HOW TO GET RID OF DRY SCALP? 14 TIPS AND HOME REMEDIES
14 Must Know Tips and Home Remedies on How to Get Rid of Dry Scalp
There is so much that beauty enthusiasts are willing to put up with when it comes to their comfort. We sacrifice our toes for the latest heels and we’ve resided to not eat when wearing the brightest lipsticks. However, there are certain things when it comes to beauty that you no longer have to put up with. One of these common discomforts that can be easily fixed with some creative solutions is a dry and itchy scalp.
We’ve all been there. Whether you’ve overdone it on the dry shampoo or just have a naturally dry scalp, this can be a problem often best left untouched. Scratching or rubbing a dry scalp can results in embarrassing flakes that can ruin anyone’s flow. Luckily for you, there is another way! Here are some of the best tips and tricks for combating the dreaded dry scalp, so that you can finally wear the special little black dress without any flakes getting in your way!
What causes dry scalp?
Sometimes the best way to treat an overly dry scalp is to first understand why it is dry in the first place. Here are some of the most common reasons why you may be experiencing a dry scalp paired with pesky flakes:
Build up
One of the most common reasons for a dry and itchy scalp is from long term build up that could be potentially irritating your head. This is especially true if you use hair products that are loaded with parabens and alcohols. Here are some tips to help keep that build up at bay:
- Swap hair products for ones that are additive free. This means no parabens, alcohol, perfumes, or artificial colors.
- Make sure to completely rinse out shampoos and conditioners. It’s always a good idea to give your hair an extra rinse to avoid the dreaded build up.
- Wash your hair no more than two times a week. This is especially true if you suffer from dry hair. Also, swap out your favorite shampoo for a natural clarifying shampoo. This will help to remove build up without stripping oils out of your hair.
Naturally dry hair
If you suffer from naturally dry that has been lovingly passed down to you, you know the frustrations that can come along with it. From instant frizz to tangled locks, dry hair can be a real bummer. Not to mention the dry scalp that comes along with it. While there is nothing that can be done about our roots and where we come from, we can work to make things a little bit easier on ourselves. Here are some things you can do to calm down your dry scalp:
- Always use a heat protector. If you have dry hair you know that sometimes the best way to manage those wild locks is to heat style them. However, this can turn into a vicious cycle when it comes to over drying your hair. Make sure to always protector your hair with a high quality heat protector and also try to limit heat styling during the dryer months.
- Treat yourself! Give yourself a nice relaxing spa treatment once a week in the form of a hydrating hair mask. These masks will not only feed your thirsty ends, but they will help to revitalize your dry scalp.
Lifestyle
It is easy to forget that the choices that we make in life can sometimes have unseen consequences. One fatality that we all forget about is the affect certain lifestyle choices can have on your luscious locks. This doesn’t mean that you have to stop living the life you want; it just means that making certain choices will help the health of your scalp. Here are some things to consider next time you feel like familiar scalp itch:
- Stay hydrated! The secret to a healthy scalp starts with keeping your body hydrated. This is especially important during the hotter seasons. So drink up, your hair will thank you.
- Make sure to get plenty of sleep. Exhaustion takes a serious toll on your body and can even change the way your hair behaves. So tuck yourself in for a solid eight hours and avoid the dreaded scalp itch.
- Take your time and relax. Anxiety is a common problem that many people face and while it can be hard to manage, it can also lead to a raw scalp. To make sure to take plenty of “you” time so that you spend less time scratching your scalp and more time enjoying your life.
Skin conditions
Another reason why people experience a dry and itchy scalp is because they are suffering from a common skin condition. Common conditions like psoriasis and eczema are not limited to only arms and legs. In fact, some of the earliest signs of psoriasis can appear right on the scalp. The important thing to remember about skin conditions is that they are a medical problem so always make sure to check with your doctor before trying any skin clearing treatment. Here are some things that brought skin condition suffers some relief:
- Tea tree shampoo treatment. T-gel shampoos are a great way to remove dried up flaking on your scalp caused by skin conditions. These shampoos are strong enough to break up those dry patches but gentle enough to not irritate your already sensitive skin.
- Avoid using any hair treatments that are loaded with additives and parabens. These will often make your skin conditions worse which will in turn worsen your dry scalp.
Home Remedies for a Dry Scalp
Now that you know what may be causing your scalp to get red and flaky, it is time to start treating the problem at the root. Here are some of the best home remedies to help combat that itchy scalp so that you can continue to slay the day flake free!
