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How do I Choose the Best Dry Scalp Treatment?

Henry Gaudet
Henry Gaudet

When seeking the best dry scalp treatment, you should begin by identifying the cause of your dry scalp. Sometimes, simple changes in grooming practices might relieve the condition. Preventative measures such as protecting the skin might be your best dry scalp treatment. Moisturizing shampoos and conditioners could help as well, and a number of home remedies are widely used to treat dry scalp.

Although many dry scalp treatments depend on the underlying cause, there are some general recommendations for all cases. First, drink plenty of water to replenish moisture lost through dry skin. A dry scalp is often itchy, but avoid the urge to scratch. Scratching will only irritate the scalp and worsen the condition. On a similar note, a hard brush or comb can cause irritation as well, and replacing yours with a soft-bristled brush or even using your fingers to style your hair can help.

Scratching may irritate the scalp.
Scratching may irritate the scalp.

Your hair care regimen might be responsible for your dry scalp. Harsh hair care products, blow dryers, curlers and straighteners can strip the hair and scalp of natural oils that are responsible for trapping moisture. Frequent washing, especially under hot water, will also dry out your hair and scalp. Washing hair under warm water about twice a week and minimizing the use of heating devices such as blow dryers will keep your hair clean while retaining these oils.

A specialized shampoo can treat dry scalp as a result of dandruff.
A specialized shampoo can treat dry scalp as a result of dandruff.

The weather can dry your scalp as well, and it can irritate already dry skin. Protection from the elements is another important dry scalp treatment. Extremes of temperature, strong sunlight and dry, arid conditions will all dry your skin, including your scalp. If your hair is thin in spots, use sunscreen just like you would for any exposed skin, but for the best protection from any type of weather, a hat is probably your best bet.

Olive oil, a condiment found in many kitchens, can be used to treat dry scalp.
Olive oil, a condiment found in many kitchens, can be used to treat dry scalp.

Shampoos work by cleaning away oils and making your scalp more likely to become dry. Moisturizing shampoos minimize this effect, and conditioners replace oils that are scrubbed away during washing. Together, a moisturizing shampoo and a leave-in conditioner make an effective dry scalp treatment.

If your dry scalp is because of dandruff, a number of effective dandruff shampoos are widely available. You can try several in order to choose one that works for you. For advice on dry scalp treatment resulting from other skin conditions, you might need to consult with a skin specialist.

Together, a moisturizing shampoo and a leave-in conditioner make an effective dry scalp treatment.
Together, a moisturizing shampoo and a leave-in conditioner make an effective dry scalp treatment.

Home remedies for dry hair and scalp often involve a trip to the kitchen. Oils such as olive oil are popular, and they work by trapping moisture in the scalp. Vinegar, oatmeal, garlic and lemon are among the many home remedies used as a dry scalp treatment. Herbal remedies such as aloe and tea tree oil are widely used as well.

Discussion Comments

SteamLouis

If someone has chronic dry scalp, I think that it may be an allergic reaction to a hair product such as a shampoo. Shampoos contain a lot of chemicals and they can leave scalp very dry. Some shampoos have natural ingredients and even natural oils in them. They are much better for people with a dry scalp. One can also add a little bit of tea tree oil or another oil to a bottle of regular shampoo.

candyquilt

@StoneMason-- Applying oil on the scalp is absolutely safe and you don't have to leave it on for a very long time.

You can leave it on as a scalp and hair mask for a few hours and then wash it off. I highly recommend 100% natural coconut oil for dry and itchy scalp. It's great for these symptoms. I used to suffer from dryness as well. Ever since I started using coconut oil once or twice a week, the dryness and itch went away. Moreover, coconut oil has anti-fungal properties as well. You can get pure coconut oil at health food stores or at Southeast Asian groceries such as the Indian grocery. Their prices tend to be more affordable as well.

stoneMason

Is it a good idea to put oil on the scalp? Won't it make it too oily?

My scalp has been very dry and itchy lately, but I'm not sure if applying oil is a good idea.

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    • Scratching may irritate the scalp.
      By: nebari
      Scratching may irritate the scalp.
    • A specialized shampoo can treat dry scalp as a result of dandruff.
      By: roblan
      A specialized shampoo can treat dry scalp as a result of dandruff.
    • Olive oil, a condiment found in many kitchens, can be used to treat dry scalp.
      By: margo555
      Olive oil, a condiment found in many kitchens, can be used to treat dry scalp.
    • Together, a moisturizing shampoo and a leave-in conditioner make an effective dry scalp treatment.
      By: Africa Studio
      Together, a moisturizing shampoo and a leave-in conditioner make an effective dry scalp treatment.
    • Emu oil contains many fatty acids and antioxidants.
      By: shocky
      Emu oil contains many fatty acids and antioxidants.
    • Diet may affect the health of a person's scalp.
      By: monticellllo
      Diet may affect the health of a person's scalp.