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Treatment for Dry and Itchy Scalp: Causes, Remedies & Oils

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Medically Reviewed by
Dr Kalyani Deshmukh Published Date:
Updated: 8 September 8:26 AM


Dr. Deshmukh is an MD (Dermatology, Venerology, and Leprosy) with more than 4 years of experience. She successfully runs her own practice and believes that a personalized service maximizes customer satisfaction.

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Are you dealing with constant scalp itch, dryness, or flaking? 

Many people experience the same. A dry and itchy scalp is a common problem that happens to anyone. Many factors in your day-to-day life can cause it, such as changes in the seasons, hard water, and even the hair products you use. 

A dry scalp means that your scalp is not getting enough moisture. When that happens, your scalp skin can get irritated, feel tight and itchy, and you might also see tiny white flakes. This guide discusses natural remedies and treatment for dry and itchy scalp, which can help with scalp irritation, restore its balance & keep it healthy.

 

What Causes a Dry and Itchy Scalp?


When you have a dry scalp, you might see small, dry flakes, and it might feel tight and itchy. It is not to be confused with dandruff, which looks different. In dandruff, you might see bigger and yellow colored flakes with an oily scalp, and they are caused by an increase in fungus or yeast. It’s essential to understand the difference because each one needs a different kind of treatment.

Here are some of the most common reasons why your scalp may be dry and itchy: 

1. Cold Weather or Low Humidity

There isn’t much moisture in the air when it's cold outside or when there is less humidity, like in winter or in air-conditioned rooms. This pulls moisture out of your skin and even your scalp, which is why a lot of people experience dry scalp with flaking, especially in the winter months. 

2. Shampoos with Sulfates

Sulfates are harsh foaming agents that are found in most shampoos. They do a good job of cleaning your scalp and hair, but they can also take away the natural oils from your scalp. Without these natural oils, your scalp loses its protective barrier and becomes more prone to dryness and itching. 

3. Hot Showers

After a long day, a hot shower is one of the best things to experience, but hot water can be hard on your scalp. It washes away the natural oils and makes it dry, so if your scalp feels itchy, especially after a shower, the water temperature could be the reason. 

4. Heat Styling

When you use blow dryers, hair straighteners, and curling irons a lot, they heat your scalp. Over time, this heat dries out your scalp skin, making it feel itchy, irritated, and sometimes even sore. 

5. Poor Diet

What you eat has a big effect on your scalp. If you don't drink enough water or get the right nutrients through your food, like healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins, it can affect how your scalp feels and its overall health. A diet low in nutrients often shows up first in your hair and scalp, making them look dull and unhealthy. 

 

Immediate Home Remedies for Itchy Scalp Relief


These are some soothing and natural remedies for an itchy scalp that you can try: 

1. Aloe Vera Gel: It is naturally soothing, calming itchiness, and effectively relieving dry scalp.

How to use

  • Use fresh aloe vera and apply it directly to your scalp

  • Leave it on for 30-40 minutes and then rinse well

2. Coconut Oil and Tea Tree Oil Mixture: Tea tree oil fights fungal growth that can cause flakes and irritation, while coconut oil is very moisturizing for your scalp.

How to use

  • Tea tree oil can be strong to use on its own; it's recommended to mix it with a carrier oil like coconut oil

  • Mix 3-4 drops of the oil with two tablespoons of coconut oil

  • Massage it on your scalp, leave it for 30 minutes, and then wash

3. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse: Apple cider vinegar rinse restores the scalp's natural pH and offers anti-microbial benefits.

How to use

  • Dilute 1 part ACV with 2 parts water

  • After you wash your hair, rinse your scalp with the mixture, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wash it off

4. Oatmeal Water: Oatmeal water soothes the scalp, gently reducing irritation and dryness.

How to use

  • Put oats in warm water

  • Strain them and apply the liquid to your scalp

 

Deep Moisturizing Treatments for Dry Scalp 


If your scalp is often itchy, tight, or flaky, you need to focus on hydrating it. Learn how to moisturize your scalp to prevent it from getting dry and maintain overall hair health. Here are some easy and helpful ways to add moisture back to your scalp: 

1. Oiling

Oiling is one of the easiest ways to keep your scalp hydrated. Oils like coconut, jojoba, or almond are good for your hair because they are hydrating and also improve blood circulation to your scalp. You can warm the oil, gently massage it into your scalp, and then leave it on for 30-44 minutes before washing it off. If you want extra moisturization, you can also keep the oil overnight. 

2. Use Lukewarm Water to Wash Hair 

Hot water removes the oils from your hair, making it even more dry. So if you are trying to get moisture back in your scalp, switch to lukewarm water instead of hot water. It is gentler on the scalp and protects its natural barrier.  

3. Try Leave-in Herbal Tonics 

Use leave-in scalp tonics with herbal ingredients that are known to hydrate and calm the scalp after washing your hair. Brahmi, rosemary, and chamomile extracts are some ingredients that not only add moisture but also calm your scalp and improve its health. 

4. Hair Wash Frequency 

Over-washing your hair is a major cause of scalp dryness. If you want to maintain scalp moisture and hair health, avoid washing your hair daily. Instead, wash your hair 2-3 times a week. This allows your scalp to retain its moisture.  

