Dryness of the scalp often leads to problems like itching, dandruff, scalp psoriasis etc. Apart from dryness, an itchy scalp may be due to presence of head lice, unhygienic scalp maintenance or excessive usage of chemical hair care products.
Home remedies are the most effective in combating dryness and itchiness of the scalp and provide a long lasting cure, unlike the quick fixes that chemical laden hair care products provide. Here are 8 simple home remedies for combating dryness and itchiness of the scalp. Internal Cleansing – before tackling the dryness externally it is important that we cleanse and hydrate our body cells by eating the right food and drinking plenty of water. Our diet should be rich in Vitamin B and C, zinc and iron. Spinach, pulses, sprouts, fresh fruits and vegetables should be included in your diet. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water ensures that your cells are detoxified and hydrated.
Effective Home Remedies For Dry And Itchy Scalp
Oil Massages
Regular oil massages followed by hair rinse are essential in keeping your scalp healthy and conditioned. Lavender, avocado, sesame, almond and olive oils are best for getting rid of dryness and itchiness of the scalp. Mix 2 or 3 oils in equal proportions, warm slightly before massaging all over the scalp. Leave for about 30 min to one hour and rinse off. The oil got from boiling coconut milk is extremely beneficial in scalp care. Extract the milk from smoothly ground coconut and let this boil. Remove the oil film that floats above this extract. Use this for massaging into the roots. Wash hair as usual using an herbal shampoo. Always use warm water to wash hair as hot water tends to dry the scalp.
Lice Treatment
Neem leaves are extremely effective in getting rid of hair lice. Apply coconut or olive oil to your scalp. Wash the neem leaves thoroughly and grind into a paste. Apply this paste onto your scalp and rinse hair after about 30 min. Take care not to let the neem paste get into your eyes as they tend to give a burning sensation. Repeat this treatment once a week until you are free from hair lice.
Hair/Scalp Conditioning
Conditioning the scalp ensures that it does not become dry after rinsing. Henna (mehndi) leaves or powder, lemon juice and hibiscus leaves are effective conditioners for your hair. A simple herbal pack for the scalp can be made by mixing henna powder, hibiscus leaves (or powder) in equal quantities, add the juice of one lemon to this and make a smooth paste(using water as needed). Apply this to oiled hair and wash off after 1 hour. You can enhance the effectiveness of this pack by adding the decoction of chamomile tea. Regular use of this pack gets rid of any kind of scalp problems and promotes lustrous hair.
Wonder Of Amla (Gooseberry)
Amla is known as a powerhouse of Vitamin C. Eating 1-2 gooseberries everyday is effective in strengthening hair roots. To make an effective hair rinse, boil 3-4 amlas in milk until they become soft. Remove the seeds and mash them, use this pulp to rinse your scalp and hair. Repeat this twice a week for a well conditioned scalp and beautiful hair.
Curds/Buttermilk
Applying curds (at room temperature) or buttermilk is beneficial in preventing dryness of the scalp after hair wash. Rub in the curd thoroughly into the scalp, retain for 15-20 min and wash thereafter. However, those who suffer from sinusitis should not use this treatment.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is highly beneficial in curing dandruff and scalp dryness. Soak a piece of cotton wool into warm eucalyptus oil rub all over the scalp. Soak a towel in hot water, after wringing it out; wrap it around your head for a few minutes. Wash your hair with warm water and shampoo. This treatment can be repeated weekly for getting rid of dandruff and dryness completely.
Herbal Shampoo
An effective herbal shampoo can be made with shikakai, soap nut (reetha) and amla. Mix equal quantities of these three and dry them for about 2 days in the hot sun. After drying remove their seeds and grind them into a fine powder. This powder can be made into a paste and used like a shampoo for washing hair regularly. Washing hair with this powder will not dry your scalp unlike the store bought shampoos.
Aloe Vera Gel
Applying aloe vera gel into your scalp is highly beneficial in hydrating the scalp. Rub the gel throughout the scalp, leave for 15 minutes and wash thereafter.
Scalp Maintenance
It is important to maintain a clean scalp by washing it regularly using any of the above mentioned treatments. Every night comb your hair preferably with a wooden comb having rounded teeth for at least 10 times to promote good blood circulation.