Itching and flaking scalp. These two symptoms can be an indication of dry scalp. This condition is uncomfortable and it can be embarrassing because of the constant scratching and flaking, especially when in public, not to mention that when left untreated you may start to experience hair loss. Dry scalp is often worse in winter when the air is dryer but it can happen at any time.
People sometimes confuse dandruff and dry scalp but there is a difference. When you have dry scalp it’s an imbalance with your natural oil production, but dandruff is an infection of the scalp. You can tell the difference usually by the size of the flakes. Dandruff flakes are bigger and oilier whereas the flakes from dry scalp are small. Dandruff also often makes the scalp red.
You may notice that if you have dry scalp that other parts of your body are also dry as those with dry scalp tend to be more prone to dry skin in general. Other causes of dry scalp include aging as our skin gets drier as we age and the constant use of heat styling and harsh hair care or styling products (1).
Instead of using commercial treatment products that contain unwanted chemicals and can cause side effects, you can use essential oils for dry scalp.
How do Essential Oils Help Dry Scalp?
Essential oils are concentrated extracts from leaves, stems, flesh, and seeds of various plants. Essential oils are used in small amounts for their various properties which include antimicrobial properties, balancing moisture levels, etc. In addition to aiding a dry scalp, they have even more benefits and uses you can learn about here.
Certain essential oils will be better suited to your hair type too. Usually, your hair will be dry if you have dry scalp, but hair can also be oily as the scalp produces excess oil to try and combat dryness. Natural oils for dry scalp are just as effective either on their own or in conjunction with essential oils. These natural oils are often referred to as carrier oils and are also good for your hair.
What Essential Oils are Good for Dry Scalp?
Here are a few of the best essential oils for dry scalp, you can choose them according to your hair type and even for use on the rest of your skin (2):
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Lavender: Lavender is soothing to the skin and senses which is great if you are stressed out and your scalp is feeling irritated. Lavender can be used on any skin type and helps hair to grow by improving blood circulation. Dry skin is more prone to infections and lavender oil can prevent them and treat them due to its antibacterial properties. It has a floral scent.
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Lemongrass: Lemongrass balances oil production so it can be used on oily and dry skin and hair types. Lemongrass is also effective against dandruff. It has a refreshing citrus scent that is similar to lemon.
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Ylang-ylang: Ylang-ylang also balances oil production and soothes dry and irritated skin. It has a slightly sweet floral scent loved by many.
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Cedarwood: Cedarwood moisturizes dry scalp, heals cracked skin, and helps to prevent infections. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect that soothes the skin. Despite being moisturizing it can be used on oily hair and skin types too. It has a woody scent that also smells slightly sweet.
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Orange: Orange is great for dry scalp and can be used by both oily and dry hair and skin types. This is because it also balances oil production. This scent is like the other citrus oils but sweeter and more fruity.
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Rosemary: Rosemary balances oil production and is helpful for dry skin conditions other than dry scalp too. It can be used for oily and dry hair and skin types. If you like herbal scents, try rosemary oil.
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Patchouli: Patchouli helps for all kinds of scalp disorders and soothes dry and chapped skin. It’s not only good to help for dry conditions but oily skin and hair too. Patchouli has a sweet earthy scent.
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Frankincense: Frankincense helps for dry skin conditions, helps the skin to heal, lowers inflammation, and prevents infections. Frankincense is better for dry hair and skin. It smells sweet and woody.
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Mint: Peppermint, spearmint, and lemon balm (also called Melissa) are great for dry scalp caused by inflammation of the skin and so soothes the inflammation and resulting dryness and flaking. Mint oils can be used for greasy hair and skin too and it prevents infection. The scent is fresh and causes a cooling sensation.
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Roman chamomile: Roman chamomile helps for dry skin conditions and lowers inflammation. It also has antiseptic properties. It’s best used for dry skin and hair. Roman chamomile has a smell similar to apples.
What Oil is Good for Dry Scalp?
Be sure to pick the right oil for your hair type as heavier oils are suited to dry hair and lighter oils to oily hair:
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Coconut oil: Has antibacterial properties so it can help with dandruff too and combats hair loss. Best for fine hair. It may clog pores if applied to the scalp, so use very little and test it first. You can use it in the surrounding hair.
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Grapeseed oil: Best for oily hair types. Won’t block pores.
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Sunflower oil: Best for fine hair and oily hair. Won’t block pores.
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Avocado oil: Best for dry and frizzy hair.
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Olive oil: Best for dry and frizzy hair. Helps to combat hair loss.
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Castor oil: Best for dry hair. Helps to combat hair loss.
How to Use Hair Oil for Dry Scalp
You can use just the carrier or natural oil but for added benefit, dilute 2-10 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil. You may want to warm the oil slightly, especially coconut oil which becomes solid in colder temperatures.
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Apply the oil to your scalp (you can also use it from root to tip) and massage it in.
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Leave it on for at least an hour.
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You can also leave it on overnight or if you are able to for several hours during the day. Use a towel or shower cap to keep the oil from rubbing off onto your pillow.
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Wash your hair as per normal.
Do this treatment once or twice a week for the best results.
More Ways to Use Essential Oil for Dry Scalp
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Dilute the essential oil in water instead, shake well, and either apply using a cotton ball or a spray bottle.
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Add 10-20 drops of essential oil to your shampoo.
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Dilute the essential oil in aloe vera gel or honey.
The water, honey, and aloe gel remedies can be used as you would the oil. With the shampoo, wash your hair as per normal making sure that you massage your scalp too.
Tips and Precautions
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If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, first check with your doctor about whether you can use essential oils. Not all essential oils are safe during pregnancy or around small children.
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Always perform a patch test before using essential oils and carrier oils as they can cause skin irritations in some people.
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Wait at least 8 hours before going into the sun after using citrus oils. They cause you to burn more easily in the sun.
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If you have a medical condition or are on medications such as blood pressure medication, hormone replacement or contraception, blood thinners, etc, first consult with your doctor as essential oils can affect us on a deeper level than just our skin.
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Stay hydrated by drinking 6-8 glasses of water and/or herbal tea. Eating healthy fats found in foods like flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, salmon, avocado, and leafy greens are important for skin health. Vitamin E which is good for your skin is found in nuts like peanuts and almonds as well as many veggies. Eat a variety of healthy non-processed foods.
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Stay away from harsh hair care products. Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are best. Styling products containing alcohol also have a drying effect on the hair and scalp.
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Try to stay away from the hair drier since the hot air can cause further damage to your scalp.
Please let us know if these remedies have helped you to get rid of dry scalp. Which are your favorite essential oils for dry scalp? If you would like to explore some more remedies for dry scalp check out this article.
