Dry Flaky Scalp Remedy

A dry and flaky scalp can be caused by an array of different things from too much blow-drying to improper shampooing. Luckily, there are several home remedies to help alleviate the condition. If the situation persists, it may be necessary to contact a physician.

Shampoo Remedies

Avoid applying shampoo in hot water. Set the water temperature to lukewarm. When rinsing out the shampoo, change the water temperature to cool. This will help alleviate some of the creation of dry skin on the scalp that hot water promotes. You should shampoo on a daily basis with a mild type of shampoo. If you are not seeing good results, switch to an anti-dandruff shampoo that contains the ingredient ZPT (zinc pyrithione). It will take approximately four to six weeks to see an improvement; however, the time may vary as the skin reacts differently with everyone. If this does not solve the issue, it may be necessary to contact a dermatologist. You may suffer from a skin problem such as psoriasis, which requires a specified treatment that a doctor will recommend. It is important to avoid using alcohol-based hair products that build residue on the scalp and dry out the skin. Check the ingredients in your hair gel, mousse, or hairspray to see the alcohol content.

Folk Remedies

There are some applications for your scalp that have been shown to work for some people. One such treatment is aloe vera. Rub a thick coating of the aloe vera onto your scalp and keep it there overnight. Rinse it out with your shampoo application in the morning.

Apple cider vinegar is said to be another good cure for dandruff. It helps rebuild the correct level of acid-to-alkaline ratio to the scalp. It also kills bacteria that builds up and clogs your pores, which prevents the normal release of oil to keep your scalp from drying out. The proper application consists of a mixture of apple cider vinegar that is diluted by 50 percent water. Rinse this into your scalp and allow it to dry without rinsing it out. You can also pour two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into a cup and directly apply it without dilution. This method requires that you leave the apple cider vinegar on your scalp for 15 minutes to three hours before you shampoo. You may also use lemon juice applied in the same manner instead of the vinegar if you choose.

Herbal Remedies

Create a tea using sage or burdock. Use this as your rinse directly after the completion of shampooing. You can also create a rinse that requires you to boil four large teaspoons of dried thyme. Place this into two cups of water for a period of 10 minutes. Strain the mixture and let it cool before applying. You will directly apply this into your clean and slightly damp hair. There is not a need to rinse this out. Another herb you can use is thyme, which contains oil that has antiseptic properties.