Written by- Jaya Pathak
A dry, flaky scalp and persistent dandruff are common issues which may be faced during the summers. Due to increased sweating, sun exposure, salt water and frequent washing strip the scalp of its natural oils which leads to dryness and irritation. Nature has provided us some natural oils which not only restore the moisture but also fight with the dandruff causing fungi and inflammation.
In this blog we are going to discuss the best natural oils to treat the dry scalp and dandruff in summer.
A dry scalp happens because the scalp loses its moisture and its natural oil. Person feels really itchy and irritable, so try and see that you prevent having a dry scalp. There can be various causes to it: –
- Using too much of shampoo
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Dehydration
- Weather
All these conditions could be overcome by simple remedies and they are very simple homemade remedies for your dry scalp.
- Coconut oil: – Coconut oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties due to its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) It is basically a type of saturated fat. Lauric acid is a fatty acid which makes up to 50% of the MCT in coconut oil. This acid have antimicrobial effects against disease causing microorganisms.It helps to prevent the bacteria from multiplying without killing the bacteria. Coconut oil nourishes the hair strands and reduces breakage which further strengthens the hair.
You can take 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and massage gently into your scalp. After leaving the oil on your scalp for half an hour, you can rinse it off with the shampoo.
- Tea Tree Oil: – Tea tree oil is famous for its strong antifungal and anti-inflammatory property. This oil has been used as a traditional medicine by the people of Australia for centuries to treat coughs and cold. It contains several compounds including terpinen-4-ol Which can destroy bacteria, viruses and fungi, the dog fighting property of this oil makes it a natural remedy to treat bacterial and consensus skin conditions are prevent infection. This oil can be applied to shampoo to reduce dandruff.
You must follow certain precautions while using tea tree oil. The sensitive skin people may experience irritation while using undiluted tea tree oil. Therefore, if you have a sensitive skin you can mix the oil with an equal or greater amount of coconut or almond oil.
You can take 2 tablespoons of almond or Jojoba oil and mix pipe drops of tea tree oil in it. Massage this oil into your scalp and leave it for a few minutes. Rinse it off with shampoo for better result.
- Jojoba Oil: – Jojoba oil is known for its excellent moisturization. It resembles human sebum. It helps to balance the oil production on the scalp and soothes inflammation and loosen dandruff flakes.
Take one or two tablespoons of Jojoba oil and apply it directly to your scalp, massage this oil thoroughly and leave it for half an hour. Rinse it well with gentle sulphate free shampoo. It is to be noted that Jojoba oil promotes hair growth by clearing follicles of excess sebum and dead skin cells.
- Argan Oil: – Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, antioxidants and some essential fatty acids. This oil is most oftenly called the liquid gold. It helps to hydrate the scalp without making it greasy and reduces itchiness and inflammation. This oil is really a gold during hot summer days. Argan oil provides A protective barrier against the sun and heat damage. Therefore, you must apply this oil if you want to treat dry scalp and dandruff in summer.
Apply a few drops of argan oil on your scalp and gently massage it. You can also use this oil as a leave in treatment without rinsing.
- Neem Oil: – Neem is known for its strong antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is used in ayurveda for centuries to pure disease, it has anti-inflammatory property. It has a strong and pungent smell so you can mix it with the other oil to remove the odour.
Take 3 tablespoons of coconut or olive oil and mix 1 tablespoon of neem oil. The salts this oil into your scalp and leave it for at least 30 minutes before washing. It will work as a magic on your scalp.
- Castor Oil: – Castor oil is a deep hydrator for your scalp. It contains ricinoleic acid which promotes hair growth. Castor oil has anti-inflammatory and Andy’s microbial property. As it has a thick consistency, moisture is locked which makes it ideal for dry and flaky scalp.
You can mix 1 tablespoon of Castor oil with two tablespoon of any lighter oil like almond or coconut oil, then massage this oil into your scalp and leave it for a few hours or overnight, this oil works more better if you heat the mixture slightly. It will result in better absorption.
- Olive oil: – Olive oil is rich in mono saturated fats and antioxidants. It helps to moisturize the scalp and helps dislodge dandruff flakes, whether it’s antifungal property, it prevents scalp infections.
1-2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and apply it to your scalp and massage in circular motions. Leave the oil on your scalp for 30 to 60 minutes prior to rinsing, you can also mix fenugreek seeds or lemon juice for dandruff fighting action.
- Almond oil: – Almond oil is a rich source of nourishment. It is rich in vitamins A, B1, B6, D and E. This bit source of vitamin helps to nourish the scalp and reduce inflammation. It softens the dead skin cells and makes dandruff easier to go.
You can combine this oil with tea tree oil for massage, leave it for 30 minutes and rich properly. Since it is quite lightweight in texture, you can use this oil even in humid climate.
How to choose right oil for your scalp?
If you have a dry and flaky scalp, then you can use coconut oil, castor oil and olive oil. If you have a oily and itchy scalp then you can use tea tree oil by mixing it with almond oil or Jojoba oil. If you have a sensitive scalp, then you can choose Argan or Jojoba oil. If you have a dandruff prone scalp, you can use neem oil, coconut oil and tea tree oil. If you have a combination scalp, you can use jojoba oil with tea tree oil.
Conclusion
A dry and flaky scalp in summer is quite persistent yet irritating, there are certain safe remedies which nature offers. You can choose the right oil as per your scalp to restore the health of your scalp and keep flakes at the bay.
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