What Causes Dry Scalp? Best Home Remedies and Effective Over The Counter Medications

If you’re lucky to be blessed with a full head of hair, I am sure you’re aware that dry itchy scalp problems can occur year round. From analysis done by leading skin care publications, dry scalp problems are more common during the colder months of the winter season.

One of the most obvious signs is characterized by the sudden appearance of white, loose, powdery flakes. From studies, it has been determined that the root cause can be traced to the dehydration of the sebaceous glands. These are the glands responsible for producing the natural oil needed by your scalp to stay healthy.

The dehydration of the sebaceous glands can be caused by very extreme climates, the sufferer not drinking enough water, or due to the presence of other skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

For clarity purposes, I have divided this how to get rid of dry scalp article into two parts; one for those seeking the best home remedies for itchy scalp, and the other for those seeking the .

Know the Top 5 Home Remedies for Dry Scalp

Home remedies for dry scalp is among the many treatment options for people suffering from dry scalp condition. However, the popularity of moisturizing shampoos, conditioners and creams suggested by many dermatologists continue to flourish wherefore raising questions on the legitimacy of natural remedies. Are home remedies really effective?

As the common saying goes, “In order to find the solution, one must know the problem first.” This is why the root cause must be known first for better understanding on what and what not to do to avoid falling for the same situation.

What Causes Dry Scalp?

Dry scalp causes can be discussed in two classifications.

Internal Causes – vitamin deficiency can be the root cause of dry scalp. Specifically, lack of vitamins B and C are the triggering factor of dry scalp. When sebaceous glands don’t receive the necessary nutrients it needs to secrete oil, it halts oil production which causes dry scalp.

Environmental/External Causes – this classification include weather condition, excessive use of harsh shampoo, chemically manufactured hair conditioners; prolong exposure to sun and exposure to air pollution among others.

Regular exposure to dirt and dust can clog scalp pores affecting oil production. As the scalp become dry, it manifests symptoms such as extreme itching, formation of dandruff, hair fall, and dry, unmanageable hair.

Once you experience these symptoms, don’t go about buying anti-hair fall or anti-dandruff shampoo yet. Further exposure to chemicals can aggravate the condition.

Instead, you can try scouting your own kitchen for available home-made remedies for dry scalp and bring back that healthy, shiny hair.

1 – Coconut oil – Massage coconut oil directly on the scalp 15-20 minutes daily. Regular massage helps in promoting better blood circulation while oil is helpful in moisturizing dry scalp. In addition, continuous oil head massage will help activate the power of the sebaceous glands to begin oil production.

2 – Olive and almond oil mixture – Combine 4-5 tablespoon of olive oil and almond oil and gently massage onto the scalp. Olive oil is known to contain compounds effective in hydrating dry skin, while almond oil is helpful in softening scalp prompting healthier hair growth.

3 – Apple Cider Vinegar – If the scalp dryness is too severe, you can use cider vinegar to deal with the problem. Mix ½ cup of apple cider vinegar onto half cup of water. Add 2 tablespoon of honey and 2 teaspoon of lavender oil to elicit better odor and prompt extensive hydration. Massage the scalp with the mixture for 20 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Repeat the session at least twice weekly.

4 – Aloe Vera – This remedy is known to contain extensive hydrating power and anti-itch component. Simply apply Aloe Vera gel to the scalp and massage for 15 minutes. It will not only hydrate the skin but as Aloe Vera penetrates scalp, it reduces symptoms of itching and appearance of dandruff.

Make sure that you rinse your hair well after every session, to avoid further irritation of the scalp. To achieve fast, effective results, it is essential for anyone experiencing dry scalp to optimize their well-being by changing their diet, practicing regular exercise, drinking 8 glasses of water a day and applying home remedies for dry scalp.

Best Treatment for Dry Scalp

Despite you best efforts to find how to get rid of a dry scalp using available home remedies, sometimes you do need more powerful over the counter medications for extremely dry scalp conditions.

I am all for natural dry scalp treatment that’s effective, but other dry flaky scalp remedies might be needed if you’ve exhausted all your home options.

The following products reviewed offer you the best dry scalp treatment at an affordable price. Here are three good products and shampoo for dry itchy scalp:

1 – Head and Shoulders Dry Scalp Care

This is best shampoo for dry scalp with an affordable price. Head and shoulders dry scalp moisturizer will cost you less than trying to create a viable home remedy product.

It is formulated to deeply condition and nourishes your hair in as little as two minutes. It has all the ingredients capable of delivering instant relief to the problems of itchy dry scalp.

Not only will it leave your hair with the right amount of moisture, it will also give your hair the most beautiful smelling fragrance that’s beloved by millions of current users.

2 – Shampoo for Dry Hair and Flaking Scalp by Maple Holistics

If you’re seeking one of the best natural remedies for dry scalp, this product delivers with effective and permanent results. It is a good shampoo for dry scalp, and made from all natural ingredients.

It will slowly soften and remove the blemishes created by the dry scalp. This shampoo for treating dry scalp contains no sulfates, silicone, and parabens. It is also completely fragrance free!

The natural ingredients will help stimulate new cell growth, while also removing the toxins blocking therapeutic hydration. This shampoo is powerful enough to prevent infections due to the presence of antiseptic properties. Best of all, this best dry scalp treatment shampoo is fully manufactured in the USA!

3 – Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Hair and Scalp Treatment

This Paul Mitchell dry scalp treatment is more like a conditioner to be used after shampooing your hair. The most active ingredient in this dry scalp treatment product is Australian tea tree oil.

This is an expensive hair conditioner, but most of the current users give it high mark for correcting dry scalp problems, while leaving hair silky smooth.

Also, the conditioner can also be used once or twice every week for most effective dry scalp treatment results.

In Conclusion:

Your desire to secure the best home remedy for dry scalp might not be sufficient to correct the problem completely. Most of the home remedies for itchy scalp mentioned in this article will deliver excellent results if given the appropriate time.

For those looking for how to get rid of dry scalp using over the counter medications or shampoos, the three brands reviewed delivers the most value for the money.

To give you more selections to choose from, I have listed the products page for all the good dry scalp treatment shampoos and conditioners. Clicking the below link will take you to the complete list of treatment for dry scalp medications.