Dry scalp itches, flakes and can be annoying. Fortunately, there are numerous home remedies that promise relief. We have proven tips for you to soothe dry scalp naturally. It is important to note that you should not only identify and treat the symptoms, but also the causes.
Dry scalp not only itches and tightens, tugs and pricks, it also causes unsightly dandruff and scales. In short: she’s annoying. So that the scalp can calm down again, it is important to provide it with sufficient oil and moisture.
In addition to help from the pharmacy, there are also numerous home remedies available. Also important: investigate the causes. Because: If you only fight the itching, but not its causes, you will deal with the problem longer than necessary.
Very similar formulations are recommended as natural remedies for itchy scalps, such as those used for dry skin in general, for dry lips in winter or for dry hands. We present the four most important and most effective home remedies.
Also Read: Top 10 Tricks For Your Dry Shampoo
Dry scalp: These home remedies help
- Aloe vera: The juice of real aloe is known for its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory properties. Concentrated aloe vera gels , for example from the drugstore, promise stress-free skin. Here’s how it works: If you feel itchy, apply the gel as directly as possible to the scalp and massage it with circular movements. It doesn’t need to be rinsed out.
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil is considered a proven moisturizer, partly because of its moisturizing effect, and can therefore help to care for dry scalp. Since the delicately scented fat only melts at approx. 25 degrees Celsius, first warm half a teaspoon in your hand and only then massage it into the itchy areas. Leave it there for half an hour (or even overnight); Then rinse off excess fat with a mild shampoo.
Coconut oil also helps against dry hair . Simply massage the oil into the lengths of your hair and leave it on overnight.
If the scalp itches: massage in the oil
- Olive oil: A test with olive oil is also worth a try: Simply drip a few drops of oil onto the scalp, preferably with a pipette (see picture) and leave it on thoroughly – overnight if possible. Rinse out the next morning with a mild shampoo.
- Quark: Dairy products such as quark or (natural) yoghurt can have a calming effect on dry skin because they provide moisture and relieve feelings of tension. If you want to try it, massage two to three tablespoons of natural quark into the scalp, leave it on for fifteen minutes and then rinse off the residue with a mild shampoo. If possible, use fatty quark, not low-fat quark.
Dry, Itchy Scalp: A Common Cause
Regardless of how well the home remedies listed above work for you, it’s important to clarify why your scalp is feeling dry. Otherwise you may only be fighting symptoms.
The wrong care is often to blame for a dry scalp: it is not uncommon for the scalp not to respond well to the (new) shampoo, conditioner or styling product. The main thing that helps here is to switch to other, preferably milder, products that irritate the skin less and do not degrease it as quickly.
Tip: If you want, try using only half the amount of shampoo the next time you wash your hair, or dilute the shampoo in a separate bottle with water before washing so that it is “only half as strong”.
More reasons for dry scalp
However, dry, flaky scalp can also be caused by any of the following:
- The weather: Both freezing temperatures and summer heat, strong winds or low humidity can disturb the balance of the skin and cause the scalp to feel tense. The only thing that really helps is to cover your head if possible so that it is not exposed to the elements of the weather, whether UV rays, wind or cold.
- Excessive washing: If you wash your hair too often, too hot or with too aggressive agents, you may also wash away the oils and fats that are supposed to protect the scalp from drying out. The only thing that helps here is washing less often and – as already mentioned – trying out products for sensitive skin.
- Excessive blow-drying: The same applies to drying your hair: Are you blow-drying your hair too hot, too often or for too long, causing your scalp to suffer? Try turning the blow dryer down a notch or letting your hair air dry and see how your skin reacts.
- Skin diseases: Certain skin diseases such as psoriasis or neurodermatitis can cause a dry scalp. If your symptoms persist, be sure to see a dermatologist.
- Allergies: Of course, the scalp can also have an allergic reaction, for example to the ingredients in certain hair care products. In our mousse test at the end of 2022, for example, we found substances that can trigger allergies. If you have a suspicion, you should consult a specialist here as well.
Other causes of dry scalp include nutrient deficiencies (due to an unbalanced diet), hormonal imbalance , or drug interactions that affect the scalp’s sebum production and can cause feelings of tightness. Talk to your doctor about these options as well.
A few more tips to protect the scalp: drink enough; avoid dry heating air in winter and cold air conditioning systems in summer; Only apply conditioner to the lengths and ends of the hair and not directly to the scalp; avoid hair styling products; Avoid sharp combs and hard brushes.
Also Read: Do You Suffer From Dry Hair? We Know What Helps And How To Take Care Of It