5 Easy DIY Hair Masks For Dry Itchy Scalp
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If you’re tired of dealing with a flaky, itchy scalp or simply want to give your head the TLC it deserves, you’re in the right place.
A healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy hair, and sometimes, your scalp needs a little extra care to maintain its balance.
In this post, we’ll dive into homemade hair masks that not only soothe and heal your scalp but also promote overall hair health.
These masks are easy to whip up with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, so let’s get started!
1. Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey Mask
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a powerful natural ingredient that is well-regarded for its ability to clarify the scalp, removing buildup from hair products and sebum.
ACV is also alkaline, which helps to balance the pH levels of the scalp, reducing itchiness and dandruff.
Honey is a natural humectant that attracts and retains moisture, which is essential for a dry scalp.
Its rich antioxidant properties help protect the scalp from environmental damage while its natural antibacterial and antiseptic qualities can reduce infections and soothe skin irritations.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
Instructions:
In a small bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar and honey. Stir until they form a smooth mixture.
Apply the mixture directly to your scalp, using your fingertips or a brush to spread it evenly.
Cover your hair with a shower cap to contain the moisture and enhance the treatment’s effects.
Leave the mask on your scalp for about 20-30 minutes to allow the ingredients to penetrate and exert their benefits.
Rinse the mask out with lukewarm water and follow up with a gentle shampoo.
2. Coconut Oil and Tea Tree Oil Scalp Treatment
Coconut oil is a wonderful natural moisturiser that penetrates the hair shaft to condition and hydrate.
It also possesses antimicrobial properties, helping to keep the scalp clean and healthy.
Tea tree oil is celebrated for its antifungal and antibacterial qualities, making it effective in treating dandruff and itchy scalp issues.
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons coconut oil
5-6 drops tea tree oil
Instructions:
In a small bowl, combine the coconut oil and tea tree oil. Stir the mixture until it is well blended.
Apply the mixture directly to your scalp using your fingertips. Massage gently in circular motions to ensure even distribution and enhance blood circulation to the scalp.
Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave the treatment on your scalp for about 30 minutes. This allows the oils to deeply penetrate the scalp and maximise their therapeutic benefits.
Rinse the mask out with lukewarm water and follow up with a mild shampoo. Make sure to cleanse thoroughly to remove all oil residues, leaving your scalp refreshed and nourished.
3. Yoghurt and Lemon Exfoliating Mask
Yoghurt is rich in lactic acid, which gently exfoliates the scalp to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover.
Lemon, on the other hand, is high in vitamin C and has astringent properties that can help to cleanse the scalp and regulate oil production.
Together, these ingredients create a mask that not only cleanses and exfoliates but also leaves the scalp feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup plain yoghurt
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
In a small bowl, mix the yoghurt and lemon juice until they form a consistent mixture.
Apply the mixture directly to your scalp, using your fingers or a brush to spread it evenly across the scalp.
Massage gently in circular motions to enhance exfoliation.
Cover your hair with a shower cap and allow the mask to sit for about 15-20 minutes.
Rinse the mask off with cool water and follow up with a mild shampoo.
4. Aloe Vera and Argan Oil Mask
Aloe vera is not just a natural moisturiser but also contains enzymes and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritation, reduce redness, and promote healing of the scalp.
Its hydrating properties ensure that the scalp retains moisture, preventing dryness that can lead to flakiness. Argan oil, often referred to as ‘liquid gold’, is packed with antioxidants, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids that deeply nourish and revitalise the scalp and hair.
These nutrients also help to strengthen hair roots and provide a protective layer that shields hair from environmental damage and heat.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup aloe vera gel
2 tablespoons argan oil
Instructions:
In a small bowl, combine the aloe vera gel and argan oil. Stir the mixture until it forms a smooth, homogenous blend.
Apply the mixture directly to your scalp using your fingertips. Gently massage in a circular motion to distribute the mask evenly.
Cover your hair with a shower cap to lock in moisture and enhance absorption of the nutrients. Leave the mask on your scalp for about 30 minutes.
