A dry scalp can occur when the skin on your head loses too much water or moisture. The condition can cause itching and flaking. The skin on your scalp gets irritated and flakes off. There are various reasons why your scalp may be dry. Some hair care products can dry out and irritate your scalp. Weather and age can also affect your scalp. But more serious skin conditions can also cause dry scalp. Although dry scalp and dandruff have similar symptoms, they have different causes and treatments.
A person with a dry scalp may notice:
patches of itchy or scaly skin
flaky skin with a rough texture
skin that stings or burns
peeling skin
itchy skin
Causes:
Lots of different things can lead to dry skin and a dry scalp. Some examples include: not drinking enough water, using harsh cleaning products, taking long, hot showers or baths, living in cold, dry conditions, and using artificial heat sources, such as central heating and wood-burning stoves, that dry out the air.
Treatment:
There are several ways you can prevent a dry, itchy scalp. Try to work some of these tips into your routine: Switch to a gentle, moisturizing shampoo, wash your hair less frequently, manage your stress, drink more water, quit smoking, and add more moisture to your home with a humidifier.
Apply these to treat dry scalp:
Coconut oil: Coconut oil has long been used for its skin health benefits, and dry scalp is no exception. It can moisturize the scalp, and its antifungal and antibacterial properties can help reduce the risk of infections. Research shows it may even significantly help treat atopic dermatitis.
Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil's natural antifungal properties make it a good option for treating fungal scalp conditions, such as dandruff. This is backed by a clinical study involving a shampoo containing 5 per cent tea tree oil.
Aloe vera: Research suggests that people may experience relief with aloe vera due to its anti-inflammatory effects. When a person applies it to the scalp, aloe vera may help alleviate the itching associated with a dry scalp. It may also help with moisturizing the scalp.
Mashed bananas: Bananas contain silica, a mineral element that helps your body to synthesize collagen and may make your hair stronger and thicker. Bananas also have antimicrobial properties that can heal flaky and dry scalp, relieving dandruff symptoms.
Yoghurt and egg: Mix the egg and yoghurt together in the bowl, making sure they are well blended. Part the hair into four sections, securing them with clips. Take the mixture and apply it to the scalp and hair a section at a time. When you're done covering each section, cover with a shower cap.
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