Imagine working on your computer, surrounded by colleagues at work. You feel the familiar need to itch your scalp, but somehow restrain yourself from doing so. However, only seconds later, you find your fingers in your hair, scratching persistently as your colleague gives you an odd look.
This is the story of most people who suffer from a dry scalp. To their horror, and more often than not, this condition is often followed by white flakes known as dandruff that fall every time you ruffle your hair.
Despite the fact that you are not alone, you probably want to get rid of it. The number one thing people look for is an itchy scalp remedy that is both quick and effective.
What Causes Dry Scalp?
A dry scalp is the direct result of oil glands that are underactive and not producing enough natural oil in the scalp. Some of the causes behind a dry scalp are:
- Exposure to bad weather
- Use of harsh hair products for a prolonged time
- Lack of intake of nutrients
- Haircare neglect.
Once you zero in on the actual cause behind your dry scalp, the most common question people have next is, “what is the best dry scalp treatment?” Thankfully, there are various home remedies for dry scalp, which also include a range of the best products for dry scalp as well.
Best Home Remedies for Dry Scalp
Tea Tree Shampoo
You’ve probably heard of tea tree oil. If you keep up with the latest skincare trends, chances are you’re already aware of tea tree oil being a ‘miracle oil’. This is because of its ability to almost instantly get rid of acne (another pro-tip for you readers!)
Not only is it good for your skin, but tea tree oil is also the best oil for dry scalp. It is full of anti-oxidant properties. These properties help in unclogging pores. Thus promoting the production of natural oils in the scalp.
To make your own shampoo, simply add a few drops of tea tree oil into your shampoo bottle. Once you do this, simply lather and wash your hair as per usual.
Washing your hair with this mixture at least twice a week proves to be a quick dry scalp treatment.
Even better?
Follow this routine with a paraben-free conditioner. Watch your hair come back to life within a few weeks!
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Tea Tree Special Shampoo, Deep Cleans, Refreshes Scalp, For All Hair Types, Especially Oily Hair, 33.8 fl. oz. | $40.50 ($1.20 / Fl Oz) |
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Tea Tree Tingle Special Liter Duo Set | $93.00 ($1.38 / Fl Oz) |
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OGX Hydrating + Tea Tree Mint Shampoo, Nourishing & Invigorating Scalp Shampoo with Tea Tree & Peppermint Oil & Milk Proteins, Paraben-Free, Sulfate-Free Surfactants, 13 fl oz | $13.19 ($1.01 / Fl Oz) |
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Tea Tree Mint Shampoo and Conditioner - contains Pure Tea Tree Oil & Peppermint Oil - Fights Hair Loss, Promotes Hair Growth, Fights Dandruff, Lice & Itchy Scalp - Men & Women Sulfate Free -16 oz x 2 | $24.98 ($0.78 / Fl Oz) |
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Lemon Juice
Sometimes, the reason behind an itchy and flaky scalp is an unbalanced pH level. Using excessive hair products, and weather conditions can mess with the scalp’s normal pH levels. Lemon juice is a rich source of citric acid that helps in maintaining healthy pH levels in your scalp.
To get the most out of this itchy scalp remedy, use a slice of lemon to exfoliate your scalp. Rub this slice along your scalp in a circular motion. Next, leave this mixture on for 5-10 minutes before using your regular shampoo and conditioner to wash it all out.
Thanks to the citrusy smell of lemon, you won’t have to go for multiple washes once you apply it to your hair. It’ll be like trying out a new, scented shampoo without the added damage.
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Lucy’s Family Owned - Lemon Juice, 32 oz. Bottle (Pack of 2) | $12.99 ($0.20 / Fl Oz) |
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Sicilia Lemon Juice, 7oz (Pack of 3) | $12.00 ($0.57 / Fl Oz) |
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Iberia 100% Lemon Juice, 32 Ounce (Pack of 3) | $11.96 ($0.12 / Fl Oz) |
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Iberia Lemon Juice from Concentrate, 32 fl oz | $3.99 ($0.12 / Fl Oz) |
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Coconut Oil
One of the most popular home remedies for dry scalp is Coconut oil. Famous for its hydrating properties, people use coconut oil as a dandruff remedy because of its ability to act as a scalp moisturizer.
Apart from promoting hair growth, coconut oil acts as a natural emollient. Coconut oil holds its popularity in Asian countries despite the introduction of high-end hair products.
To get the most out of this remedy, use warm coconut oil mixed with tea tree oil. Apply a few drops of the oil to your scalp and massage it with your fingers.
For the best results, it is recommended to keep this oil mixture on overnight. This will help moisturize and get rid of white flakes on your scalp.
