In normal circumstances, the scalp is moistened naturally with sebum produced by the sebaceous glands on the scalp. However, several factors might slow down sebum secretion, making the scalp dry.

The scalp becomes excessively dry in the winter. Heat treatments and hair styling products can strip the scalp of its natural moisture by damaging the sebaceous glands.

7 Ways To Treat Dry Scalp

Use the Right Shampoo

Your shampoo might contribute to your scalp dryness. Frequent shampooing removes the natural oil from the scalp, making it excessively dry. Select a shampoo with conditioner or use a conditioner after washing your hair.

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Remember to rinse your hair and scalp thoroughly to remove all traces of shampoo. Even a small amount of shampoo left behind on the scalp can impair natural oil secretion.

Scalp Massage

Gently massaging the scalp while shampooing or with a conditioning agent or oil helps to stimulate blood circulation in the scalp. This helps to activate the sebum producing glands.

Oil Treatment

A dry scalp needs to be moisturized with suitable oil. The fatty acids in the oil mimic the natural scalp oil. Moreover, the nutrients present in the oil nourish the scalp and promote hair growth.

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Almond, olive, coconut, rosemary, jojoba, sage and lavender are commonly used for moisturizing the dry scalp. For best results, gently massage the scalp with any warm oil and leave it overnight, giving your scalp enough time to absorb the oil. In the morning, wash your hair with a mild shampoo.

Hair Pack

Applying a hair pack to your scalp and hair, once a week, can reduce the dryness of the scalp. Honey, yogurt, milk, egg yolk, mashed banana and oil are common ingredients in a hair pack for treating dry scalp.

Protect Scalp from Heat

Scalp dryness is a common outcome of overuse of blow dryers, hair straighteners and curlers. Excess heat damages the oil producing glands on the scalp, making the scalp dry and flaky.

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Even rinsing the hair with hot water dries the scalp. Your scalp can become excessively dry following prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight. Protecting your scalp from heat sources helps the scalp to regain its lost moisture.

Consume Omega-3 Fatty Acids

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as fatty fish, fish oil, flaxseed and nut oils can stimulate sebum production. Deficiency of these essential fats can cause dryness of the skin and the scalp.

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Moreover, omega-3 fats can reduce the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, reducing the risk of your scalp becoming dry after exposure to sunlight.

Eat Vitamin B6 and B12 Rich Food

Deficiency of B vitamins, especially vitamins B6 and B12, can cause dry scalp. Dry skin conditions such as Seborrheic dermatitis and eczema that make the scalp flaky and dry are often linked to vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 deficiency.

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Leafy green vegetables, bell pepper, garlic, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, fish, turkey and organ meats are common dietary sources of vitamin B6. Vitamin B12 is found in meat, fish, sea plants, fermented soy products and yeast.