15 Best Remedies for a Dry Scalp: Tea Tree, Coconut, Honey, Aloe Vera & More 

How do I get rid of dry scalp and what are the causes it? Having it can be very hard to bear especially when it becomes extremely itchy, flaky, and lead to hair loss or when dryness triggers some skin lesions. Dry itchy scalp can be very embarrassing when you can’t control the urge to scratch it in public. There may be various reasons why you get it, so in this article, we are going to gather insightful information about the various causes and the home remedies for this condition including commonly associated symptoms.

There wide ranges of conditions or factors that may lead to this dryness. The resultant symptoms will also differ depending upon such causes. Before we proceed to various remedies, we need to have a prior comprehension of the cause and symptoms. This will help to determine the best remedies.

Causes of a drying scalp

There are several causes, but we want should acknowledge that it could be due to something happening in the scalp (localized condition) or a condition causing skin dryness to the whole body (generalized condition). They can be internal or external factors as follows:

Internal factors that can cause this condition include:

  • Seborrheic dermatitis
  • Scalp psoriasis
  • Scalp eczema
  • Genetic factors
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Age – the older people are prone to dry skin anywhere including the scalp
  • Physical or emotional stress
  • Certain disorders of the internal organs
  • Some diseases such as Parkinson’s and HIV

External Factors causing a dry scalp:

  • Certain medications
  • Environmental pollution
  • Cosmetic shampoos, soaps, and hair treatments
  • Changes in temperature or seasons
  • Lifestyle factors, such as poor diet or smoking
  • Hard waters
  • Poor diet i.e. deficiency of vitamin D in the diet

Symptoms

Symptoms shown by scalp dryness will differ depending on the primary causes. They range from mild to severe. Depending on the causes still, it may have slow or rapid onset. It is always nothing to worry about but we have to be extra keen since it may be due to severe veiled skin conditions. Here are the common symptoms occurring alongside it:

  • Raised and reddish bumps on your scalp
  • scaly patches
  • itchy, flaking skin
  • The urge to Scratch may also accompany dry skin
  • Bleeding or damaged skin tissue

No matter what is causing your dry scalp, you can still find its solution. There are many over the counter and prescription treatments that can be used to control it. Again, before the problems could lead to embarrassment or become worrisome, fix it using some effective natural ways. Here, we have explained the best home remedies for this condition. Try them and have your own testimony!

Home remedies

1. Tea Tree Oil

This is a power and potential natural home product that really suits the treatment of this condition. It owes natural anti-inflammation, antibacterial and antifungal properties that can be used to heal dry scalp. This remedy can be applied in many ways including:

  • Adding 10-20 drops of tea tree oil to ½ cup of baby shampoo and then use it to improve your scalp condition daily
  • Another alternative is to dilute two or three drops of tea tree oil in one tablespoon of vegetable oil and then apply it. Regular use of this remedy will relieve the dryness within a week or two.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is another natural product recommended for many scalp problems including the dryness. It creates a barrier the will keep the skin moisturized and thus effective product to use. To apply coconut oil:

  • Massage coconut oil onto the scalp. This is after washing it off thoroughly.
  • Leave the oil to rest for about 1 hour and then wash it off using perfume free shampoo
  • Alternatively, you can heat the coconut oil to melt it and then add it to your shampoo for dry itchy scalp before washing it off.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has very excellent and powerful anti-inflammatory characteristics that can potentially do away with yeast and virus that can cause itchy dry scalp. This product also balances its pH hence relieving dryness and itchiness. To apply this product:

  • Begin by washing your hair and scalp with water and then allow it to dry
  • You can then blend equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water then pour the mixture in the spray bottle
  • Apply the prepared mixture directly on to it with the aid of the cotton balls. Spray the mixture onto it.

This remedy should be applied once or twice a week.

4. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel can also provide perfect relieve to dryness caused by blow drying or even hair coloring products. It has the natural astringent property that can treat dry and very itchy scalp. It is also very capable of reducing the inflammation resulting due to this problem.

  • Mix one cup of hazel oil with two cups of water
  • Massage the solution on the scalp for about 10 minutes
  • You can then rinse it off thoroughly
  • Repeat the process once in 4 days for better result

5. Aloe Vera

This products is what most of our customers refers to as the king of herbs. It is very perfect for scal that is dry care. It has been used for years to heal many skin conditions. Aloe gel contains moisturizing and cooling effects which relieves extreme dryness and itchiness. If fresh aloe gel is not available in your area then you can purchase one from over the counter. Here is how aloe vera is applied to treat dry skin on scalp:

  • Get fresh aloe vera gel by cutting aloe vera into two and squeezing out the gel
  • Spread the gel onto your scalp using your fingers
  • You should then allow the gel to sit  for 10-15 minutes before washing your hair with a mild shampoo

Remember to rewind the remedy once or twice a day until your dryness goes away

6. Honey

Honey is another good natural remedy. It has anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties to effectively treat this scalp condition. This is how this ingredient is applied:

  • Mix warm1/2 cup of virgin olive oil with 2 tablespoons of honey
  • Massage the mixture into your scalp gently
  • Leave it there for around 10 minutes
  • You can then rinse using herbal Shampoo
  • Repeat this procedure regularly

There are many ways in which honey can be used to treat this among other scalp problems. Apart from using honey with olive oil, coconut oil. Glycerin, vegetable oil and lemon juice can be used too.

7. Baking Soda

This is another effective product among dry flaky scalp remedies and readily available ingredient that can be used to treat dry and itchy scalp at home. It performs its justice by exfoliating it and thus controlling dandruff or anything else that would lead to the dryness and itchiness. It can also help clear the bacteria that can also contribute to scalp dryness. Here is how baking soda is applied to treat dry skin:

  • Prepare a paste by mixing baking soda with water
  • You can then apply the remedy directly on the scalp
  • If you are sure to get very positive result, then you can massage some olive oil on it before applying the baking soda paste
  • Allow the paste to be absorbed for around 15 minutes and then wash it off using lukewarm water

8. Lemon

This natural product has both antiseptic and moisturizing properties that make it ideal for many skin conditions. It kills bacteria and get rid of dead skin cells that may result to dry scalp. If you have a very sensitive scalp skin, then you can dilute the lemon juice. Lemon juice can be applied alongside honey or coconut oil as follows:

Procedure 1: With Honey

  • Start by squeezing a fresh lemon to extract fresh juice
  • Mix the juice with honey thoroughly and then massage the mixture gently on the scalp for a few minutes
  • You can then rinse using shampoo and water

Procedure 2: With coconut oil

  • Warm a cup of coconut oil and then add some few drops of lemon juice
  • Apply the mixture on your hair and scalp for about ½ an hour before washing it using clean water

Lemon juice can also be applied alongside Fuller`s Earth or Multani Mitti

9. Avocado

Avocado is a natural dry scalp product for treating skin dryness problems. It will also make the scalp hair soft, silky and moisturized, and this is done by ingredients contained in it such as minerals, vitamins and natural oils. To use avocado :

  • Begin by mashing one ripe avocado and then mix it with olive oil and 1 tablespoon of honey
  • Apply the mixture to your scalp
  • You then put on a shower cap and leave it to sit for around 30 minutes
  • Wash your hair using mild shampoo and water

Sugar scrub

The main aim of this best remedy for dry scalp is to clear the accumulated dead skin cells and other build-up on this area that could lead to dryness.

  • Add 5 tablespoons of brown sugar to olive oil or any other oil
  • You can then apply the scrub on your scalp
  • Massage the mixture gently in circular motions
  • Rinse your hair normally using water
  • Repeat the process regularly for better result

10. Oatmeal

Oats are natural products which are rich in vitamin E which nurtures any dry skin and treat the skin dryness, flaking, and itching.

