Dry scalp is one common issue that people face, especially in winter where you are moving in and out of heated areas frequently. The skin of the scalp becomes tight and itchy and tiny flakes of dead skin are showered by combing and brushing. Dry scalp conditions are often misidentified as dandruff, and are treated as such, which can worsen the condition depending on the treatments used. Dry scalp occurs when the hair strand exiting the scalp is not being lubricated by the sebaceous gland.

Good hair days start with a healthy scalp. Its job, after all, is to grow strong shiny strands. But dry indoor air can zap moisture and dissolve protective oils from the skin on your head, leaving it itchy and flaky and your mane dull and unmanageable. Gently massage conditioner into your scalp after every shampoo to hydrate it and lift away some of the flakes.

Tips for getting rid of Dry Scalp

Gently massage conditioner into your scalp after every shampoo to hydrate it and lift away some of the flakes.

Lather up with clarifying shampoo weekly. These deep-cleaning formulas rid hair of product buildup and help loosen dead skin cells on the scalp.

Turn down the heat. Hot water can zap natural oils from your scalp, making it ultra dry and sensitive; also choose the lowest heat setting on your blowdryer.

Try a final rinse of one cup warm water mixed with two to three tablespoons of white vinegar. This will also bring out the highlights in your hair and make it shiny.

Massage table salt into your dry scalp before shampooing with an acid-based shampoo.

Try an oil treatment in which you massage olive oil into your hair and scalp, cover your hair with plastic wrap and with two wet towels. Keep the towels on your head for twenty minutes, then remove oil with two washings.

Supplement your diet with foods rich in Vitamins C and B, which promote a healthy scalp, and healthy hair.

Using Essential Oils for Dry Scalp

Zinc Pyrithione: It is the most widely used active ingredient from a natural source. It's used to treat dandruff, seborrheic dermatitus, psoriasis, eczema and numerous other skin and scalp disorders.

Jojoba - Is excellent as a scalp moisturizer and helps to rebalance sebum.

Tea Tree Oil - Treatment for dry scalp, dandruff, lice, and underactive sebaceous glands.

Basil: Oily hair promotes growth

Chamomile

Clary sage

Lavender - Scalp treatment for itchiness, dandruff, and even lice

Lemon - Gives golden highlights; treatment for dry scalp, dandruff, lice, and underactive sebaceous glands

Myrrh

Dry Scalp Home remedy

Home remedy for dry itchy scalp Take ? c oatmeal and soak in water for 20 mins. Mix well and then strain the liquid adding it to a cup. Add 5 drops lavender oil (or lavender stalks steeped in ? cup hot water. Add 5 drops rosemary (or rosemary stalks steeped in ? cup hot water. Allow to cool until tepid. Mix the liquids together and dab on your scalp?leave in for 10 mins to soothe the itch. This a good temporary soother for itching. Chamomile tea is also soothing!

Garlic and oil of oregano are also excellent for fighting dandruff. You can take it internally or externally depending on what seems to work best for your situation. Both are sold in health food stores as capsules or tablets.