Tea Tree Oil Treatment
Sometimes the best ways to treat skin irritant problems is with natural solutions. This way you don’t make the problem worse by clogging up your scalp with unneeded bulk. This treatment is also perfect for you if you live a busy life and don’t have too much time to fuss with your hair. All you need it to get some high quality tea tree oil and a dropper.
The tea tree oil will calm down your scalp which will help to keep the flakes at bay. Pro tip: slightly warm the tea tree oil before applying it to your scalp. This will give you a spa like experience that is sure to relax your scalp and body. The best part about this treatment is that you don’t need to rinse it out. Simple apply it to the dry areas on your head and let the oil do the work.
Bubble Treatment
By now you have seen the videos of those delightfully fun looking bubble masks. While those are always good to clean and purify your skin, the same science can be applied to dry patchy scalps. This treatment works best on clean hair, but it is important to skip the conditioning cycle so that the bubble treatment can directly affect your scalp.
Start by scooping 1 tablespoon of baking soda into a dish and then drizzle in some extra virgin olive oil until the baking soda turns into a thick paste. Next, use your fingers to work the mixture into your scalp and then lather gently. Leave the bubbles to sit on your scalp for up to 10 minutes. The mixture will softly eat away at build up and dry patches until you are left with a soft scalp.
Yogurt Mask
Yogurt is an underused tool in the beauty world. While, yes, it does make your smoothies richer, it can also help rebuild broken hair follicles. This is because yogurt is full of protein and probiotics that do more than feed your body. To make the best yogurt mask to soothe your dry scalp here is all you need:
- ½ Cup plain yogurt
- 1 Large egg
- 1 Tablespoon raw honey
Start by separating the yolk from the egg whites. This recipe calls for egg whites only because that’s where all of the cleaning and moisturizing benefits live! Whisk in your yogurt and honey and prep your hair by wetting your scalp. Apply the mixture directly to your scalp and leave to sit for up to 30 minutes. The trick is to not let the mixture dry down because that might cause more irritation. Follow up with a good shampoo and conditioner.
Coconut Oil Rub
Coconut oil works wonders on rough skin. This is especially true for the rough patches that are commonly found on elbows and knees. This same logic can be applied to the rough patches of dry skin on your scalp. While the treatment is best done overnight, you can always use coconut oil a daily moisturizer for your scalp. To do an overnight treatment, rub some coconut oil on your scalp and work through your ends and cover with a shower cap over night.
For daily touch ups, just use your finger tips to work the oil on rough patches on your scalp up to 3 times a day. It should be noted that if you are doing a coconut oil treatment that you should wash your hair at least three times a week because coconut oil can leave your hair oily after a few days!
Witch Hazel Treatment
Witch hazel has so many amazing beauty properties. When it comes to your itchy scalp, witch hazel is the perfect all natural solution! This is because witch hazel has been known as an anti-itch and anti-inflammatory agent since the beginning of time. To use it as a scalp treatment, simply mix equal parts of water and witch hazel and then soak it into your scalp. Leave this rinse on for around 15 minutes and then rinse. This natural solution is so gently you can do it up to twice a week!
Looking for a different way to use witch hazel on your scalp? No worries, we have you covered! Most health food and holistic stores carry a wide range of witch hazel products that are perfect for your dry scalp. From soaps to shampoos, you are sure to find the best witch hazel product for you and your head.
Beer Rinse
A beer rinse may sound like a silly idea, but the thousands of people who have tried this trick for a softer scalp swear by it! All you need it a hoppy beer like an IPA and then hop in the shower. After shampooing your hair, turn off the water and pour your beer right over your head. The bubbles will help to loosen up dry skin patches. Follow up with a deep conditioner and style as usual. The best part is not only will your scalp feel refreshed; your hair will also be super shiny and soft.
Rosemary Rub
Not only will this treatment effectively soften dry patches but it will live your hair smell amazing. Using rosemary on your scalp may sound silly but there is so real rave reviews behind it. There is even a cult classic olive oil and rosemary shampoo that you can find in most beauty stores that will give you the scalp of your dreams.
Don’t want to run to the store for the special shampoo? You can make your own rosemary treatment right at home with these simple steps. Take fresh rosemary sprigs and boil them in water to soften them up and release the oils. Ground up the softer stems with a little bit of olive oil. Next, open up your scalp by using a little bit of hot water and rub the mixture directly on your scalp. Next, take a hot towel and drape it around your hair to trap in heat. Rinse after 20 minutes to reveal amazingly soft hair and an itch free scalp.
