Choosing The Best Dry Scalp Treatment

One may find it necessary to try several different remedies before finding the most suitable dry scalp treatment. The many options available include homeopathic remedies, over-the-counter treatments, and prescription shampoos.

Hot Oil Treatments

The use of hot oil is regarded by some as a highly effective dry scalp treatment. Such remedies can be purchased over-the-counter or one can simply use household olive oil, which offers essentially the same results. Whatever oil one chooses should be heated to a comfortable temperature; however, care must be taken not to overheat the liquid as this can result in burns. The warm oil should then be massaged into the scalp for about five minutes, and left in place for an additional ten minutes so that the oil can be absorbed. It should then be rinsed out thoroughly with a mild shampoo.

Shampoo

There is a vast array of shampoos on today's market that can help to alleviate the symptoms of a dry, itchy scalp. Although a variety of brands are available, the active ingredient in most dry scalp treatment shampoos is coal tar. Certain shampoos also contain aloe vera and other moisturizing agents; however, the most important ingredient to look for in a shampoo is the aforementioned coal tar as this ingredient will do the most good. Shampoos are also available by prescription to individuals for whom over-the-counter remedies have proved ineffective.

Water

Frequently, dehydration is the culprit behind a dry, itchy  scalp. For this reason many individuals find that their symptoms begin to subside once they become adequately hydrated. Consuming a minimum of 64 ounces of water on a daily basis can be a very effective dry scalp remedy. 

Home Remedies

One also has the option of trying various home remedies to treat his or her dry scalp. However, it is important to realize that not all such remedies are effective. Fenugreek seeds and vinegar are two popular homeopathic dry scalp treatments that typically offer positive results. To use vinegar as a dry scalp treatment, one should add three tablespoons of plain, white vinegar to eight ounces of water and apply the mixture to his or her scalp. It should be left in place for a minimum of five minutes and then rinsed out thoroughly. Positive effects are usually noticed immediately. However, if this remedy is used more than 2-3 times per week, it can have the opposite effect. Therefore it is important to use this treatment wisely.

Fenugreek seeds can also be used as an effective treatment for a dry scalp. To use this remedy, one should mix three tablespoons of fenugreek seeds with four ounces of warm water. The mixture should be stirred until it reaches the consistency of a paste, and then placed on the scalp for one hour before being rinsed out.

In addition to using the aforementioned products, there are also certain ingredients one should avoid when selecting hair care products. The following ingredients have been known to contribute to the development of a dry skin patches on the scalp:

 Alkyl Sodium Sulfate
 TEA-Dodecylbenzene
 Sodium Dodecyl Sulfonate
 Magnesium Sulfate
 Sodium Thiosulfate

Avoiding Dandruff Shampoos 

Many people often mistake a dry scalp for dandruff; however, in reality the two conditions have little to do with each other. Dandruff treatments are sometimes harsh and can result in making a dry scalp problem worse. This is because dandruff is caused by an infection and is often accompanied by an oily or greasy scalp. For this reason, the active ingredient in most dandruff shampoos is zinc pyrithione, which has a drying effect. Therefore, one should not consider dandruff shampoos when looking for a dry scalp treatment.

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