Have you wondered how to fix dry scalp without shampoo, but you are unsure where to start?
It is an issue that has become increasingly common as more people avoid washing their hair frequently, so it is time to share a few solutions.
Anyone suffering from a dry scalp has a wide range of effective, accessible treatment options that will improve the scalp’s overall health and moisture content. Oils, fatty foods, and household substances like baking soda help relieve dry, flaky, itchy scalps.
Are you ready to find out which methods are best to help you resolve your dry scalp problems?
Without further ado, let us discuss natural remedies that will soothe and hydrate the scalp.
How to Fix Dry Scalp Without Shampoo
When faced with a challenging hair condition, your first instinct might be to pick up a few products from the hair care aisle at the store.
But before you do, did you know that some of the best dry scalp treatment methods are natural, at-home remedies?
As seen in the list below, many natural dry or itchy scalp treatments are already sitting in your pantry at home!
These natural substances can be a great help in relieving dry scalps.
When the scalp lacks the moisture or nutrients it needs, the skin becomes flaky and dry, which causes itchiness.
Dry, itchy scalps indicate that the scalp is imbalanced in some way or lacks essential, naturally occurring oils.
Below are several natural substances that you can use to treat your dry scalp at home:
1. Coconut Oil
There seems to be no limit to coconut oil’s many uses, from cooking to skincare to haircare.
This highly versatile oil may also be used to treat scalp conditions like dandruff or dryness.
It is a natural moisturizer that is packed full of hydrating properties and even has the ability to soak into the skin below the top layer to prevent dryness and inflammation (source 1).
Heat up coconut oil before applying it so that it turns into liquid and penetrates the skin and hair more effectively.
To use coconut oil for dry scalp, massage the oil directly onto the scalp and let it sit for a few hours before rinsing it out.
If you are wondering about the other benefits of coconut oil, take a look at my article Is Coconut Oil Good For Your Hair? to learn more.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has incredible hydrating properties and has long been used as a healing ointment for burns and dry skin.
Did you know that it can also help soothe and be a natural moisturizer for a dry scalp too?
Massaging aloe vera into the scalp even cleans the scalp of dirt or built-up products that are harmful to the scalp.
Aloe vera’s cooling tendency will help relieve the itchy feeling that comes along with a dry scalp.
Using aloe vera for your dry scalp is as easy as applying it directly to the scalp. Simply leave the substance on your scalp for a few hours before rinsing it out with lukewarm water.
For those of you wondering just how well aloe vera can clean your hair, read this guide.
Click on the picture below if you fancy learning about some of the other benefits of aloe vera on your hair are:
3. Tea Tree Oil
Antifungal and antibacterial properties certainly help any troubled scalp, especially a dry, flaky, dandruff-prone one.
When the root cause of a dry scalp is a bacterial condition, tea tree oil can assist.
If you are wondering how to treat a dry scalp with tea tree oil, it is relatively easy. Just be sure to mix tea tree oil with carrier oil (i.e., coconut oil) before applying it on the scalp.
4. Flaxseed Oil
The omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed oil soak into the scalp, helping it heal from dryness. The same molecules help fight dandruff and eczema.
Flaxseed oil’s naturally hydrating properties are perfect for dry scalps and even benefit every type of hair texture, including kinky or curly hair.
It is produced when flaxseeds are cold pressed, and the oil is also safe for ingestion.
To combat dry and flaky scalps, warm up a bit of flaxseed oil and massage it onto the scalp. Let the oil sit for about 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse it out.
5. Scalp Massage
Here is an effective, simple treatment for dry scalps that can be done anytime, anywhere, with no tools or products necessary.
Massaging the scalp in circular motions with the fingertips helps stimulate natural sebum production.
As you massage your scalp, the blood circulation to the hair follicles will increase.
This action means that the hair follicles will receive a greater amount of nutrients, leading to a healthier scalp and more hair growth.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Antibacterial properties and high antioxidant content make apple cider vinegar, also referred to as ACV, an appealing choice for various health concerns.
ACV may relieve some scalp problems like:
- Itchiness
- Dandruff
- Dryness
This vinegar variety helps balance the scalp’s pH levels, keeping it naturally healthy. Thanks to the antibacterial compounds in it, ACV also fights off fungi and free radicals.
Although ACV for scalp dryness lacks substantial peer-reviewed evidence, there is plenty of anecdotal support for its use.
Simply dilute this vinegar in water and rinse your scalp with it to help combat dryness.
