How to Care for Dry Scalp or Dandruff

Treat your hair for dry scalp or dandruff for under $10.

Dry scalp and dandruff are irritating head conditions that many people have to deal with at some point in their lives. Dry scalp causes constant itching and flaking, which may prevent you from enjoying some of your favorite hairstyles due to a constant fear of flaking. Aside from the products you can buy at a pharmacy, there are effective ways you can care for dry scalp and dandruff with some common household items.

Things You'll Need

• Lemon
• Olive Oil

Instructions

1. Drink a lot of water. Staying hydrated is one of the easiest ways to care for and prevent dry scalp. Water nourishes the scalp and creates new skin, which absorbs moisture better and flakes less. Drink a minimum of 64 oz. water each day, beginning with a glass of water in the morning before eating any food.

2. Treat your scalp with fresh lemon once a month. Cut a lemon into six slices and rub the lemon into your scalp. Rub vigorously in a circular motion to lift up dried skin while moisturizing the scalp with the lemon juice. Allow lemon to soak into your skin and hair for 30 minutes before rinsing.

3. Treat your hair with olive oil once a month. Heat up 1 cup of olive oil for 30 seconds in the microwave. Apply the warm oil to your scalp and rub in a circular motion over the entire scalp surface. Allow olive oil to soak into your scalp for 30 minutes before rinsing. Removing olive oil from your hair requires multiple washes, so use an acid-free shampoo and conditioner to remove the olive oil while preventing further damage to the scalp.

4. Purchase a dandruff shampoo to treat your hair. Denorex, Selsun Blue and Head & Shoulders are some brands that offer a line of products created specifically for treating dry scalp and dandruff. The strength of the shampoo depends on the severity of your dry scalp. For extremely dry scalp, purchase an extra-strength treatment shampoo. Use a dandruff shampoo to treat your hair twice per week, or as directed by a doctor.

5. Seek medical attention for extremely dry scalp or dandruff. If home remedies and dandruff shampoos are not working, consider making an appointment with your doctor. Psoriasis, dermatomyositis and seborrheic dermatitis are some conditions that have symptoms similar to dry scalp that require medication. Having little or no results with home remedies or over-the-counter products can be an indication that you need prescription medication.

References

• Home Remedies for All: Home Remedies for Dry Scalp
• Wrong Diagnosis: Dry Scalp