I love my nourishing shampoos, masks, and conditioning oils for addressing frazzled split ends of overheated hair but if our scalp is not in good condition, it will impact your hair health. Factors for scalp distress beyond weather changes could be consistently using products with harsh ingredients (aka lots of chemicals). Since your scalp is a living tissue that supports your hair follicles it stands to reason that your hair will grow better and look better if you have a “healthy scalp."
A few indicators that you scalp is in distress include:
Hair that never feels clean (no matter how much you shampoo)
An uncomfortable dry, flakey, and itchy scalp
Excessive dandruff
Scabs on your scalp (that was me for years before I addressed the issue)
So what can we do about it? Try some of these DIY remedies to relieve your scalp issues and get your hair happy again.
Coconut Oil has long been used for its skin health benefits and dry scalp is no exception. It can moisturize and it’s antifungal and antibacterial properties can help reduce the risk of infections. . Try applying a small a small amount of melted coconut oil directly to your scalp, massaging it into the skin. Leave it to sit for at least 10 minutes before washing your hair as you normally would.
Tea Tree Oil has strong antiseptic, antifungal and antibiotic properties and it is why many dandruff shampoos include it as an ingredient. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and massage it into your scalp. Leave it on for 10 minutes before washing out.
Aloe vera also has anti-inflammatory properties and works effectively on a dry scalp. It’s an effective moisturizing agent too. Apply it topically to your scalp and let it set for 10 minutes before washing it out.
Apple Cider Vinegar is an antimicrobial, which means it can eliminate the bacteria or fungi that could be causing itchiness and dryness to your scalp. It’s also anti-inflammatory and can help exfoliate your scalp. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water, and apply it directly to the scalp. Let it sit for five minutes before washing it out with a gentle shampoo and conditioner.
Bananas are nourishing and moisturizing, making them a great treatment for dry scalp and even dandruff. They’re also a natural antimicrobial (and smell so good). Mash or blend a banana with a few tablespoons of coconut or olive oil. Blending it will make it easier to rinse out of your hair. Massage it into your scalp and let it sit for 10-15 minutes then shampoo/condition as normal.
Olive Oil/Baking Soda so the olive oil is moisturizing, and baking soda is antifungal and antibacterial - together they can nourish, and exfoliate your scalp, and treat your dandruff. Mix equal parts baking soda and olive oil together, and massage into your scalp thoroughly. Let it sit for five minutes before washing your hair well with shampoo and conditioner to remove all the residue.
Avocado contains monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids that can both moisturize and protect your skin. You can consume avocados (delicious!) and apply avocado or avocado oil topically to soothe dry scalp. You can use both avocado oil or blended avocado topically. If you’re using blended avocado, mix it with a few drops of carrier oil like olive oil before massaging it into your scalp. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing it out.
Treating dry scalp with these home remedies is generally considered safe and risk-free. Before using any new product, especially essential oils you should do a test patch on the inside of your wrist to avoid an allergic reaction.
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