properties that is used for dry scalp treatment. (6)
How to use for dry scalp remedies as a scalp moisturizer:
- Mix a few drops of essential tea tree oil with a carrier oil, be it coconut, olive, or castor oil.
- Massage it on your scalp.
- Leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
- Wash hair as usual.
4. Mashed bananas
It’s time to make the mashed bananas hair mask for home remedies for dry scalp.
Bananas are naturally equipped with essential nutrients and moisturizing agents that make it perfect for dry scalp remedies.
Bananas are nourishing & moisturizing and are also a natural microbial. (7)
How to use the dry scalp remedy as a scalp moisturizer (home remedies for dry scalp):
- Mash a banana using fork (preferably ripened)
- Blend it with a few tablespoons of oil (coconut or olive) in a blender.
- Apply and coat your scalp evenly with the mixture.
- Leave for 10-15 minutes.
- Wash hair thoroughly.
5. Egg and Yogurt
Yogurt holds inherently cooling & anti-inflammatory properties, which helps immensely in treating dandruff and dry scalp. (8)
On the other hand, eggs are packed with proteins, nutrients, and minerals that help in moisturizing dry locks and a dry scalp. (9)
Palestinians have been traditionally using this mixture of eggs and yogurt for dry hair and dry scalp treatment. (10)
How to use as a dry scalp remedy:
- Add a few tablespoons of unflavoured yogurt in a bowl.
- Beat an egg separately and add to yogurt.
- Whisk them both together to form a smooth mixture.
- Massage the mixture on the scalp.
- Leave for 15-30 minutes.
- Rinse hair thoroughly with cold or lukewarm water.
Note: Ensure that you do not use hot water to rinse your hair as the egg may cook, making it more difficult to remove from hair. Additionally, hot water strip natural oil oils from the scalp, making hair dry and brittle in the first place.
Conclusion
It can be irritating to have a dry scalp, especially as a busy professional who hardly get any weekend to themselves. Thankfully, dry scalps are very common amongst individuals and can be treated easily through home remedies. However, in case your dry scalp is caused or associated with an infection (fungal infection), you must visit a doctor and get your dry scalp treated from a professional. Additionally, you must also ensure your dry scalp is not being caused due to unsuitable haircare production or hair care routine.
