If you’ve ever had dry, itchy scalp, then you know how it can throw a wrench in your day. That’s why we’re going to talk about how to fix dry scalp and how to moisturize scalp dryness so you can feel your best. One way you can help support scalp health is by using scalp serum to help moisturize dry scalp, while other treatments involve nourishing the scalp microbiome to help reduce inflammation. Keep reading to learn the secrets to a healthy scalp today.
How to fix dry scalp
Dry scalp can be due to a variety of issues, including a dry climate, allergies, or dandruff, which is white and yellow flaking on the scalp and hair. (Source 1) Dandruff and itchy scalp may be a result of oily sebaceous secretions or colonization of certain fungal or bacterial species like Malassezia, Staphylococcus, or Streptococcus. (Source 2) Not to mention that low numbers of Cutibacterium acnes were also seen in people with seborrheic dermatitis dandruff. (Source 3)
An itchy scalp is not only uncomfortable, but the dry skin flakes falling from your hair can be harmful to one’s self esteem as well. With so many serums and oils on the market that promise to fix your dry scalp, you may be wondering what the most effective solution is. Research shows that treatments with ingredients like Salix purpurea bark extract may be effective in reducing dandruff and improving scalp conditions. (Sources 3, 4) Other therapies that show effectiveness in treating itchy scalp include antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and keratolytic topical agents as well as antifungal shampoos. (Source 3)
How to moisturize scalp
There are many products out there that promise to hydrate your scalp and manage itchiness. So, we’ve compiled a few of our favorites that provide a natural approach to reduce the irritation in your scalp so you can feel more confident and comfortable in your own hair.
Country Life Maxi-Hair Scalp & Rescue is a plant-based dietary supplement containing ingredients like millet seed extract, sunflower seed oil, wheat seed extract, and rosemary leaf extract that help nourish your scalp and promote hair growth on a cellular level. This certified gluten-free and vegan hair health supplement is kosher, halal, and is manufactured in a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) facility to ensure the strictest safety measures are taken to produce it.
If you prefer a topical scalp treatment, you can try Avalon Organics Scalp Treatment Tea Tree Conditioner. This conditioner consists of a blend of tea tree essential oil, quinoa protein, calendula and aloe that work together to nourish hair, balance moisture levels and soothe irritation. All hair types can benefit from this non-GMO, vegan, and cruelty-free hair product that is free of any synthetic fragrances or colors.
Another topical scalp treatment is Derma E Scalp Relief Treatment, which is a water-based scalp relief serum that contains tea tree oil and cooling menthol to help soothe your dry scalp and help reduce itch. This all-natural, vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and cruelty-free product helps to hydrate the scalp with the moisturizing algae in sea kelp extract and blue algae, and with the nutrient-rich composition of amla oil that helps promote hair thickness and health.
Finally, there is Nature’s Way Coconut Oil Organic Extra Virgin, which can be used topically or as a supplemental food item in your daily diet. This non-GMO and Certified Organic coconut oil product is free of trans-fat and hydrogenated fat, contains 62% medium chain triglycerides, or MCTs, and may help promote energy, hunger control, healthy cholesterol levels, and enhanced immune function. You can massage your scalp and/or use this oil instead of butter, shortening or other cooking oils to help support your health inside and out.
How to support the scalp microbiome
If these hydrating and moisturizing formulas are not helping improve your dry scalp, then you may need to go deeper and treat the scalp microbiome. You can do this by taking a probiotic that is especially formulated for hair, skin, and nails. (Source 5) Those with sensitive, itchy scalps tend to have a lower bacterial diversity than those without such scalp issues, so taking supplements and eating fermented foods to help nourish and diversify the gut microbiome may help lessen scalp dryness and itching over time. (Source 6) It’s also important to limit the use of such products that contain harsh ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) that can destroy the microbiome as well as bleaching, coloring, or straightening hair products.
Other treatments to support the scalp microbiome include using sarcosine, an amino acid derivative, to help reduce sebum on the scalp, therefore reducing the “food” for certain lipophilic, or “fat-loving” bacteria and yeasts. (Source 6) This compound can also increase the microbial diversity of scalp skin over time, which can help promote a healthier scalp environment.
References:
- https://jddonline.com/articles/individual-article-etiology-treatment-challenges-role-of-scalp-haircare-in-managing-dandruff-S1545961625S32712X
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12319465/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12256380/#Sec1
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40129612/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950194625001219
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10939504/
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