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Nutiva Organic Steam-Refined Coconut Oil, 15 Fluid Ounce, USDA Organic, Non-GMO, Vegan, Keto, Paleo, Neutral Flavor and Aroma for Cooking & Natural Moisturizer for Skin and Hair | $10.99 ($0.73 / Ounce) |
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BetterBody Foods Naturally Refined Organic Coconut Oil with Neutral Flavor and Aroma, Non-GMO, Cooking Oil, 56 oz | $15.84 ($0.28 / Fl Oz) |
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Garden of Life Coconut Oil for Hair, Skin, Cooking - Raw Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil, 27 Servings - Pure Unrefined Cold Pressed Oil with MCTs for Body Care or Baking, Aceite de Coco Organico | $9.99 ($0.71 / Fl Oz) |
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Organic Coconut Oil, Cold-Pressed - Natural Hair /Skin Oil and Cooking Oil with Fresh Flavor, Non-GMO Unrefined Extra Virgin(Aceite de Coco), USDA Organic, 16 oz | $10.79 ($0.67 / Fl Oz) |
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Apple Cider Vinegar
Simple factors like dry weather can contribute to the development of dandruff. This in turn can lead to irritation from excessive itching.
One of the tried and tested home remedies for dandruff is Apple Cider Vinegar. It has two important properties that can help get rid of the dry scalp:
- ACV’s antimicrobial properties aid in getting rid of any scalp irritating bacteria.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to exfoliate your scalp.
This is the reason why Apple cider vinegar is one of the more popular home remedies for dry scalp. It can get rid of two problems at the same time.
Dilute ACV with water and apply it to your scalp. Leave it in for 5 minutes, before rinsing your hair with a gentle shampoo.
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Nature’s Bounty Apple Cider Vinegar 480mg Pills, Vegetarian Supplement Plant Based, 200 Tablets | $9.90 ($0.05 / Count) |
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Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar, 16 oz | $1.65 ($0.10 / Fl Oz) |
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Apple Cider Vinegar Capsules with The Mother - 120 Vegan ACV Pills - Best Supplement for Healthy Weight Loss, Diet, Keto, Digestion, Detox, Immune - Powerful Cleanser & Appetite Suppressant Non-GMO | $18.99 ($0.16 / Count) |
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Goli Apple Cider Vinegar Gummy Vitamins - 60 Count - Vitamins B9 & B12, Gelatin-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan & Non-GMO | $14.98 ($0.25 / Count) |
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Aloe Vera Extract
Studies reveal that Aloe vera is the best for dry flaky scalp treatment. Other than being a great anti-inflammatory agent, Aloe Vera also has tonnes of enriching nutrients. These include vital nutrients such as
- Amino acids
- Fatty acids
- Sugars
- Vitamins
All these components combine to make one of the remedies for dry scalp that is used all over the world.
In fact, in recent years, aloe vera has quickly become a widely used plant in the field of cosmetology. Many brands now incorporate this ingredient into shampoos meant to cure seborrheic dermatitis. The condition that causes dandruff.
The gel-like flesh of the aloe vera plant can be extracted and simply used as a hair mask for dry scalp. You can incorporate other oils such as coconut oil and ta-da, you have one of the most effective home remedies for dry scalp.
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Organic Aloe Vera Gel from freshly cut 100% Pure Aloe - Big 12oz - HighestQuality, Texas grown, Vegan, Unscented - For Face, Skin, Hair, Sunburn relief | $19.95 ($1.66 / Fl Oz) |
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NTRSNS NaturSense Organic Aloe Vera Gel from 100% Pure Aloe–Great for Hair, Scalp, Face, Dry Skin, Acne, Sunburn, Sensitive Skin–Unscented, USDA Certified–12 oz. | $16.89 ($1.41 / Fl Oz) |
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SENSELAB Aloe Vera Oil - 100% Pure Extract Aloe Oil Carrier Oil - Therapeutic Grade - Moisturizing Skin and Aloe Vera Hair Care Oil - Relaxing Massage (30 ml) |
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Organic Aloe Vera Leaf Gel - 100% Pure With Manuka Honey - Face and Body After Sun Care - From Fresh Aloe Plants in USA - Hydrating Gel for Sunburn, and Acne - No Clumping or Pulp - Non Sticky - Made in USA (8 Fl oz) | $15.29 ($1.91 / Fl Oz) |
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Baking Soda
Baking soda has taken the internet by storm – literally. From bringing an extra shine in used utensils to being an instant teeth-whitener, people use baking soda for almost anything.
But did you know that it is recommended by many as one of the quickest home remedies for dry scalp? That’s right. You know a remedy is effective when even a popular brand like Huda Beauty recommends it.
According to the Huda Beauty team themselves, if you’re tired of spotting white flakes in your hair, and are looking into how to get rid of dry scalp, then getting a packet of baking soda is much more effective than investing in expensive shampoos.
For best results, mix the antifungal properties of baking soda with the moisturizing properties of Olive Oil. This will make a scalp moisturizer that can also exfoliate your scalp at the same time.
