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Best Treatment for Dry Scalp – 5 DIY Remedies

By Jacqueline Samaroo

Dry scalp can be unsightly and annoying. However, getting rid of it is not as difficult as many of us might think. In fact, the best treatment for dry scalp could be sitting in your pantry, right now! Dry scalp symptoms include:

• Itching
• Flaking
• Irritation

Dry scalp can also cause dry hair since a dry scalp has less sebum to lubricate the hair.

There are more than a few natural remedies that can be used to treat dry scalp. Here we take a look at five of them and examine not only what they do for your dry scalp condition but also how you can use them. We are sure you will find one that will be the best treatment for dry scalp for you!

For other ways to prevent dry scalp and get some much-needed relief, read: How to Treat Dry Scalp – 6 Simple and Effective Lifestyle Changes.

5 DIY Remedies as Your Treatment for Dry Scalp

Our five home remedies for dry scalp are:

1. Tea tree oil
2. Jojoba oil
3. Coconut oil
4. Aloe vera
5. Avocado and ripe banana

1.      Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil produced as an extract of the tea tree, a plant native to Australia. It has been used throughout history by the aboriginal people of that continent. The oil contains not only the essence (or fragrance) of the plant but has also been shown to have impressive antiseptic, antifungal, and antibiotic effects.

Thanks to these properties, tea tree oil is a common dandruff shampoo ingredient. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can aid with the healing of skin. Tea tree oil can be used to soothe irritation and reduce dryness – two of the most frequently seen symptoms of dry scalp.

How to use tea tree oil for dry scalp

Pure tea tree oil can cause an adverse reaction if applied directly to the skin.   Whenever using tea tree oil it is best to first mix your tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or olive oil. Massage the mixture into your scalp and let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing it out of your hair.

Note: Tea tree oil might not be your best treatment for dry scalp if you have hypersensitive skin. Have a look at the other dry scalp remedies we have lined up.

2.      Jojoba oil

Native Americans have used jojoba for hundreds of years for its wound-healing and skin-moisturizing powers. The jojoba plant is native to Mexico and its oil, jojoba oil, has gained prominence in both skincare and haircare.

Jojoba oil has been shown to be more waxy than oily in nature. This makes it very similar to sebum, the natural oils your scalp produces. Sebum acts as a lubricator and moisturizer, as well as nourishes the hair and scalp.

Jojoba oil also promotes scalp health.

• It has anti-inflammatory properties.
• It is a very good source of vitamins and minerals for your hair and scalp.
• It helps the skin to heal.

How to use jojoba oil for dry scalp

A few drops of jojoba oil can be added to either your shampoo or conditioner. You can also apply a small amount of jojoba oil (about 1 to 2 drops) directly to your scalp. Be careful, however, not to use too much as jojoba oil could potentially clog your pores.

You can also use jojoba oil as a hot oil treatment which will be very beneficial to your hair and possibly have extended effects on your scalp. To do this:

• Warm about a tablespoon of jojoba oil and let it cool sufficiently.
• Work it into your hair.
• Let it sit for about 20 minutes
• Shampoo and condition your hair as usual.

To find out more about hot oil treatments, read What Is a Hot Oil Treatment and 10 Reasons It’s Good for Natural Hair.

3.      Coconut oil

When it comes to skincare and hair care, coconut oil can seem like liquid gold. Coconut oil readily penetrates the hair shaft and helps to ensure that your hair is sufficiently hydrated and moisturized. Studies (like this one from 2017) have shown that coconut oil:

• Effectively lubricates skin, such as your scalp.
• Has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal effects.
• Has antioxidant properties that give it the ability to help skin to heal.

How to use coconut oil for dry scalp

There are several ways to add coconut oil to your haircare routine. You can add a few drops of coconut oil to your regular conditioner. Or, use it on its own by rubbing a little coconut oil between your palms and then applying it to your hair to add shine, minimize frizz, and aid styling of your hair.

You can also use coconut oil as a deep conditioning hair mask either on its own or mix with other ingredients.

To use coconut oil for dry scalp by itself, just massage a couple of teaspoons of coconut oil into your hair. Leave it in overnight, if possible, remembering to protect your pillow. Rinse it out of your hair in the morning.

4.      Aloe vera

Aloe vera is regarded by many as the best treatment for dry scalp. It has long been used to provide relief from dry skin (including dry scalp) and sunburn. It can be used to treat both the dryness and itching, as well as the flakiness that is also a common symptom of dry skin.

Apart from being anti-inflammatory, aloe vera is also very moisturizing. Plus, it can be used by persons with very sensitive skin and produce little to no side effects.

How to use aloe vera for dry scalp

You can drink aloe vera juice if you wish to get all the health benefits of aloe vera. This would include the many benefits of aloe vera for skin health. You can also apply pure aloe vera to your scalp and leave it in for about 10 minutes before washing your hair.

Aloe vera is also a common ingredient in deep conditioning hair masks and a favorite of DIYers who like to make their own hair care product recipes.

5.      Avocado and ripe banana

Avocados are good sources of vitamin E and vitamin C, both of which have been proven to be beneficial to hair and scalp health. Avocados are also rich sources of several B vitamins. What’s more, the natural oils in an avocado have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing effects

The healthy fatty acids in avocado oil easily penetrate both the hair shaft and the scalp. They can help to hydrate and moisturize dry scalp for much needed relief. They also help to strengthen and protect the skin barrier while providing much needed nourishment to your scalp.

Ripe bananas are also moisturizing and have been shown to have antimicrobial effects. Plus, bananas are a moderate source of vitamin C, a micronutrient shown to act as an antioxidant. Antioxidants help in healing and protection of skin cells.

 

How to use avocado and ripe banana for dry scalp

You can make your own homemade dry scalp treatment using either mashed avocado or mashed (preferably blended) bananas with a few tablespoons of coconut oil or olive oil. Massage the treatment into your scalp. Leave it for about 15 minutes then wash it out.

Many DIY dry scalp recipes use avocado, ripe banana, and honey together. You can also add avocado oil to other natural hair and scalp conditioners, such as plain yogurt to create a soothing, deep conditioner to treat dryness and flakiness.

You can find DIY hair masks that feature coconut oil, avocado, and ripe banana here: Homemade Conditioner for Frizzy Hair – 3 Super Easy Recipes.

How about you? What’s your best treatment for dry scalp? Tell us about it!