Introduction:

The scalp is an area in the body where a significantly tremendous amount of hair glands is present, and a large amount of oily excretion is evident, making it tough to dry out.¹ This skin on the scalp performs a vital function of protecting the head.² There are numerous hair follicles on the scalp, and the environment is dark, warm, and damp. This provides thermal insulation (prevents heat transmission). However, a dry scalp occurs when the scalp lacks enough oil to keep the skin lubricated.¹ It also occurs due to conditions like low humidity during winters, using the wrong skin care products, and certain skin conditions.¹

A dry, itchy scalp can be distracting, painful, and embarrassing when combined with flaking. In addition, it may be tempting to take matters into your own hands by scratching or attempting to conceal the problem with products, which may aggravate the problem.³ Itchiness and flakes caused by the dry scalp can impact one’s quality of life.¹

Although skin problems on the scalp are common, there is less awareness about the necessity of skincare in this area.[1] Continue reading to know more about home remedies for dry scalp.

What Causes Dry Scalp?

The dry scalp usually occurs due to a lack of enough oil or excessive oil that results in bacterial growth leading to itching and dryness.^1,2

Dry scalp is usually triggered due to the following underlying conditions:

• Atopic dermatitis (characterised by red and itchy skin)¹
• Psoriasis vulgaris (a skin disease that causes red, itchy, scaly patches)^1,3
• Seborrheic dermatitis (a skin condition that results in scaly patches and severe dandruff)
• Low humidity during winter
• Wrong skincare due to usage of an excessive amount of shampoo^1,3
• Tinea capitis (scalp ringworm)
• Actinic keratosis (rough, scaly patch on the scalp due to several years of sun exposure)[1]

Even though primary clinicians manage the condition, it is best to refer the complex patient to the dermatologist for guidance. Dermatology speciality-trained nurses can also help by counselling the patient, providing direction on medical management, and monitoring and charting treatment progress.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Symptoms of Dry Scalp:

Dry skin and dandruff can appear similarly on your scalp, making it difficult to distinguish between the two without the expertise of a dermatologist (skin and hair doctor). When you have a dry scalp, you will notice scalp itchiness and flakes of skin from your scalp.³

Suggested Home Remedies for Dry Scalp:

One of the best remedies for dry scalp is herbal hair oils. They aid in moisturising the scalp. In addition, herbal hair oils help the sebaceous (oil-producing) glands function normally by supplying essential elements for hair growth. Some home remedies that can be used for dry scalp are:[1]

1. Hibiscus Flower:

This flower is a good source of vitamin A and C. It contains antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Herbal hair masks made with hibiscus flower paste or hibiscus infused oil help in conditioning your hair and thus can be used for dry scalp.⁴

2. Aloe Vera:

Aloe vera helps in soothing the skin and keeping it moist. This property of aloe vera is beneficial for avoiding the dry and flaky scalp. It proves to be an excellent skin smoothening moisturiser when mixed with selected essential oils.

3. Fenugreek:

This natural remedy can be used to soothe a dry and itchy scalp. Fenugreek contains nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, iron, protein and lecithin. All these nutrients strengthen hair follicles and maintain hair health.⁴

4. Flaxseed:

This is also known as common flax or linseed. Flaxseed is filled with antioxidants and fatty acids, which help eliminate toxins and dead cells from the scalp. It can be used as a moisturiser on the scalp and help strengthen hair.⁴

5. Curry Leaves:

The oil prepared from curry leaves is a known remedy for scalp infections and helps in conditioning the hair. Hence, it is indicated for scalp dryness. It is filled with antioxidants like vitamin C, E, A, and folic acid is an effective remedy for nourishing your hair.⁴

6. Shikakai:

It can be mixed with water to create a paste. This paste can be applied to the scalp as a conditioner. It can be used to clean the hair. Due to its low pH, shikakai does not damage your hair or remove its natural oils while cleansing.⁴

7. Coconut Oil:

Coconut oil is good for pitta dosh people (they sweat profusely on exposure to heat) because it is a cooling oil. It is high in vitamin K, E, and other minerals. It helps combat scalp dryness and scalp infections and imparts lustre to hair.⁴

8. Castor Oil:

This oil can be used as a moisturiser for the scalp and hair. It helps to manage a dry scalp. Castor is known to enhance blood circulation and improve blood flow. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.⁴

9. Amla:

The juice obtained from amla or dried amla can be applied to hair as a hair mask. This remedy can fight against dry scalp and strengthen the hair follicles. Its oil also helps reduce scalp infections and irritations.⁴

10. Proper Washing Method:

It is necessary to use a proper washing method that will not irritate the scalp. You must spread some shampoo on the palms of both hands, then gently apply it to the back and the top of the head to the front of the head, using the balls of the fingers rather than the nails. Next, you should rinse the roots using fingers to allow warm water to reach the roots. A moisturising lotion can be applied to the dry area of the scalp.¹

When to Seek Medical Help?

Usually, a dry scalp can be managed by using a gentle, non-medicated shampoo. However, it is recommended that you visit your dermatologist (skin and hair doctor) if these over-the-counter products do not work.

If you experience other symptoms along with dry scalp or if you need a proper diagnosis and treatment, you should visit a dermatologist.³

Also Read: Flaxseed for Hair Growth: Unveiling Its Research-Based Potential Benefits

Conclusion:

A scalp is said to be dry when there is a lack of moisture, due to which you notice itching or flakiness of the scalp.³ Dry scalp can be managed by cleaning the scalp with a shampoo and conditioner that produce lesser irritation, using a moisturising lotion, and using a washing method that reduces irritation to the scalp. Those who have dry scalp symptoms must receive timely treatment to diagnose and treat any underlying diseases and take appropriate skin care measures.¹ There are also several home remedies like the hibiscus flower, aloe vera, amla, shikakai, coconut oil, castor oil, fenugreek seeds, etc., that can be used to manage a dry scalp.⁴

Also Read: Home Remedies For Hair Thinning

Frequently Asked Questions:

Also Read: Aloe Vera: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

References:

1. Oshima M, Sogawa M, Matsunaka , Murakami Y, Saya Y, Sugita T, Matsudate Y,Fukui N, Murao K, Kubo Y. Improvement of scalp condition and quality of life through proper skin care of dry scalp. Journal of cosmetics, dermatological sciences and applications. 2014 Jul; 4(04):284-92. Available from: https://www.scirp.org/pdf/JCDSA_2014092415521832.pdf
2. Elewski BE. Clinical diagnosis of common scalp disorders. Journal of investigative dermatology symposium proceedings.2005 Dec ;10(3): 190-93 Available from: https://www.jidsponline.org/article/S0022-202X(15)52585-2/fulltext
3. American academy of dermatology association. Is your dry scalp something more serious? [Internet] Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/scalp/dry-scalp-conditions
4. Kolekar YS, Tamboli FA, More HN, Mulani SA.Medicinal plants used in cosmetics for skin and hair care. International journal of pharmaceutics chemistry and analysis. 2021; 8(2): 36-40. Available from: https://www.ijpca.org/html-article/14382
5. Sahu PK, Giri DD, Singh R, Pandey P, Gupta S, Shrivastava AK, Kumar A, Pandey KD. Therapeutic and medicinal uses of Aloe vera: a review. Pharmacology & Pharmacy. 2013 Nov 8;4(08):599. Available From: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Deen-Giri/publication/262698658_Therapeutic_and_Medicinal_Uses_of_Aloe_vera_A_Review/links/53e31e540cf275a5fdda794e/Therapeutic-and-Medicinal-Uses-of-Aloe-vera-A-Review.pdf

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.