How to Keep Dry Hair Moisturized

There are many reasons for a dry scalp and many ways to treat the problem. The sebaceous glands in the skin produce oil or sebum to lubricate the scalp. But not taking good care of the hair and scalp can reduce the sebum on the scalp and lead to a dry scalp that may also be itchy, flaky and irritated. Treating your hair gently may be the best way to combat dryness. The scalp needs moisture to repair and renew the skin and there are several methods for treating a dry scalp that are easy to implement.

Things You'll Need

• Camellia oil
• Olive oil
• Coconut oil
• Tea tree oil

Instructions

1. Massage scalp every day. A gentle scalp massage stimulates the sebaceous glands into producing sebum, the body's natural lubricant. With more oil on the scalp the sebum runs down the hair strand, moisturizing the hair and reducing dryness and brittleness. Place the palms of the hands on the head, spread out the fingers and gently kneed the scalp, making certain the scalp moves back and forth. Massaging the scalp just one minute a day will increase the scalp's natural oils.

2. Apply camellia oil. Camellia oil is found in many hair care products. It is a natural botanical that contains vitamin E. It is has a natural sunscreen that protects the hair from ultraviolet light. The oil is very popular in Asia as cooking oil so it is also safe to use. Apply only a small amount to keep hair from getting greasy.

3. Apply tea tree oil to hair and scalp. Tea tree oil has many advocates as an excellent moisturizer for the skin and hair. The Herbal Luxuries website states that tea tree oil has "potent antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral and antibacterial actions" which are beneficial to the scalp. With a healthier scalp the chances of having dry hair are reduced.

4. Use a conditioner. There are three types of conditioners on the market. One is used right after a shampoo and is rinsed out. If you have dry hair it is best to use a moisturizing shampoo. Many commercial moisturizing conditioners contain essential oils to lubricate the hair. Another choice is deep conditioners which should remain on the hair for at least 30 minutes. Applying heat to the hair with a hooded hair dryer or bonnet allows the conditioner to penetrate deeply into the hair shaft. A leave-in conditioner is an even better solution because you don't rinse it out. You can also re-apply leave--in conditioners every day to keep hair moisturized.

5. Apply olive oil or coconut oil to the hair. Extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil have been recommended for decades as a way to moisturize the hair and keep it soft and shiny. These natural oils are also safe for the hair and scalp. Apply only a small amount of either oil to the hair and massage in.

6. Cut down on the use of hair appliances. Heat damages hair and dries it out. If you have dry hair it is a good idea to cut down on the number of times you use blow dryers, hot rollers or curling wands. These appliances can burn the hair shaft and leave your hair rough and dry. If you have to use these products to style your hair, apply a setting lotion that protects the hair against heat. These products act as a barrier between the heat and the hair. Another option is to use these hair appliances on a lower temperature setting.

References

• How to Get Rid of Dry Hair and Scalp
• Camellia Oil
• Herbal Luxuries