Natural Remedies For A Dry Flaky Scalp

A dry scalp is something that just about anyone can experience at some point in their lifetime. For others, like myself, it’s something that I have to continually manage. This makes sense because a symptom of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is dry skin and dry scalp.

A dry scalp may be uncomfortable and many people find dealing with these white flakes to be irritating and even embarrassing. Luckily it’s highly treatable and usually responds well to simple, inexpensive home treatments. Read on for the list of natural home remedies for a dry flaky scalp that I have found to be the most helpful.

Natural Remedies For A Dry Flaky Scalp

Dry Scalp or Dandruff?

The white flakes falling from your scalp and dusting your shoulders may look similar. However, the causes and treatments for these two conditions are very different. Let’s go over some key differences:

Dry Scalp– These flakes tend to be very white and tiny in size. Other signs of dry scalp include an itchy, tight-felling scalp that can become red with irritation.

Dandruff- The flakes from dandruff are larger in size, yellowish in color, and feel greasy to the touch. There also tends to be an odor to them and your scalp.

Causes Of Dry Scalp

A dry scalp happens when the natural moisture levels in your skin are disrupted or damaged. This can happen for various different reasons.

Hair Styling

Haircare products can be the cause of your dry scalp issues. Harsh shampoos containing sulfates and frequent overwashing, especially with hot water, can strip your hair and scalp of the natural oils it needs to stay hydrated.

Reducing the frequency you wash your hair and switching to a more gentle shampoo can help with this. As well as washing your hair in warm water instead of hot.

Weather Changes

Dry scalp problems are more common in the wintertime when the humidity in the air drops. Indoor heating is very dehydrating and causes your scalp as well as the rest of your skin to become very dry.

Using a humidifier inside your home can help add some much-needed moisture back into the air.

Dehydration

Water is essential to your entire body’s overall health and well-being. And for that reason, something as simple as upping your water intake can solve your dry scalp problems. Continuously skipping out on drinking sufficient amounts of water will leave your skin, hair, and scalp dry.

Aim to drink at least 8 cups of clean pure water every day. Keeping a large reusable water bottle with you is an easy way to remind yourself to drink throughout the day.

Medical

If your dry scalp is caused by a medical condition like eczema, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis, these remedies can help alleviate some discomfort. However, there is no cure for these chronic conditions and stronger medications may be needed. A good doctor or dermatologist will be able to offer the proper guidance.

Natural Remedies For A Dry Flaky Scalp

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is well known for its beauty benefits. And for dry scalp and overall hydrating hair care, it’s my absolute favorite. Not only is coconut oil moisturizing, but it’s also antifungal and antibacterial. This can be helpful in reducing the chance of infection from over itching your scalp.

How to use. Apply a small amount of melted coconut oil directly to your scalp. Massage it in for a few minutes and then let it sit in your hair for a least 15 minutes (I usually keep it in for an hour) before shampooing your hair as usual. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to the coconut oil before applying it to your scalp for extra benefits. Here’s the squeeze bottle I use to make this super easy.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is rich in ingredients like vitamin E, vitamin B complex, copper, and zinc, making it a great addition to any beauty arsenal. The active components in jojoba oil closely resemble the body’s own natural oils due to its waxy nature. This makes it particularly helpful in treating dry skin and flaky scalps.

How to use. Apply 4-5 drops of jojoba oil to your shampoo for extra moisturizing benefits. Not only is this great for your scalp but it will also hydrate your hair, helping to reduce breakage and split ends.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil that has strong antifungal, antiseptic, and antibiotic properties. For this reason, many shampoos used for treating dandruff contain tea tree oil.

How to use. Tea tree oil and other essential oils should never be put directly on your skin. Instead, add a few drops to a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil. Add this mixture to your scalp, massage it in and let it sit for at least 15 minutes before washing out.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Raw apple cider vinegar is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. And because it’s also a great exfoliator, it can help remove any residue in your hair or dry skin that’s built up on your scalp. Apple cider vinegar will also restore the proper pH balance to your scalp.

How to use. Mix one part apple cider with two parts water. Pour the mixture directly onto your scalp, a squeeze bottle works great for this. Then let the vinegar sit for a few minutes before washing it out with your regular shampoo and conditioner.

Avocado

Avocados contain both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids that moisturize and protect your skin. Incorporate more avocados into your diet as well as topically, to reduce the symptoms of dry scalp.

How to use. Blend a whole avocado with a tablespoon of coconut oil, Massage the mask into your scalp for a few minutes. Let the mask sit for at least 15 minutes before washing out. You can also try this Coconut Milk & Avocado Hair Mask.

Baking Soda And Olive Oil

Baking soda and olive oil together make a super moisturizing, antifungal, and antibacterial exfoliator. It works great for removing both dandruff and the tiny white flakes from an itch dry scalp.

How to use. Mix equal parts of olive oil and baking soda together to make a paste. Thoroughly massage your scalp to exfoliate and remove any buildup of dry skin. Let the paste sit for a few minutes before washing, being sure to remove all residue. Follow with your normal conditioner.

Exfoliate And Massage

There are various different ways to massage and exfoliate your scalp, including scrubs, boar bristle brushes. My favorite is the Pramsana Exfoliating Scalp Brush from Aveda. It helps increase microcirculation to the scalp and exfoliates the scalp to help loosen buildup before washing. I use it every night before bed as well as before applying any oil treatment to my scalp.

Healing a dry scalp can take a little time, but by making a few changes and incorporating a few of the above ingredients into your beauty routine it can be done! If you deal with dry scalp issues and have some favorite remedies not listed above, please let me know in the comments below!

Xx Monti