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Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda, 8 oz | $4.04 ($0.50 / Ounce) |
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Clabber Girl Baking Soda, 12 Ounce | $9.77 ($0.81 / Ounce) |
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Bob's Red Mill Baking Soda, 16 Oz | $7.27 ($0.45 / Ounce) |
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It's Just - Baking Soda, Sodium Bicarbonate, Food Grade, Made in USA (1.25 Pound) | $8.79 ($8.79 / Count) |
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Yogurt and Egg Mixture
As weird as this may sound, we aren’t here to talk about a delicious breakfast recipe. Instead, we have a mix of two home remedies for dry scalp that many women, generation after generation have sworn by.
There are two things that every grandmother swears by when asked about the secret to healthy and luscious hair: coconut oil and a good mixture of yogurt and egg blended together.
Let’s put this in a more ‘scientific’ perspective. Yogurt is a soothing ingredient that can relieve an irritated scalp. Combine this with the fat content found naturally in eggs, and you have a natural moisturizer.
Another plus point about using yogurt is that it contains natural exfoliating contents that get rid of dead skin cells while forming a protective barrier to retain the natural oils of the scalp.
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Judee’s Yogurt Powder 1.5lb (24oz) - 100% Non-GMO, rBST Hormone-Free - Gluten-Free & Nut-Free - Made from Real Dairy - Made in USA - Make Homemade Yogurt and Tangy Dips, Dressings, and Toppings | $23.99 ($1.00 / Ounce) |
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Yogourmet Yogurt Starter (16 Pack) - Make Yogurt at Home - Starter Culture - All Natural, Gluten Free, Kosher, Halal - 3 g Sachets | $11.99 ($4.28 / Ounce) |
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Cultures for Health Greek Yogurt Starter Culture | 2 Packets Dehydrated Heirloom Style DIY Probiotic Yogurt | Delicious for Smoothies, Granola and Berries, Tzatziki, Soup, & Other Healthy Snacks | $14.99 ($37.48 / Ounce) |
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Happy Baby Organics Yogis Freeze-Dried Yogurt & Fruit Snacks, 3 Flavor Variety Pack, 1 Ounce (Pack of 3) | $11.81 ($3.94 / Count) |
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Witch Hazel
A simple, yet effective ingredient, you might have seen witch hazel present as an ingredient in most over-the-counter shampoos for dandruff treatment at home.
If you haven’t heard of this essential oil, you might find it surprising that witch hazel oil holds historical value as a popular herbal medicine. Today, its value has gone up. Witch hazel is now found as an active ingredient in most anti-dandruff shampoos. This is because of the presence of astringent tannins that act as anti-inflammatory agents.
On its own, witch hazel is a strong essential oil that requires dilution. For added effectiveness, pair witch hazel oil with Jojoba oil. These two ingredients aid in the thickening of hair.
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Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner, 100% Natural, 16 Ounce Fragrance free | $4.94 ($0.31 / Fl Oz) |
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Thayers Alcohol-Free, Hydrating Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Toner with Aloe Vera Formula, Vegan, Dermatologist Tested and Recommended, 12 Ounce | $9.77 ($0.81 / Fl Oz) |
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Dickinson's Witch Hazel Astringent, 8 Ounce | $10.00 ($1.25 / Fl Oz) |
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Humphreys Refresh Witch Hazel with Cucumber Alcohol-Free Toner, Clear, 8 Oz (Pack of 1) | $10.50 ($1.31 / Ounce) |
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Side Effects to Look Out For
Home remedies for dry scalp are usually very safe and light on even the most sensitive skin. So, don’t hesitate to grab those everyday kitchen-use ingredients for a DIY dry itchy scalp treatment.
However, when using essential oils, especially one like tea tree oil, it is better to do a patch test beforehand. It is also important to remember that cheap does not equal better when it comes to essential oils.
In fact, many bloggers recommend only using tea tree oil diluted with carrier oils such as coconut or olive oil. This, according to them, tones down the intensity of tea tree oil, while also adding extra benefits such as silky smooth hair.
Here is a list of other warning signs that you should look out for:
- Open wounds from persistent scratching can lead to a burning sensation. This sensation may intensify when exposed to even the lightest home remedies for dry scalp. It is better to get in touch with a doctor if your wound persists. To learn more, visit Top Rated Doctor in UAE.
- ALWAYS check the expiry date for products that you will bring in contact with your scalp. Some products are an exception. For example, yogurt that is a few days old, may not be a good ingredient to cook with; but it should not be a problem when applied to your scalp.
- A dry scalp is not always a direct result of dandruff. A fungal infection can also lead to an extremely dry scalp. If the problem persists, you might need to take a trip to the doctor’s office after all.
Final Thoughts
An itchy scalp can be embarrassing for a lot of people. Trust us, we hear you. Why should you have your hands constantly on your scalp, when you could walk around carefree?
Thankfully, this condition is easy to treat and get rid of. Adopting a regimen that pays special attention to the health of your hair and scalp can aid in minimizing this issue. While trying out the home remedies for dry scalp listed above can accelerate the process. Don’t be afraid to try and test out products to find the one that fits you. Do this, and you’re one step closer to figuring out how to fix a dry scalp.