7. Honey
Honey is a key ingredient in many natural scalp treatment remedies on the market.
If you already have pure honey at home, dilute it with water and apply the mixture directly to the scalp for a few hours.
This sticky, sweet substance is what’s called a humectant, meaning it pulls moisture from the air (source 1). When it does this, it helps moisture bind to the scalp.
Massaging the honey mixture into your scalp may also help reduce inflammation and remove built-up dirt or hair products.
After letting the honey mixture soak in, remove it with lukewarm water.
8. Avocado
Avocados are moisturizing and packed with fatty acids, including the polyunsaturated and monounsaturated kinds. All these natural fats help restore hydration to dry, flaky scalps.
Create an at-home avocado hair mask by mashing avocados into a paste and adding a bit of oil, like olive oil.
Spread the avocado mask around your scalp and massage it in.
Let the mixture settle into your scalp for about 30 minutes. Then, rinse it out with warm water and enjoy a more hydrated, soothed scalp.
9. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil comes from the seeds of Simmondsia Chinensis, a shrub native to southwestern America and northwestern Mexico.
It is a natural treatment for various health issues, including skin and hair conditions.
This hydrating oil benefits the scalp by restoring moisture and soothing skin cells on the scalp. What is more, it will not cause cakey build-ups or excessive greasiness.
Apply jojoba oil directly to the scalp to receive its moisturizing benefits. Let it settle in for a few hours before rinsing it out.
10. Yogurt And Egg Mask
Yogurt has lactic acid that acts as a hydration agent to moisturize the scalp, and eggs have plenty of proteins and fats that encourage scalp and hair health.
The mixture of yogurt and eggs can be applied to the scalp, although it is sometimes used as a face mask. Either way, this mixture hydrates and nourishes skin cells.
Apply the mask to the scalp and leave it on for about 30 minutes. When the time is up, wash out the mask with cool or lukewarm water.
11. Baking Soda and Olive Oil Mask
Baking soda has long been used as a method to remove excess oils or hair products that have built up on the scalp.
It acts as a clarifying agent for the scalp, helping restore natural balance and moisture levels.
Creating a mask out of baking soda requires only water and olive oil.
Combine these substances and apply the mask generously to your scalp. Gently massage it in for the best results and to exfoliate the scalp.
Only leave this mask on your scalp for about 15 minutes. Then, wash it out thoroughly with lukewarm water.
12. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice has natural acids that help clear away dead skin cells that could be hijacking your scalp’s moisture. By breaking down dead cells, lemon juice relieves symptoms of dryness.
Do not apply 100% lemon juice to the hair.
Instead, dilute it with water and then rub it onto your scalp. Leave it for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly.
13. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is an efficient way to fight flakiness and dry scalp problems.
It is a plant that is a natural astringent, meaning it pulls cell tissues together, which is helpful in reducing inflammation.
Adding a witch hazel product to your hair routine is one way to help your scalp stay moisturized without needing any shampoo.
Dilute witch hazel oil with carrier oil and apply it to your scalp for a few hours, then rinse.
14. Banana and Yogurt Mask
The natural remedies so far have focused on the whole scalp, but have you been wondering how to fix dry scalp around hairline areas?
Using a thick mask like the banana-yogurt mask is one method.
Bananas have conditioning properties that help dry hairlines, and scalps become more hydrated and healthier.
Yogurt, as previously mentioned, has lactic acid to exfoliate the scalp and remove dead skin cells.
Rub this scalp mask in thoroughly and let it sit for 20 minutes. Rinse it off thoroughly using lukewarm water.
15. Chamomile Tea Rinse
When in search of a dry scalp treatment at home, you do not need to look further than your kitchen pantry, specifically the tea shelf.
Chamomile tea has soothing properties that benefit dry scalps.
Rinse your scalp and hair with chamomile tea rather than water to help soothe an itchy or inflamed scalp.
This method can be combined with any of the other scalp-moisturizing remedies on this list.
16. Neem Oil
Neem oil is excreted from neem tree seeds, native to India.
This oil combats fungal diseases thanks to its antimicrobial properties, but it may also help soothe irritated scalps.
The anti-inflammatory properties that neem oil has may reduce symptoms of scalp dryness.
Use neem oil for your scalp by mixing it with carrier oil, applying it liberally to the scalp and hair, and letting it sit for several minutes.
Rinse the mixture out when the time is up.
17. Amla Oil
Amla oil comes from the amla fruit, also called the Indian gooseberry fruit. It is thought to be useful for hair growth and is used as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Putting amla oil on the scalp helps hydrate scalp cells and stimulate natural oil production to keep your scalp healthy.
