What to Do for Dry Scalp, How to Fix, What to Do, Solutions & Dry Scalp Products

If you are wondering what is good for dry scalp, then this article is for you. You will learn what to do to that pesky dry scalp and get on fast track towards achieving a healthier scalp and lustrous hair. We’ll also highlight some of the best products for dry scalp available on the market today so you don’t have to suffer in silence again.

Table of Contents

What to Do For Dry Scalp – What Is Good For Dry Scalp

Whether chronic or seasonal, a dry scalp can make you feel uncomfortable especially if you have to keep scratching your head to overcome the itchiness. The dry flakes that typically accompany the condition can as well ruin your good hair day and steal from your self confidence. So, what can you do about dry scalp?

Hot oil treatment

Dry scalp is typically devoid of moisture and an oil treatment can help to restore moisture.

Requirements

½ cup olive oil (you can as well use coconut oil, Argan oil, or grapeseed oil)
Shower cap
Small microwave-safe bowl
Mild shampoo (free of sulfates e.g. sodium lauryl sulfate)
Conditioner
Towel

Directions

Pour the oil into the microwave-safe dish and then warm it in your microwave. Some experts recommend heating the oil for 20 seconds on regular heat.
Brush your hair all the way from root to tips using a natural-bristle paddle brush in order to disentangle it.
Part the hair at the centre using your fingertips and brush (to keep it in place on either side) before applying the hot oil. A sponge brush works great but you can as well use your fingertips to apply it. Start at your natural scalp area and keep moving from there in parallel stints until you cover your entire head.
Cover your hair with a shower cap for at least half an hour (longer if you can).
Once you are tired of walking around with the shower cap on, lather on a sulfate free shampoo. The good thing about sulfate-free shampoo brands is that they don’t steal away the moisture you just restored on your hair using the hot oil treatment.
Finally, rinse your hair with warm water and condition it as you normally do.

How to Fix Dry Scalp – Extra Tips to Consider

Blow drying — Blow-dryers may expose your scalp to excess heat

In addition to the above options to fix dry scalp, you may also want to consider the following tips:

Avoid using products with harmful ingredients particularly shampoos and conditioners. You will especially want to stay away from products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate. This is a common lathering agent and can exacerbate the dryness in the scalp.
Avoid over-styling your hair: Styling your hair with curlers, blow-dryers, and straighteners exposes your hair and scalp to excessive heat which can make the dry scalp even worse.
Watch your diet: It is advisable to have a balanced diet with protein, whole grains, lean meat, low-fat dairy products and leafy vegetables. Eating foods that are normally rich in omega-3 fatty acids is also recommended. Omega-3 fatty acids are usually present in the cell membranes in your scalp’s skin as well as in the natural oils that are typically found on the scalp. Walnuts, flaxseeds, salmon and spinach are all rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Dry Scalp Solutions and Best Products for Dry Scalp

There are many commercial products that are marketed as dry scalp solutions today and with all competing for the top spot, the question “What are some of the best products for dry scalp?” seems like a natural one and indeed floats around in many online forums.

Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care Conditioner

Such dry scalp solutions come in numerous forms ranging from conditioners to shampoos and lotions.

Dry Scalp Conditioner

Dry scalp is often attributed to dryness caused by excessive loss of moisture and using an appropriate dry scalp conditioner can help restore moisture to the scalp. There are dozens if not thousands of dry scalp conditioners on the market today. You can choose a dry scalp conditioner from among the following top rated brands:

Aveda Scalp Benefits™ Balancing Conditioner
Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care Conditioner: antidandruff conditioner that also works great to get rid of dry scalp
Organics by Africa’s Best Organics Hair Mayonnaise
Avlon KeraCare Dry & Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Moisturizing Conditioner

Lotion for Dry Scalp

According to the Paula’s Choice website, if you are suffering from dry scalp but dandruff is not a suspect for your particular case, using a small amount of moisturizing lotion can help. Simply massage a little lotion on the scalp at night and wash it off in the morning. Among the lotions you may want to use for your dry scalp are:

Cetaphil Moisturizing lotion
Curel Ultra Healing
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing
Avlon KeraCare Dry & Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Spot Itch Lotion: specifically formulated for dry scalp and dandruff treatment

Oil for Dry Scalp

Any non-volatile oil can also be used to restore moisture and combat the problem of dry scalp. Olive oil, sesame oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil and Argan oil are all potential options for treatment of dry scalp. Simply apply and massage your chosen oil throughout the scalp without making the hair excessively greasy.

Beyond the Moisturizer for Dry Scalp

While all the above moisturizing options can help to get rid of dry scalp, you should as well consider addressing any other underlying causes of dry scalp. For example, if you are using harsh shampoos or hair products with sulfates, stop using them and if you suspect that your house is excessively dry, consider investing in a humidifier. It is also advisable to cut down on excessive shampooing to 1-2 weeks at most if you are suffering from dry scalp.

Dry Scalp – What to Do For Dry Scalp, What Is Good, Products, and Solutions