Life Desk :
Is your hair unmanageable and prone to itching? A dry scalp may the actual culprit behind this problem. Dry scalp is actually a major threat to your hair if left untreated as it tends to cause itchiness of the scalp and several other problems.
You’ll find a number of different products stacked on supermarket shelves, all claiming to have nourishing properties that help prevent scalp dryness; but sticking to home remedies is a much healthier and easier alternative.
What causes dry scalp- Extensive use of chemical products, shampoos and conditioners on your hair can take a toll on your scalp, stripping it of its natural moisture and leading to its dryness. Also, long exposure to extreme climatic conditions, for eg, sitting in an air conditioned office or working for long hours in the sun, too, can damage the hair and cause dryness of the scalp.
People who style their hair excessively are also prone to a dry scalp. It is also believed that a diet lacking in important nutrients can cause dryness of the scalp.
Symptoms of dry scalp- A dry scalp often brings with it certain symptoms, which makes it easy to detect the condition. Itchiness and flaky scalp (dandruff) are some common symptoms of a dry scalp.
Using home remedies to treat a dry scalp is beneficial, as they have no potential side effects associated with their use. Some common home remedies are listed below-
Tea tree oil- Tea tree oil, with its powerful antifungal and antibacterial properties, makes for an amazing home remedy for dry scalp. The natural oils offer excellent nourishment and moisturization, which combat itchiness, flakiness and dryness and thereby prevent conditions related to dryness of the scalp. An important point to remember while using tea tree oil as a remedy for dry scalp is that you should always dilute it before applying it to your scalp.
Lemon juice and honey- Don’t be surprised. This extraordinary mixture doesn’t just help cure a sore throat, but also works amazingly in treating a dry scalp. Honey, with its antibacterial properties, and lemon with its cleansing properties make for a successful duo. Applying this mixture to a dry scalp can help treat the condition naturally.
Remember that lemon should not be used on broken, irritated skin as it may cause a stinging sensation or sometimes even aggravate the problem.
Apple cider vinegar- Apple cider vinegar seems to be the home remedy superstar-you’ll find it treating anything and everything right from skin conditions to hair problems. Applying apple cider vinegar to your scalp can help balance the pH of the scalp and relive itching and dryness. Apple cider vinegar too, should be diluted with water before use.
Coconut Oil to the Rescue- Coconut oil is one of the widely used home remedies to cure dry scalp. It restores the natural moisture of the scalp and prevents dryness and flakiness. Just massage warm coconut oil gently onto the entire scalp, leave it on for an hour, and then rinse.
Olive Oil- Olive oil contains vitamin E and monounsaturated fatty acids which can help you to combat the dryness of the scalp. Heat extra virgin olive oil and gently massage into your scalp and leave it for half an hour. After the allotted time rinse your hair thoroughly.
Sesame oil- Just like tea tree oil, sesame oil too, works by nourishing and moisturizing the scalp, thereby treating a dry scalp. For best results, massage the oil onto your scalp for 10 minutes before a shampoo.
