by Jamila of For the Fabulous and Frugal
There are numerous causes for dry scalp, but some of the more common ones include:
- Fatty acids deficiency
- Sudden and stressful change in diet
- Use of a hair dryer
- Air condition
- Gels/sprays containing alcohol
- Excess shampooing
- Dehydration
- Excessive use of caffeine or other diuretic foods or drinks
Summer
brings with it cause for many of these factors, so below are a list of
remedies to heal your dry scalp woes for the warmer months!
brings with it cause for many of these factors, so below are a list of
remedies to heal your dry scalp woes for the warmer months!
Dry Scalp Remedies:
- Spritzing– Make
a simple hair spritz. This spritz can be as simple as water and tea
tree oil (rose oil is great too) or your can use a store bought spray
leave-in conditioner. Just spritz your scalp throughout the week, when
your scalp looks dry or gets itchy. Make sure, whatever you use doesn’t have heavy oils that could cause build up, you want it to be a light spray that your scalp can absorb. (this may also be a great alternative to greasing the scalp.) - Balanced Diet– Eat a well balanced diet with lots of fresh fruits and raw vegetables. Limit the amount of starches, fatty and processed foods and drink plenty of water.
- Scalp Massage- Using
the pads of your fingers, apply oil little by little to different parts
of your scalp, parting your hair as needed. Also work some oil along
the length of your hair. Then, using the pads of your fingers, work the
oil into your scalp, using circular motions. Slow, deliberate movements
are relaxing while steady but vigorous movement helps enhance energy and
circulation. - Co-Washing- Co-washing
is simply washing the hair with conditioner (usually something
inexpensive like Suave or even WhiteRain). This allows you to hydrate
your scalp and rinse some oils and dirt off of your hair. The amount of
times you need to co-wash a week depends on your hair needs. 3 to 4
times a week is a great start, just increase or decrease from there.
Effective Oils:
- Grapeseed oil- Grapeseed
oil is rich with antioxidants and has many beneficial properties for
the hair and scalp. It is easily absorbed into the body and is good for
people with sensitive skin because of its non-allergenic properties. - Jojoba oil- Jojoba oil is
great for hair that is dry or damaged, and it helps to moisturize and
protect hair follicles against factors that cause hair loss. Apply
jojoba oil after washing and towel drying your hair. Leave in the hair
for at least 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse. - Coconut oil- Coconut oil works to condition, protect and moisturize your scalp, helping to promote healthy, growing hair.
- Rosemary oil- Rosemary
is an excellent herb for hair health. It can promote hair growth.
Research reveals its cancer-inhibiting effect, in addition to being a
natural circulatory stimulant. In a bowl, put 2 tablespoons dried
rosemary and 1 / 2 cup olive oil. Heat it in microwave for 2 minutes.
Let it stand for 2 or 3 days. Strain and pour into a bottle. Massage the
scalp with this oil after shampooing.
Sources:
http://curlynikki.com/2011/02/shampoo-no-poo-is-it-for-you.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/506164-coconut-oil-scalp-hair-growth/#ixzz21C7h6e7
http://www.livestrong.com/article/177894-benefits-of-grapeseed-oil-for-hair/#ixzz21C7n0Dz0
How are you keeping your scalp happy this summer?
I overdid the tea tree oil myself last nite. My scalp was really itchy and somewhat flaky and I really didn't want to cowash so I got my water and oil spray and started spraying away but I was still itching so I grabbed a dropperful of tea tree oil and started dropping it on my scalp. Man oh man why did I do that! I smelled like a bunch of old people at a mothball convention… and worse yet I woke up with a headache. I can say my scalp stopped itching but my eyes burned and I felt like choking all day.
I wouldn't use anymore than a drop or two per ounce of distilled water. Always use distilled or spring water! But it really just depends on the person and what works for you! As long as the essential oil is diluted it should be ok.
Can anyone tell me roughly how many parts tea tree oil and how many parts water to use in the spritz bottle? I think I added a bit too much tea tree oil because my scalp felt great but the rest of me, including my eyes, tingled the entire night. Thanks! I'm trying to find a good balance where I don't smell too anticeptic.
I might have to try this rosemary oil. I keep hearing about it. Im kind of leary of the kitchen chemist though. I am not a mixologist. *Aintnobodygottimefordat* I used to use vatika oil religously. I have been out for like two months and have been too lazy to order, or get it from the Indian store that is ALL the way across town.
This post came just in time! I have had mini twists in for a few days now and my scalp has been very itchy today. I think I will try one of these methods.
I use EVOO w/ a few drops of tea tree and peppermint or EVOO w/ rosemary to massage my scalp and as a pre-poo on my hair. These oil combos for my scalp have helped combat dryness.
Also, after conditioning try not to get any leave-in or styling products on your scalp as this causes buildup and itchies for many. When I do develop a dry spot (typically my front hair line) I rub a tiny bit of jojoba oil on the area which does the trick.
I use tea tea, grape seed, and coconut oil for a scalp massage spritzing is my bff life saver I eat healthy starches whole grains since I am a type 1 diabetic but I do have my limits due to my calorie plan, veggies and fruits with two liters of water and I am good to go. When I workout and sweat my scalp is on fire, so cowashing on workout days is a must. Thanks for the help Rosemary oil I will try.
Megan Montgomery
I have a trusty olive oil mix but I try to use a small amount each time. Just water n' oil
Thanks for this article. My scalp has been really dry lately! I thought maybe it was from sweating too much and the salt drying on my scalp. Will def try the rosemary oil.
I've been using coconut oil & grapeseed oil to take care of scalp & they work wonders without leaving buildup.
I used to have the worst dandruff as a child. My mum used to be able to pull huge flakes out of my scalp and show them to me. She used Nizoral to wash my hair and water mixed with tea tree oil as a spritz on my hair inbetween wahses and it worked like a charm. A healthy scalp is key.