Very Dry Scalp : Treatments, Remedies & Best Shampoos

Do you battle with white flakes on your shoulders and dull, lifeless dry hair? If so, then dry scalp may be the cause. Here, you’ll discover which treatment options will help you put this problem and dandruff to an end, and have gorgeous hair

Scalp dryness is a widespread condition distinguished by itching, redness and, is at times related to dandruff.

This is an indication that the scalp is lacking adequate moisture required by the skin for its healthy functionality.

Perhaps, you may be at a loss to know how to tackle the issue. Questions about what to use, when to use it, and, how often. Solutions to your problem follow, but before we can begin planning an effective and appropriate treatment, investigating the exact cause, let us explore typical causes of a dry scalp!

What causes dry scalp?

There are many causes that can lead to this condition. Listed below are common reasons that may lead to a dry scalp :

Shampooing too often
Wrong hair care products for your skin type
Reaction to an ingredient in a hair care product – especially those containing alcohol
Cold and dry weather
Too much blow-drying
Allergic reactions
Hormonal disorders
Skin conditions such as Psoriasis, Seborrheic dermatitis and eczema
Genetics

Symptoms to expect

Though the problem is usually mild, it can be extremely itchy and flaky and so may be unsightly. Everydayhealth.com confirms that, “Though not dangerous, a dry scalp is itchy, flaky and embarrassing.”

Other symptoms that may occur alongside it include; burning sensation, red sores, white buildups, and more. If the symptoms are not treated it in a timely manner, then the absence of moisture could impact the hair follicles in the scalp, leading to an increase in hair loss

Sometimes, the symptoms may be very severe, especially when they are due to internal disorders such as kidney, heart and liver problems. For this reason it is advised that, in the case your scalp does not respond to DIY remedies or appears to become even more aggravated, see your GP or dermatologist immediately.

Treatment and remedies

“The right way of treating dry scalp is to maintain moisture on the scalp,” says homeremediesforlife.com. Meanwhile, to treat this issue at home, there are products that can be used ranging from Home treatments, to commercial Natural products, to Over The Counter (OTC) products to Prescribed treatments.

1. Natural Remedy Treatments for a Dry Scalp

Below are some of the excellent tried and tested home remedies that could be of help in reducing or even eliminating dry scalp.

a) Baking Soda / Soda Bicarbonate

This is a common product found in most households. The Alkaline nature of baking soda helps to balance acidity levels of the scalp. It also absorbs excess oilyness and removes buildup from prolonged use of shampoos and conditioners, At the same time, it can give the feeling of softening the hair, whilst helping to exfoliate the scalp, leaving leaving behind the necessary moisture content. Not recommended to use on an everyday basis, but every now and then can be beneficial.

Mix one cup of baking soda with three cups of water to form a paste
Apply it on damp hair and leave it for some time, then wash it thoroughly with warm water.
Repeat once a week / fortnight

b) Apple Cider Vinegar

This is a long-term serving natural remedy for a dry and itchy scalp that is easily accessible at our homes. It has a variety of properties for removing skin dryness and promoting healthier hair and scalp.

Mix two tablespoons of apple cider Vinegar
Add a cup of water on it
Mix the two thoroughly
After shampooing, soak your hair in the mixture for about ten minutes
Should be done regularly at least three times a week

c) Egg Yolk

Application of egg yolk is not only known for removing dandruffs and moisturizing the scalp, but also leaves the hair shiny and thus best treatment for this condition

To two egg yolks, add a few drops of lemon juice and mix them thoroughly.
On a damp hair, apply the mixture and give it rest for about five to seven minutes.
Rinse thoroughly to get rid of greasiness.
This should be repeated twice or thrice a week

d) Aloe Vera

This is an outstanding home remedy for severe dry scalp and also dandruff reduction. It heavily ‘conditions’ hair leaving the scalp balanced with little to no dryness. It has antibacterial, antifungal and soothing properties that make it the king of herbs as well as many skin conditions are concerned.

Aloe Vera has an interesting gel like texture / consistancy that may take a little getting used to!

