Do you suffer from a dry, itchy scalp? While you are probably asking yourself, “why me?” Rest assured, you are not alone in your troubles.
A dry, flaky scalp is a fairly common thing for people to experience at some point in their lives. It can happen for a variety of reasons, either from your external surroundings or internal body chemistry.
Common Reasons for Dry Itchy Scalp:
- Dry climate (especially the winter months)
- Overexposure to sunlight
- Poor diet
- Dehydration
- Hormone changes
- Imbalance of scalp (often caused by harsh chemicals in shampoos, water, etc.)
My Personal Scalp Troubles
I personally began battling scalp issues a few months ago. It sent me on a quest to figure out why my scalp was freaking out so much (it never has in the past).
In the meantime, I’ve learned a LOT about the human scalp (more than I’d like to know, quite frankly). I’m definitely not an expert, but what I have found is that scalp remedies are very individual. What works for one person, may not work for another person.
I share this natural remedy for dry scalp because it’s one of the few things that I’ve found that works for me.
The Difference Between Dry Scalp and Dandruff
Before you begin treating your dry scalp, you should make sure that that is actually what you are experiencing. Many people think that dry scalp and dandruff are the same thing. This is simply not true.
Dry scalp and dandruff, being very different conditions, should be treated differently as well. Knowing which you have is very important, as treating yourself for the wrong condition could actually make things worse.
Dandruff
Dandruff is not caused by dryness but is usually the result of a combination of too much oil (sebum) and yeast that feed on the sebum. The yeast is harmless but can be unpleasant and cause an odor. Dandruff is a more complex condition to treat than dry scalp.
Symptoms of Dandruff:
- Flakes are greasy and yellowish white in color
- Larger flakes that are harder to come off the scalp
- Itching
- Scalp Odor
Dry Scalp
Dry scalp is simply the lack of moisture on the scalp. It can be caused by anything that causes the loss of moisture. Some common causes include poor diet, dehydration, cold weather, harsh chemicals and shampoos, and product buildup.
Dry scalp cannot be remedied by using dandruff shampoos. In fact, many of the shampoos designed for treating dandruff may actually make your dry scalp worse.
Natural Remedy for Dry Scalp
Finally, let’s talk about the awesome remedy for dry scalp that I have found.
Our first goal is to naturally moisturize the scalp and lift dead skin cells. My preferred method of doing this is with coconut oil, which is a great natural moisturizer. You may use jojoba oil in place of coconut oil if you prefer. Both are perfectly acceptable for moisturizing skin care.
Our second goal is to heal the scalp, especially any damage that has been done by dryness. Having a dry scalp can leave cracks and sores on the scalp. Essential oils can help to heal the scalp of these blemishes. My preferred oils for healing the skin are lavender oil and tea tree oil.
I wrote about uses for lavender oil here: Top 5 Uses for Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender & Tea Tree Healing Scalp Treatment
Soften 4 tablespoons of coconut oil. Combine with 10 drops of lavender essential oil and 5 drops of tea tree oil. Mix well.
Simply Lavender Scalp Treatment
Soften 4 tablespoons of coconut oil. Combine with 15-17 drops of lavender essential oil. Mix well.
Application:
Starting at the crown of your head and at your natural part, begin applying the oil to your scalp. Gently rub the oil into your scalp in a circular motion. Part your hair in 2-inch sections, applying the oil to each section. Continue this until you have worked your way down the sides and back of your scalp.
Don’t worry if you can’t do this perfectly. Just get the oil onto your scalp as best you can.
Wrap your head in a towel or shower cap. Leave the oil on your scalp for at least 20 minutes. Wash your hair as you normally would.
If you have a very dry scalp, you can leave this treatment in overnight. Repeat as often as necessary. It may take time to heal your scalp.
~ Where to Buy Essential Oils ~
I currently recommend Mountain Rose Herbs or Plant Therapy.
~
Let me know in the comments what has worked for your dry scalp.
(recipes based on proper dilution here.)
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*This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please follow all safety guidelines and if needed, consult a certified aromatherapist.
Vanessa integrates EMDR, sandtray, and attachment-focused approaches in her work and is completing credentials toward Registered Play Therapist and EMDRIA certification. With a background as a certified birth doula and a passion for making healing accessible, she writes and teaches on the intersection of trauma, neurodevelopment, and story-based therapy.
thanks for this! My hubby has a very dry scalp and we have tried almost everything to help! grabbing the oils I need today! 🙂
Great tips! Thanks for this post on going the natural way for treating dry scalp issues. The harsh chemicals in some everyday shampoo products are certainly some of the reasons why people experience dry scalp issues, and even health issues for that mater. Using natural and organic remedies are the best things we can apply to our hair and protect ourselves from harmful carcinogenic ingredients.
Try using aloe vera aside from essential oils. Aloe vera rubbed on your dry scalp is also very effective.