No one likes having an itchy, flaky, and sore scalp. However, dry scalp is a highly treatable condition, and the best remedies could be in your bathroom and kitchen cabinets!

The causes of dry scalp

You can repair the damage to your scalp, but it can be more helpful to correct and prevent the causes of dry scalp in the first place. Here are a few reasons you might experience this irritation.

Washing your hair too often

Your scalp’s natural oils help keep your hair hydrated, but if you wash your hair too often, you can strip away the oils and cause dry, brittle hair and flaking. How often you should wash your hair depends on how thick it is and if it’s prone to producing more or less scalp oils.

Too much product

On the opposite end of the hair-care spectrum, you could be putting too many harmful chemicals on your scalp. Avoid products that contain ingredients such as sulfates, parabens, and polyethylene glycols, which can all leave residue that irritates and strips your hair of its natural oils.

Dehydration

This point is self-explanatory: your scalp uses water from your body to produce the oils that keep your whole head healthy. So if you aren’t drinking enough water, you could be drying out your scalp. 

Seasonal changes

The humidity in the air is another part of what keeps your scalp hydrated. It’s no wonder then that the colder months can be irritating to your hair follicles. There isn’t too much you can do to prevent this, but you can drink more water after outdoor activities and wear a hat while outside to maintain a comfortable climate for your head.

Natural remedies

It’s time to talk about remedies to help you find relief while you work to fix your dry scalp. Not everyone’s scalp will take to these remedies equally, so it’s important to try multiple and see which one helps you the most. Be sure to consult a doctor or dermatologist before introducing anything new to your skin.

Aloe vera

The holy grail of sunburn care, aloe vera can also be applied to the scalp to soothe and treat irritation. This solution is best for red, burning scalps that feel more raw as opposed to flaky. Apply a dollop of pure aloe vera gel to your scalp, and rinse with water after ten minutes.

Apple cider vinegar

There’s a reason apple cider vinegar is a household staple—it’s great for a wide array of health, cleaning, and cooking needs. Specifically, it’s an antimicrobial exfoliant, so it can eliminate potentially harmful bacteria hiding in your roots. Mix one part apple cider vinegar and two parts water, and apply generously to the flaky, irritated areas of your head. Let the mixture sit for five minutes, then rinse it out and wash and condition your hair as usual.

Coconut and olive oil

It makes sense that if your hair’s natural oils are lacking, you should add oil to your scalp. However, not all oils are created equal. Coconut and olive oil are rich in vitamin E and have antibacterial properties that can ward off potential infection from scratching your scalp. Apply a quarter size amount of melted coconut oil or olive oil to your scalp for ten minutes, then wash and condition your hair as usual.

Bananas

Fruits are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, but bananas are particularly helpful when it comes to treating dry scalp. Bananas are a natural moisturizer and have antimicrobial properties. Mash or blend one banana with coconut or olive oil, and massage the paste into your scalp. Let the paste sit for 10–15 minutes before rinsing. 

By trying these tips and tricks, you can keep your scalp healthy and avoid potential irritation.