  • Mix 1 tablespoon of oatmeal powder and ½ cup of water
  • Mix well and then apply the mixture gently on your scalp
  • Leave it for 30 minutes
  • You can then rinse off the mixture using cold water
  • You should repeat the procedure 2-3 times daily

11. Fenugreek with Honey

Fenugreek can also be used to treat dry and itchy scalp as well as making hair to be pretty shiny.

  • Mix equal amounts of fenugreek powder and honey (one cup each)
  • Massage the mixture on the scalp for 15 minutes and then leave it for 30 minutes
  • Rinse it off using mild shampoo and water

12. Egg Yolk and Olive Oil

You should bear in mind that, to treat this problem, we may need more than oil. A mixture of egg yolk and olive will condition and nurture the hair follicles and treat dry scalp. Application procedure of egg alongside olive oil is as follows:

  • Mix 2 eggs yolks with 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a bowl
  • Whisk the ingredient thoroughly to mix well
  • You can then dampen your scalp and hair
  • apply the mixture on the scalp
  • Leave to the application to rest for 15-20 minutes
  • Rinse it off using lukewarm water

13. Sesame oil

This is a highly nourishing, lubricating and healing product and hence a better treatment for not only dryness but help in stopping hair loss if the cause is related to this condition. It will also provide relief for itchy scalp.

  • You will have to heat sesame oil to warm it a bit
  • You can then massage the oil on your scalp before resting to your bed. To attain better result, you will massage the oil using your fingers for about 10 minutes and then wrap your head for 10 minutes with hot towel before you tire to your bed.
  • The very first thing in the morning is to rinse it off properly. You should continue to use this remedy until you acquire better result

14. Yogurt

This is an excellent skin-hydrating, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that will really help to soothe dry and itchy scalp skin. It also contain lactic acid that will help to clear germs and bacteria that may trigger or cause this dryness or itchiness.

  • Combine ½ cup of yogurt and three teaspoons of mashes or blended papaya.
  • You can then stir it in a few drops of honey and lemon juice.
  • Apply the mixture on your scalp and leave it for 10 minutes.
  • Wash it off using cold water
  • Do this once in a week until you get your desired result

Just like we had mentioned before, there are many natural remedies that can help treat or relieve dry scalp. More natural products include­­- milk cream, bananas, mayonnaise, castor oil, mustard oil, shea butter, steam, onion, lavender oil, Eucalyptus, lemongrass, rosemary, Indian lilac, thyme, basil and lawsonia leaves,  and sage. Get instructions from medical experts or nutritionist or how to apply them.

What to avoid to get rid of this problem

To limit the risk of developing dry scalp, there are certain thighs you should avoid. As a prevention measure of developing this condition:

  • Avoid constant exposure to the sun or high temperatures
  • Avoid leaving shampoo or hair conditioner on your scalp for longer time
  • Avoid the use of hot water to rinse your hair
  • Avoid frequent washing of your hair since too much exposure to water will sweep away the oil layer leaving a it dry
  • Avoid using hair dryers to dry your hair
  • Avoid using hair styling tools until your scalp dryness is completely treated
  • Avoid applying chemicals on it
  • Avoid purchasing any shampoo or conditioner without checking the ingredients
  • Avoid using dirty brushes and combs you use on your hair

You can also check on your diet. According to homeremediesforlife.com, “Changing your diet can greatly change the condition of your hair or scalp and promotes healthy hair growth.” In addition, make sure you drink plenty water to avoid the dehydration.

Outlook

This is usually a mild condition that will vanish of its own but when it became chronic, it means it may be due to severe medical conditions and therefore stronger medications may be recommended. When the above home remedies don’t improve your condition, then you can see your doctor for a prescription of stronger treatments. Don’t sit at home while its symptoms seem to be chronic or is worsening.