Home Remedies to Get Rid of Dry Itchy Scalp: Hair Mask and Oil Treatment

Is your hair unwieldy and difficult to manage? Is your scalp prone to itching? Then the reason may be a dry scalp. It is one major problem among the youngsters of today and if left unattended a dry scalp may lead to excessive hair loss and itchiness.

Causes for an itchy dry scalp:

• Dehydration
• Over-washing and often usage of shampoo
• Seasonal changes
• Stress
• Allergies
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Diet changes and sudden weight loss
• Psoriasis or Eczema
• Seborrheic Dermatitis/Dandruff
• Heat and hairstyling products

People with dry skin are naturally prone to have a dry scalp. The winter cold air, combined with the excessive heat of the rooms may cause an itchy, flaking sensation to your scalp. Seborrhea, a common skin condition that causes redness and itching, is a major cause. In addition to this a poor diet, poor conditioning of the scalp, change of weather, lack of moisture can also make your scalp go dry. In most cases the shampoo you use may not blend with your type of hair, leading to dryness of scalp and dandruff.

Difference between a dry scalp and dandruff:

In either case, you can see a flaky scalp, but understanding the difference between a dry scalp and dandruff is highly essential before going for the remedies.

• The flakes caused by dandruff are white and have a thick texture. The deposit only on the scalp and may cause itching.
• The flakes caused due to dry scalp will be very thin and do not stick to the scalp. They can be seen even on the hair follicles and appear more translucent.

Quick Tips to Moisturize Your Dry Itchy Scalp

• Take healthy nourishing foods which are good in omega 3 fatty acids like, Salmon, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, walnut tuna fish, peanut butter, extra virgin olive oil, and coconut oil.
• Do gentle scalp massage which can promote natural oils and improve blood circulation
• Reduce your stress level with yoga, meditation, tai chi or restart your favorite hobby to relax.
• Make use of coconut oil, Aloe vera, bananas, jojoba oil or tea tree oil or avocado oil for your scalp
• Use a Humidifier
• Hydrate yourself, drink more water
• Use honey, as it can cleanse and moisturize your scalp and dry hair
• Avoid hot water for shower, as it can damage your hair roots
• Probiotics can enhance your immune system and fight fungal infections too
• Shampooing less often
• Avoid hair styling products and hair dryers, instead, towel dry and wrap your hair.
• A Coldwater shower can help to get smoother and shinning hair along with locking moisture and soothing itchy scalp.
•  Plain yogurt with a well-beaten egg applied on hair can be soothing for your scalp and nourishing for your hair at the same time.

Does your newborn have a dry scalp?

The dry scalp condition found in infants is called as cradle cap. It is characterized by thick, yellowish patches on the infants head and may lead to flaking. For some infants, this problem will recede over time but for others it may be prolonged and cause discomfort to the child. Simple remedies like washing the scalp regularly with a mild shampoo, applying baby oil or olive oil over the dry patches will help you get rid of the cradle cap in your newborn.

How to Get Rid of Dry Itchy Scalp: Homemade Treatments

Mashed Banana Treatment

Banana is rich in potassium and along with its antimicrobial properties, it is nourishing for your scalp and hair. Improves collagen production, reduces hair breakage, and heals flaky and dry itchy skin.

Banana Mask for Dry Scalp: 

• Take a medium-size banana along with olive oil or coconut oil
• Mash the banana and add it to a blender along with 2 TBSP of oil
• Blend it well without any lumps, now apply or gently massage all over your scalp.
• Leave it for 10 – 15 mins and rinse it off for soft and bouncy hair.

Avocado Mask for Dry Scalp

Your hair and scalp will love avocado as it’s loaded with protein, vitamins, and amino acids. And it heals and soothes your itchy scalp and helps lock moisture and prevents further flaking and itching. Avocado mask promotes the growth of healthy long and strong hair.

Method:

• Take a medium-sized avocado
• Mash it well without lumps
• Add 2 TBSP of coconut oil and mix the ingredients well
• Now gently apply the mask to your hair and scalp.
• Leave it for 20 mins and rinse it off for a dandruff-free healthy scalp and hair

1. Apply Aloe Vera for Soothing effect on your scalp

Aloe Vera is a perennial plant that holds a lot of water in its leaves. They are found in abundance consisting of roughly 99 per cent water and Glycoprotein’s which helps in skin healing. Peel the leaf of the aloe plant and extract the fleshy gel from it. This can be applied straightly to your scalp or in combination with any hair oil. Leave the aloe gel in your scalp for at least 20 minutes and rinse off with a mild shampoo. Aloe gels which are readily available in markets can also be employed.

2. Use coconut oil treatment as an antimicrobial therapy

   

Many hair products and oils available in markets today are made from coconut oil, but added with some unwanted chemicals. Coconut oil is a rich source of antioxidants and also acts as antiviral, anti-fungal and antibacterial.

• Simply mix 6 teaspoons of organic coconut oil with some olive oil or rosemary oil and massage it into your dry scalp.
• Then give your scalp a good massage and let it soak for about 20 minutes.
• Wash it off with a mild shampoo and a conditioner. In case of very dry scalps, the coconut oil can be massaged and left overnight to soften your scalp. It can be washed off in the morning.

3. Apple cider vinegar to reduce itchy scalp
   

   

Organic vinegar is the best treatment for dry scalp and hair loss.

• Dilute ¼ cup of vinegar with ¾ cup of water and some lemon juice.
• Raw use of vinegar may lead to irritation of the skin.
• Apply this mixture over your scalp by using a spray bottle or a cotton ball.
• Massage for 10 minutes and let it be for another 20 minutes.
• You can then rinse off the vinegar.
• This can also be sprayed in between shampooing and conditioning of your hair.

4. Make a good hair mask to treat dryness
   

A good hair mask treatment can save your hair and scalp from itchiness during the harsh winter seasons. There are many hair masks like Avocado and egg yolk mask, Coconut oil mask, Yoghurt and honey mask. But be specific to choose one for conditioning your dry scalp.

• For dry scalp, you can go for banana, yoghurt and honey hair mask.
• Blend half a cup of yoghurt, 3 spoons of honey and a small banana together to obtain a paste.
• You can apply this paste both on the scalp and over the length of your hair.
• Cover your hair with a warm towel and rinse off after about half-hour.

5. Essential oils for dry scalp cure
   

There are many essential oils that may help you overcome your dry scalp issues. Best results can be obtained when they are used along with coconut oil.

• Rosemary oil: It has very high moisturizing qualities and also helps in bringing out the dark highlights in your hair.
• Cedarwood oil: It stimulates hair follicles and scalp, thus normalizing dry scalp by getting rid of the flakes in the scalp.
• Thyme: It is an antiseptic that stimulates blood flow to the scalp. It can be used along with coconut oil for the treatment of dandruff.

 

6. Follow a healthy diet for healthy scalp
   

   

Choosing a hydrating diet can play a vital role in getting rid of a dry scalp.

By increasing the intake of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids found in cold water fishes, pumpkin seeds and green vegetables you can stabilize your natural hair oils and promote natural conditioning.

Eat more of vitamin A, K and E by increasing the intake of raw carrots, broccoli, soybeans, dairy, etc. All these foods will help you in nourishing your dry scalp and promote hair growth.

 

7. Choose the correct shampoo for your scalp and not your hair

For dry scalps and hair, you will require high levels of smoothness and moisture.

So be specific in choosing your shampoo and conditioner, as this has a great impact on your scalp.

Many shampoos while cleaning your scalp of dirt and oil also removes the natural texture and moisture present in your scalp. So choose a shampoo that will moisturize your scalp and give out a hydrating effect.