Your hair and skin will dry without feeling heavy or greasy

Mix fresh extract of aloe Vera with two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
Shampoo and condition your hair
Apply this mixture and leave it for some time then wash it off thoroughly

e) Lemon Juice

Another major perfect treatment is lemon juice. It contains antitoxins that help in killing bacteria and also bear anti-fungal properties for removing oil buildups. It also optimizes acidity levels on the scalp and functions by removing stickiness, relieving irritation, moisturizing the scalp and also contains vitamins for strong hair and growth.

Cut a ripe lemon into two halves and extract the juice
Apply it on your scalp directly
Massage it keenly and leave it for five minutes
Rinse your hair with cool water

f) Tea Tree Oil for Dry Scalp

Tea oil treatment is a good care regimen that contains tannic acid with an astringent nature for oily reduction. It also bear many properties that help nourish and supple the skin. Its dilute mixture is obtained after boiling tea leaves and a glass of water in a container. For application:

Boil tea leaves with a cup of water
After shampooing, apply the mixture on your scalp and hair when lukewarm.
Finally rinse with water and shampoo.

g) Rosemary Herbal Treatment

Another method to remove dryness is with the aid of Rosemary hair treatment. On application, it clears buildups, leaving the scalp clean and soft while the hair is rendered silky and soft.

Take one cup of boiling water and pour it over two tablespoons of dried Rosemary in a bowl.
Cover and steep it for twenty minutes.
Strain and cool.
Pour the mixture into a plastic bottle and splash the hair with this rosemary rinse after every shampoo.

h) Coconut Oil

You should learn that oiling may best treatment since it will help retain the lost moisture and hence treat severe dry scalp. Coconut oil will enhance sebum production, blood circulation and also supply vital nutrients and lock up the moisture content to avoid dryiness.

Warm some coconut oil and use your finders or cotton ball to apply it through your scalp and hair
Massage the oil in circular motions for 3-4 minutes
Leave the application for one hour before rinsing off using a mild shampoo
Rewind the procedure 2-3 times weekly

i) Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is very effective for this problem especially that is caused by hair coloring products or blow drying. Its astringent property also relieves scalp inflammation.

Combine one cup of hazel oil to 2 cups of water
Apply the mixture
Massage it gently for about 10 minutes
You can then rinse the application off your scalp and hair

j) Vitamin B Remedy (Diet)

This dryness can also impact from deficiency of vitamins B6 and B12 in your diet. Boost the intake of these crucial vitamins by increasing the intake of fruits, vegetables and whole –grain breads. Alternatively you can use supplements such as zinc, flaxseed oil and selenium.

On the same line, you can also limit or avoid the intake of spicy food, sugary foods and alcohol. Also make sure you drink plenty of water to keep your skin well hydrated.

Best shampoo for dry scalp

There are also very good shampoos that can hasten the relief of dry scalp. Some of these shampoos are available over the counter while other are available with prescription. You can try medicated over the counter shampoos that contains ingredients such as zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, or selenium oxide. These are excellent ingredients that are applauded to treat irritated, flaky and dry skin. Alternatively, you can also look for brands with coal tar, selenium, or zinc or salicylic acid to help relieve dry scalp.

The only setback is that, there are many shampoos fashioned for dry scalp treatment but at the same time don’t be surprised to hear that some of these shampoos can also aggravates it instead of clearing it. Get proper advice from your Doctor to get effective which one to use for your case. Here are among the best shampoos brands you can try:

Moroccan Oil Treatment
Giovanni Organic Cosmetics Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo
Desert Essence Conditioner – Coconut
Avalon Organics Thickening Shampoo Biotin B Complex Therapy
Neutrogena T-Gel Therapeutic Shampoo, Maximum Strength
Redken Dandruff Control Scalp Relief Shampoo
Jason Dandruff Relief Shampoo

When to see a doctor

If you are unable to get a remedy of your own, schedule a visit with your dermatologist. If this problem is due to severe health conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or veiled internal health conditions, the treatment, in this case, maybe a bit different and it is only the doctor who can do diagnosis and prescriptions.

Before I go, do me this favor. Always keep your scalp skin and hair moisturized using the above natural remedies. You will have reduced the risk to suffer dry scalp