Essential Oils for Dry Scalp
Itch, itch, scratch, scratch… oh no, you’ve got a dry scalp! This uncomfortable condition can strike any time of year, and to anyone. The health of your head and hair relies on many factors and it is important to understand the cause of your dry scalp to help treat it. First, let’s look at what is contributing to the problem before we discuss what Essential Oils are best for dry scalp.
What Causes a Dry, Itchy Scalp?
Your skin, whether it is on your head or not, can be a constant balancing act. Healthy skin reflects a healthy you. You must consider a few things that can affect the quality of your skin that could lead to a dry or itchy scalp:
- The climate you live in
- Your diet
- The chemicals in your body/hair products
- How often you do or don’t wash your hair
*One major cause of dry scalp is actually an ingredient in your shampoo!
If you determine a specific thing that is causing the issue, obviously you can work to change that and see if it resolves the problem. Using a shampoo free of sulfates may well help right away as they tend to remove the natural oils in your skin. But, if you are unsure of what is causing your itch, you can rest assured that you have natural options with Essential Oils.
Can You Use Essential Oils for a Dry, Itchy Scalp?
Just as Essential Oils benefit and improve the skin on your body, they are also an ideal choice for treating the skin on your head. The therapeutic properties of certain oils can really help soothe and heal an irritated scalp.
Did you know that dry scalp does not necessarily mean you have dandruff? While they both may present themselves with itchy symptoms, dandruff is actually an overgrowth of yeast. This tends to build up and come off in larger pieces. Dry scalp is generally itchy but causes smaller flakes and is more manageable.
How Essential Oils Can Help Calm an Irritated Scalp
One of the greatest things about Essential Oils is that they are natural and safe. Most people can use them to aid in everyday healing without worrying about a bad reaction. Another wonderful thing about them is that they are potent and a little goes a long way. This means that your own personal treatment can be easy and affordable.
There are several Essential Oils that contain components that can ease itch quickly. Some of these can cool skin on contact, while others may fight fungus or ease inflammation. To learn more about what other Essential Oils are good for inflamed areas, check out this article.
So, What Are The Best Essential Oils for Dry Scalp?
As you probably already know and is mentioned here, Lavender is very soothing and balancing. It acts as a gentle anti-inflammatory that can soothe irritated skin while simultaneously also warding off any bad bacteria that can lead to infection.
This herbal oil is a vasodilator which means it is great for stimulating the scalp. This is what makes it helpful for new hair growth, but it can also aid in itchiness because it improves circulation. Additionally, Rosemary can help to ease inflammation.
Cedarwood is a very helpful Essential Oil for hair, but did you know that it could benefit your scalp health as well? Atlas Cedar can be an even better choice because it is nourishing and balancing. We also love it for its astringent properties which can help to contract the skin. To learn more about the differences between the different types of Cedarwood, click here.
The menthol content in Peppermint oil can help to provide an instant soothing feeling to your itchy scalp as it cools the area. Additionally, this minty oil is incredible for calming inflammation, so over time it can even help to reduce any pain or irritation that comes with the dryness.
This powerful antifungal oil is the best choice for dandruff as it fights fungus and bacteria, but it is also great for itchy scalp as it can unclog pores and clear away unwanted dead skin cells. In fact, a study done by the Academy of Dermatology showed that a 5% dilution of Tea Tree is a very effective treatment for flaky scalp.
Manuka Oil is very hydrating and can help to restore moisture to dry skin while fighting bacteria. This nourishing oil balances the oils in your skin to keep it healthy and reduce itchiness.
This fragrant oil is wonderful for detoxification. Lemongrass is cleansing and can help eliminate excess oils on the scalp helping to balance the skin. In addition, it can aid in strengthening the hair follicles while improving hair texture and shine.
How to Use Essential Oils for a Dry, Itchy Scalp
A very important step when using Essential Oils on your skin on any part of your body is to dilute it first. When utilizing these therapeutic tools for your scalp, you want to consider what type of carrier you want to use, so let’s discuss your options. To learn more about properly diluting Essential Oils check out this blog.
For everyday care: Simply add about 20 drops of your chosen Essential Oils to your 8 oz bottle of natural shampoo.
As a weekly treatment: Mix about 10 drops of your Essential Oil blend with 2 oz of Sweet Almond Oil and massage deep into the skin of your scalp all over your head. Let the oils set for 10 minutes then wash out with shampoo.
For intensive care: Combine 1 oz Apple Cider Vinegar with 3 oz water and 15 drops of your chosen Essential Oils. Wet hair and then apply to the scalp thoroughly. Let it set on the roots for about 5 minutes then rinse away. No need to wash or condition afterwards as the ACV will do that for your hair as well.
Final Thoughts on Essential Oils for Dry or Itchy Scalp
As with any natural treatment, you should always start carefully and be mindful of how your body reacts. Overall, Essential Oils are a wonderful natural option for treating a dry or itchy scalp.When getting started with your new routine, remember REVIVE is here for all your Essential Oil needs. If using Organic Essential Oils is the right choice for your family, you should know that REVIVE also offers a full line of Certified Organic Products.
Backed by third party testing from the most knowledgeable in the industry, you can rest assured that REVIVE’s products are top notch. The oils are sustainably sourced, community focused, and cruelty free which is why REVIVE is the #1 place to find Essential Oil products online.
This is also where you can find some of the best Essential Oil Kits, Roll-ons, Blends, and Diffusers. Additionally, there are some very helpful articles and DIY recipes available on the REVIVE Blog.