 

Best Oils for Dry, Flaky Scalp


These are some of the best oils for dry scalp:


Oil 

Properties

When and how to apply

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is very moisturizing, which allows it to hydrate the scalp well. It also has anti-fungal properties to prevent itching, inflammation, and flaking.

  • Warm the oil before application. 

  • Apply it to your scalp; you can use it as a pre-wash treatment and leave it for 30-40 minutes. 

  • If you have very dry hair, you can also leave it overnight for the best results. 

  • Repeat this 1-2 times a week to see a visible difference. 

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil has vitamins and minerals that nourish hair. It is also deeply moisturizing and conditioning. 

  • Slightly warm your oil for better absorption. 

  • Apply to your scalp and leave it on for 20 minutes. 

  • Wash it well. 

Almond Oil

Almond oil is high in some fatty acids and Vitamin E. It helps add moisture and shine to your hair. 

  • You can mix it with other oils like jojoba or coconut to make a hair mask. 

  • Or apply it as it is on your scalp. 

Neem Oil 

Neem is a known antifungal ingredient and helps treat scalp irritation and dandruff. 

  • Mix and dilute neem oil with carrier oils like coconut, jojoba, and olive oil. 

  • Apply it to your scalp and roots, leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour. 

  • Wash your hair after with your shampoo. 

 

 

Ayurvedic Ingredients that Calm Scalp Irritation


These Ayurvedic ingredients work well as effective scalp dryness treatments: 

  • Brahmi is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. Brahmi calms the scalp and reduces inflammation and itchiness. 

  • Bhringraj nourishes and hydrates the scalp, while also strengthening the hair roots.

  • Mulethi (Licorice) is rich in antioxidants, and so it reduces inflammation and provides relief from scalp dryness and itching. 

  • Amla has high antioxidants and Vitamin C; it conditions the scalp and helps control dandruff. 

You can use these ingredients as itchy scalp home remedies. Use them in powder form and make hair masks or as oil infusions for healthier hair with minimal effort. 

 

Scalp Routine for Dryness & Itch Relief


Here’s a sustainable and easy-to-follow scalp routine you can follow: 


Daily routine

Weekly hair care 

Avoid harsh products. Use a gentle shampoo that is sulfate-free to wash your hair. 

Over-washing your hair can make it dry. Wash your hair no more than 2-3 times a week. 

Use a wide-toothed hair comb or a soft brush to detangle and brush your hair gently.

A weekly oil massage is relaxing and great for overall hair health. 

Drink 2-3 litres of water every day for hydrated skin and scalp. 

Apply DIY hair masks with natural herbal ingredients once a week. 

 

Flaky Scalp Treatment: Is It Dandruff or Dryness?


Dryness and dandruff are two separate conditions. It's important to understand the difference between the two of them to get the right line of treatment.


Symptom

Dry scalp

Dandruff

Flaking

Flakes on a dry scalp are small and white.

Dandruff flakes are large and can have a yellowish color. 

Itching

If you have a dry scalp, you can have mild to moderate itching. 

Itching in dandruff cases is severe. 

Scalp condition

Your scalp might feel tight and rough when you touch it.

If you have dandruff, your scalp will look visibly greasy and, in severe cases, can be red and inflamed. 

Triggers

Dry scalp is mainly caused by cold or low humidity and dehydration. 

 A fungus called Malassezia can trigger dandruff. And if you don’t wash your hair enough and properly, the dirt and oil buildup also leads to dandruff. 

 

 

FAQs 

 

1. How often should I oil my scalp?

You only need to oil your scalp 2-3 times a week. This helps keep your scalp moist without making it look too oily or clogging your pores. 

2. Is it okay to use conditioner on the scalp?

Yes, it’s generally okay to use conditioner on the scalp, but it depends on your hair and scalp type:

  • For dry scalp: Applying conditioner to the scalp can help moisturize and reduce flakiness.

  • For oily scalp: It’s better to focus on the hair lengths and ends to avoid extra buildup.

  • For a sensitive scalp: Use a lightweight, gentle, or scalp-specific conditioner to avoid irritation. 

3. Can scalp dryness be caused by diet?

Your scalp health can be affected if you don’t get enough proteins, vitamins, healthy fats & water from your diet. Adding foods like nuts, seeds, fish high in omega-3s, and drinking enough water can really help.

4. Does having a dry scalp cause hair fall?

Yes, it can, if your scalp stays dry & itchy for too long, it can make your hair follicles weaker. Over time, this can increase hair fall and cause your hair to break. 

5. Which shampoo works best for an itchy scalp?

Choose a shampoo without sulfates in it because they can take away natural oils, which can make scalp dryness worse. Opt for ingredients such as aloe vera & coconut oil, to reduce itchiness and calm your scalp. 

 

Final Thoughts


When your scalp feels dry and itchy, it’s your body’s way of asking for more hydration. It needs moisture and regular care to stay healthy, not just shampoo and fancy hair care products. 

The best treatment for a dry and itchy scalp is to keep things simple and follow habits like regular oiling, using herbal masks, and washing your hair with gentle products every week. 

At Traya, we go above and beyond for your hair. Our three-science approach combines Ayurveda, dermatology, and nutrition to treat not just the signs but also the root cause of scalp problems. Take Traya’s hair test today to get one step closer to a healthy scalp. 

 

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