After the resting period, rinse your scalp and hair thoroughly with lukewarm water. Follow up with your regular shampoo to ensure all residues are washed out.
5. Jojoba Oil and Peppermint Oil Mask
Jojoba oil is highly praised for its properties that closely mimic the natural oils produced by the human scalp, making it an excellent choice for moisturising and balancing oil production.
This oil’s composition helps to dissolve sebum deposits, thus promoting a healthier scalp environment and preventing hair follicles from becoming clogged.
Peppermint oil adds a cooling sensation and stimulates the scalp, promoting increased blood flow which is essential for nourishing hair follicles and encouraging healthy hair growth.
The menthol in peppermint oil also has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, which can help alleviate dandruff and fight bacterial or fungal issues that contribute to dryness and itchiness.
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons of jojoba oil
2-3 drops of peppermint oil
Instructions:
Mix the jojoba oil and peppermint oil in a small bowl until well combined.
Apply the mixture directly to your scalp using your fingertips or a small brush, gently massaging in circular motions to distribute the oil evenly.
Cover your hair with a shower cap to trap heat, which will enhance the oils’ penetration.
Leave the mask on your scalp for about 20-30 minutes to allow the oils to deeply moisturise and soothe the scalp.
Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water, and follow up with your regular shampooing routine.
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A dry itchy scalp can be caused by several factors:
Dry Skin: Just like other parts of your body, your scalp can dry out. This is especially common in cold, dry weather and can lead to flaking and itching.
Seborrheic Dermatitis: This condition is characterised by red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales. It affects areas rich in oil glands, including the scalp, and is more commonly known as dandruff when on the scalp.
Psoriasis: Scalp psoriasis leads to itchy patches of red skin with silvery scales, and it can extend beyond the hairline.
Eczema: This can affect the scalp, leading to a dry, itchy rash that can leak fluid when scratched.
Contact Dermatitis: This happens when the scalp reacts to certain products like shampoos, conditioners, hair dyes, or other hair care products, causing an allergic reaction.
Fungal Infections: An example is tinea capitis, a scalp infection caused by a fungus, which is more common in children.
Lice: Scalp infestation with lice can cause intense itching due to allergic reactions to lice bites.
Product Build-up: Using excessive styling products can lead to build-up, which might irritate the scalp causing dryness and itchiness.
Managing these causes typically involves proper scalp care, using appropriate shampoos and treatments, and, in some cases, consulting a healthcare provider for specific medications or therapies.
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For addressing a dry itchy scalp, certain natural ingredients stand out due to their hydrating, soothing, and nourishing properties.
Coconut oil is excellent for moisturising the scalp and reducing dandruff thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Aloe vera is known for its cooling and inflammatory properties, making it ideal for soothing an itchy scalp.
Yoghurt contains probiotics and is rich in moisturising fats, which help to soothe irritation and balance the scalp’s natural flora.
Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture, besides possessing antimicrobial qualities that can help to reduce scalp inflammation.
Banana not only moisturises the scalp but also helps to soften the hair and relieve itching.
Each of these ingredients can be used alone or combined with others to create effective, soothing DIY hair masks tailored to individual scalp needs.
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DIY hair masks are excellent for moisturising and soothing the scalp, but they are not a cure for medical conditions such as psoriasis or severe dandruff.
These conditions are often chronic and require medical treatment.
While natural ingredients in DIY masks can help alleviate symptoms like dryness and itching, they do not address the underlying causes of these dermatological issues.
For persistent scalp problems, consult a dermatologist who can provide appropriate medical treatments and guidance.
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Yes, DIY hair masks can generally be used on coloured or treated hair, but it is important to select ingredients that are gentle and will not strip hair colour or react negatively with chemical treatments.
Ingredients like coconut oil and aloe vera are safe for most hair types and can enhance moisture without affecting colour.
However, ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar, which are sometimes recommended for their clarifying properties, might lighten or alter hair colour.
If you have coloured or chemically treated hair, it’s always a good idea to perform a patch test on a small section of hair before applying the mask all over or consult with a professional stylist to ensure compatibility.
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