Do you find yourself scratching your head more often than usual or brushing white flakes off your shoulders? You might have a dry scalp. Many people with dry scalp refer to their condition as “dandruff,” but these are actually two different conditions. Dry scalp can be triggered in several ways, including washing hair too frequently, using drying hair products, and changes in the weather. Fortunately, dry scalp can be easily treated with natural remedies that relieve the itch and get rid of the annoying and unattractive flakes. Try one of these remedies the next time you feel tempted to start scratching:
1. Green tea
When using green tea for dry scalp, you don’t drink it, you rinse with it. Rinsing with green tea helps clear away itch-causing bacteria and fungus and contains antioxidants that help exfoliate the scalp.
2. Apple cider vinegar
The benefits of apple cider vinegar for dry scalp appear to come from the pectin it contains, which is believed to help the skin retain moisture by improving the barrier function. You should be sure to dilute apple cider vinegar before using it topically, as it is highly acidic and applying it directly to your skin could cause extra irritation.
3. Coconut oil head massage
Have you ever noticed how many hair care products contain coconut oil? That’s because this natural lubricant helps hydrate the scalp and promotes collagen production. Massaging your scalp with coconut oil helps to exfoliate the flakes and keep them from coming back.
4. Baking soda and lemon juice
Vitamin C-loaded lemon juice cuts through oil build-up that could be contributing to dry scalp, and baking soda is an effective exfoliant to get rid of dead skin flakes. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with enough lemon juice to make a paste and apply it to your hair and scalp like a mask to improve the condition of your scalp.
5. Omega-3 fatty acids
Your body cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA on its own, and you may have heard advice to incorporate them into your diet to improve your heart health. It turns out that omega-3 fatty acids are also good for your head health! Studies suggest that adding an omega-3 fatty acid supplement, flaxseed oil, or oily fish such as salmon, tuna, or sardines to your diet can improve dry skin. Applying omega-3 fatty acids directly to the skin is also effective thanks to their anti-inflammatory effects that also help promote wound healing.
6. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is well-known for its soothing properties. There’s a good chance you’ve applied aloe vera to help with a burn or other skin irritation. The same anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties that make aloe vera an effective burn treatment also make it a great remedy for dry scalp. In addition to helping the irritated skin heal, aloe vera also provides needed moisture to prevent the problem from recurring.