HOME REMEDIES TO FIGHT DRY SCALP

What home remedies for dry scalp should you be using?

Dry scalp is a common problem, which almost everyone has faced at some point in their lives. The scalp is covered in sebaceous glands which secrete a waxy oil-like substance known as sebum. This is supposed to coat and protect your head from the outside world.

In certain scenarios, your scalp is either unable to produce or retain enough sebum, which can lead to a dry scalp. This lack of sebum can no longer keep the moisture on your head, allowing it to escape from the skin and the hair strand. It’s often accompanied by flaking skin and is thus mistaken for dandruff.

The common reasons for a dry scalp are:

• Overwashing
• Heat treatment and styling
• Harsh hair colour
• Allergic reactions
• Sudden weather changes
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Skin ailments
• Products with alcohol

Luckily, this problem is usually a temporary one and you can find various dry scalp remedies, including a dry scalp treatment at home.

You just need to raid your kitchen cabinet for most of the ingredients to help get rid of your dry scalp. But it’s important to remember that most of these home remedies for dry flaky scalp are based on anecdotal evidence. These are not foolproof methods and can have varying effects on people, sometimes even leading to other issues. Always use them carefully.

• Coconut oil (or jojoba oil)-

  A commonly used dry scalp treatment at home, coconut oil is something we’ve all grown up with. It’s often used as the cure for everything, sometimes even the taste of your meals. Using coconut oil for your dry scalp has shown to be quite effective, as it can lock in the moisture on your scalp and hair. It also contains anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.

You can apply coconut oil directly onto your scalp and massage it in. It can also be combined with essential oils like tea tree oil or in a hair mask with egg white or aloe vera. You can leave it overnight or wash with a gentle shampoo.

• Aloe Vera-

  This translucent gel is often used as a home remedy for dandruff and dry scalp. Packed with enzymes and nutrients, this can hydrate your scalp and immediately calm down any itching as well. It’s known to be an effective moisturising solution.

Make sure to use 100% aloe vera gel, because there are various knockoffs in the market. You can apply this on your scalp and hair directly, leaving it for as long as you like. Hair masks with aloe vera are also effective as a flaky scalp treatment. Combine it with honey, yoghurt, or coconut oil for effective moisturising.

• Apple Cider Vinegar-

  Often used as a dressing for salads, you can also pour a bit of this onto your scalp as a hydrating agent. It is rich in minerals, acids, vitamins and live cultures, having an anti-inflammatory effect. This can also help restore the pH balance of your scalp.

When using apple cider vinegar as a dry scalp treatment, you must be careful with the quantities. Using it undiluted on your scalp can cause more problems than solving it. Dilute it with water and apply it to your hair, washing with a shampoo after. You can also add an essential oil to it. It should restore shine and bounce to your hair.

• Tea Tree oil-

  This essential oil is one of the many effective home remedies for flaky scalps, made from a small tree found in Australia. It’s packed with benefits for your hair and scalp, bringing back the hydration levels to your skin. It can help regulate the oil levels on your scalp and also contains anti-septic properties.

Using tea tree oil is relatively simple, as you can add a few drops to your shampoo while washing. You can also dilute it in a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil, and then massage it onto your scalp. Leave it for about 20-30 minutes and then wash with a shampoo. If you want to create a hair mask, try aloe vera , honey, or olive oil.

• Avocados-

  You might have seen this on your breakfast menu, but finding it on a list of home remedies for dry scalp might seem weird. Avocados and avocado oil are known to be moisturising and nourishing due to the natural oils that they contain. These can rejuvenate your flaky dry scalp and reinstate the natural oil barrier.

There are various ways to use avocados. You can buy or create your own avocado oil, or just mash avocados to form a paste. Create a hair mask with either of these, combining it with ingredients like coconut oil, lemon juice, eggs, aloe vera, or even bananas. Always wash your hair after with a gentle shampoo.

You can also create home remedies for flaky scalp with other ingredients like eggs, baking soda and bananas, but always be careful with the quantities. If you’re unsure, you can also use shampoos that are hydrating in nature. Try the Head and Shoulders Silky Black that deep cleanses pores and provides scalp hygiene. Or try the Head and Shoulders 2 in 1 Cool Menthol, which gives you the combined benefits of a shampoo and conditioner in one.