Oil Treatments
Using essential oils to treat common skin problems is a great way to naturally tackle the dreaded itch. A great way to treat your scalp without even knowing your do it is to treat your pillowcase first! Add essential oils to your pillow cases can help to keep your scalp from getting dry and itchy throughout the night which will help you awaken to a fresh head of hair!
An important thing to remember is that not all essential oils are created equal. The best oils to use when it comes to dry skin are lavender and eucalyptus. Eucalyptus is the perfect anti-irritant that your scalp has been begging for. Lavender oil is known to calm down skin while also adding some much needed moisture to your dry and thirsty strands. Pro tip: add some drops of these oils directly to your dryer sheet while washing your pillow cases. This way you can always insure that you are spa treating your scalp each night!
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is a great alternative to olive oil when it comes to maintaining a healthy scalp. This is because sesame oil will naturally open your pores as well as your hair follicles so that moisture can be trapped in giving your roots a healthy lift. Along with the softening properties of sesame oil, you can also find scalp loving amino acids and natural proteins.
This treatment works best as a hot oil treatment, so grab your favorite shower cap and a towel and get ready to wow your scalp. Heat up the oil enough to penetrate the pores without burning your scalp. Next, use a dropper or a small spoon to spread the oil around your scalp and then immediately cover with a shower cap and then wrap your head in a towel. Rinse after an hour for the best scalp you can imagine.
Shea Butter Treatment
We all know that feeling. We’re sitting at work trying to focus on the task at hand just to be constantly distracted by a raw scalp. Not only can constantly scratching your scalp be a huge distraction, it can also be making the problem worse. Shea butter is the perfect solution to touching up your dry scalp while out at the house. This works best if you get shea butter in a pomade wax form. Simply use your finger tips to massage the wax onto your dry patches. This will help you to keep from scratching while also working to heal your scalp gently.
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Hair rinses that should be done in the shower are perfect for people who want to avoid making a mess while still being able to treat their dry scalp. Apple cider vinegar is a great way to revitalize your dry scalp because it is a natural astringent and also helps to add some extra hydration to even the driest of heads. To make the best apple cider vinegar rinse, add equal parts of the vinegar and cool water to a cup and bring with you in the shower. After using a clarifying shampoo, pour the rinse over your head and follow up with a deep conditioning treatment. However, do keep in mind that this rinse does tend to leave a lingering smell so keep that in mind beforehand!
Mouth Rinse
The next tip to combat your itchy scalp may sound a little bit crazy, but trust us, it works! Menthol is a great health care item to keep in your house and while it may be hard to find, menthol flavored mouth wash will work just as well. Not only does menthol clear up dandruff, it will also help with other surface skin problems that can pop up on your head. To use this treatment all you need to do is soak a cotton ball in the mouth wash and then blot your dry patches a few times a day with the cotton ball for best results.
Vitamin E Scrub
While it may be tempting to pick at those pesky little dry patches, this could actually cause more damage than you want. This could lead to scaring which can prevent hair from growing in those specific spots on your scalp. Instead, try a gentle vitamin E scrub. All you need is vitamin capsules and a new toothbrush. Prick the capsule with a pin to extract the liquid and squeeze it on onto a slightly damp toothbrush. Using circular motions, gently massage the vitamin E oil directly onto dry patches. The bristles will help to loosen up dry skin while the vitamin E will encourage new skin cells to grow.
Cooling Aloe Vera Pack
The only thing better than the healing properties of aloe vera is combining that with the amazing sensation of a cold compress. To achieve this all you need to do is keep your aloe vera gel in the fridge. Each night before you go to bed, take a dime amount of the cooling gel and lather it on your scalp and leave overnight for best results. Not only does aloe vera work as a natural moisturizer, it also is an anti-inflammatory as well as anti-bacterial and fungal properties.
Wrapping it up!
It should be encouraging to know that even the most frustrating beauty problems have an easy and natural solution that you can make right at home. Even problems that seemingly have no solution like an extra dry scalp. We know how frustrating and embarrassing this could be, so give one of these at home treatments a try. Before you know it you will be rocking those dark colored shirts with no worries about flakes popping up to ruin your day. Just remember that most problems are more than skin deep. So make sure that you are also getting plenty of rest and drinking tons of water too. So flip that hair around, you’ve earned it.
Good luck!
from Beauty And Tips Magazine
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