Amla oil also protects your scalp from hair conditions like dandruff.
Warm up amla oil before putting it on your scalp. Then gently massage it directly on the scalp and hair for maximum benefit.
Leave it on your hair for as little as 20 minutes or even overnight so it soaks into your scalp and hair follicles.
18. Castor Oil
Castor oil can be mixed with aloe vera gel and carrier oil and applied to the scalp to help moisturize it.
This type of oil has vitamin E, fatty acids, and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Apply a castor oil mixture to the scalp and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing it out. Use castor oil on your dry scalp every other day until it feels better.
19. Diet and Water Intake
If your scalp is troubling you and feels dry and flaky, consider whether you have gone through any dietary changes lately.
Have you increased activity levels without boosting your water intake or removed a food group from your diet?
Internal hydration and ingesting the right nutrients play a role in keeping your scalp healthy and moisturized.
Consider omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A supplements to reduce your dry skin issues.
What Causes Dry Scalp and Hair Loss?
Dry scalps are not always paired with hair loss, but depending on the hair or scalp issue, both of these unwanted symptoms may be present.
It is an upsetting problem that may be caused by any of the following reasons:
Hormonal Imbalances
Thyroid disorders, certain medications, or menopause could cause hormonal changes that lead to scalp issues like dryness and hair loss.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Nutrients are carried to the scalp by the bloodstream, bringing essential compounds to the scalp and hair follicles.
If your body lacks certain nutrients, like vitamins A, B, D, and E, or minerals like zinc and iron, your scalp may be malnourished.
These deficiencies may eventually lead to a dehydrated scalp and hair loss.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Flaky and dandruff-prone scalps could result from something called seborrheic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition.
When dermatitis on the scalp is severe enough, it may cause excessive flakiness and hair loss.
Scalp Psoriasis
If someone has scalp psoriasis, they will experience an itchy, dry scalp and possible hair loss.
Scalp psoriasis involves excessive skin cell growth, which may lead the patient to scratch the scalp continuously, causing more damage.
Use Of Harsh Hair Care Products
Excessive hair washing with harsh shampoos, low-quality conditioners, and heavy alcohol-based styling products could dry out the scalp and leave your hair follicles feeling irritated.
Too many harsh chemical products may lead to hair thinning.
Over-Styling And Heat Damage
Daily blow-drying, abrasive brushing, straightening, or knotting damages the hair over time.
Constant up-dos and tight hairstyles impede the hair’s ability to grow and flourish.
Yanking on hair during styling causes traumatic hair loss and breakage.
Stress And Anxiety
Anxiety or chronic stress impacts the body’s functions and hormone levels, which may lead to a dried-out scalp and hair loss or even bald patches.
Fungal Infections
Bodily fungal infections (i.e., ringworm) influence the scalp and may cause it to dry out or lose hair.
Fungal infections might lead to flaky skin and an itchy scalp.
Contact Dermatitis
If you tend to dye your hair or use hair straightening creams or treatments, they may irritate your scalp and cause hair loss.
Some products inflame the skin, leading to dermatitis. This condition causes dry, itchy scalps.
Alopecia Areata
This rare autoimmune issue leads to patchy hair loss and may even cause itchy, dry scalps.
People with alopecia areata suffer from hair loss because the disease causes your immune system to damage hair follicles.
Age
Aging leads to naturally slower hair growth and causes hair loss.
As you age, your skin may naturally become drier, leading to a dry and flaky scalp.
In the later years of life, it is important to keep up with a regular hair care routine or acquire assistance with it if needed.
Medications And Treatments
Chemotherapy is one well-known example of a medical treatment that causes hair loss.
Some other medications or treatments may lead to hair thinning, bald spots, or hair loss.
Health Conditions
Various health conditions may cause dry scalps and hair loss.
Those include:
- Lupus
- Diabetes
- Anemia
- Hypothyroidism
Environmental Factors
Constant exposure to rough conditions, like extreme heat, blistering cold, or harsh, dry weather, may affect the hair by drying it out, causing breakage, or leading to hair loss.
Conclusion
With this thorough selection of natural home remedies for dry scalp issues, your scalp will transform from dry to well-nourished with a little effort and patience as you use these treatments.
When you need a dry scalp treatment at home, remember that there are many effective and inexpensive options out there.
Now that you know how to fix dry scalp without shampoo, you will be able to say goodbye to scalp woes once and for all!