Dry scalp is extremely common during the Winter. Our skin is extremely sensitive to seasonal changes in the weather. Dehydrated, tight and itchy skin can be a fact of life at this time of year. Many of us care for our faces and bodies with moisturising creams, masks, and oils when we feel the effects of the cold, but it’s important not to forget about our hair and scalps!
Be party season ready this Christmas and give your scalp the love it deserves and avoid a dry itchy scalp with these simple, soothing and nourishing home remedies for dry flaky skin. Consider visiting some of Manchester’s beautiful Christmas markets. Don’t forget to wrap up well, protect your skin and go enjoy the Christmas spirit in Manchester.
How to Really Care for Your Scalp
Before we get into our home remedies, it’s important to touch on the best ways to care for your scalp. Remember, prevention is best!
It is tempting during the cold months to turn the water up to extra hot during showers, but in fact, this is not doing your hair or scalp any favours. Ensure you are washing your hair using lukewarm water to prevent the hair and scalp from drying out. And if you suffer from dandruff along with a dry scalp, head to your local pharmacy and pick up a specialised shampoo to help alleviate the problem.
Similarly, when using a hair dryer after washing your hair, blasting hot air is sometimes the most efficient in getting your hair dry as quickly as possible. But again, this really dries out the scalp and the hair. Use your hair dryer on a slightly cooler setting. Your scalp and sleeker looking hair will thank you for it!
Overusing products on the scalp will also cause it to become irritated and flake. If you are noticing your scalp is becoming itchy and flaky, take a step back and look at your hair care products. Perhaps washing your hair every day is stripping your hair of its natural oils, so consider washing every second or third day. Products like dry shampoo, gels and mouses can also cause build up in your hair which makes the scalp unhappy. Try a product detox and let your scalp breath every once in a while.
For other tips on how to care for sensitive scalps, check out this guide on gentle care for sensitive scalps.
Dry Scalp Home Remedy Treatments
While caring for your scalp and trying to be less abrasive with water, heat and products, consider giving it a little oompf with these nourishing treatments which will work wonders on any scalp!
With any of these treatments, make an evening of it! Consider leaving your treatment to soak while you are relaxing in the bath, and maybe incorporate a head massage. Give yourself a salon-style head message with these great tips and enjoy the relaxing benefits.
Tea Tree Oil and Coconut Oil
Tea tree oil is a saviour for many skin ailments. It is both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. So of course, it can work wonders on our scalps too. Mix in a couple of drops of tea tree oil with some highly moisturising coconut oil and massage into the scalp. Leave in for 15-20 mins and rinse out.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera gel is great for sunburns, but it’s also super soothing for a dry irritated scalp. Massage this into the scalp and leave in for 30 minutes. Rinse out with lukewarm water.
Bananas and Avocados
What’s good for the insides is also great for the outsides! Mash up a banana or avocado and let the natural nutrients and fatty acids seep in to nourish your scalp. You could mash up a little extra to make a great face mask at the same time! Rinse out after 15 minutes.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Dilute a capful with water and rub into your scalp to bring down some of that intense itching. Rinse out after 15 minutes.
We hope this home remedy guide provides you some relief. Dry scalp can also be the cause of certain skin conditions. If irritable scalp persists, see a dermatologist to get to the root of the problem.
