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Reliable Curly Hair Dry Scalp Treatments

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Dealing with both curly hair and a dry scalp can feel like an uphill battle. Curly hair alone requires careful attention to stay hydrated and healthy, and adding a dry scalp to the equation complicates your hair care routine even further. The combination can make achieving luscious, moisturized locks seem like an elusive goal.

However, there’s good news. A reliable treatment for dry scalp and curly hair focuses on a few key elements: gentle cleansing agents that avoid stripping the scalp’s natural oils, deep hydration to nourish both scalp and hair, and regular use of scalp-friendly moisturizers and conditioners.

Look for products enriched with natural oils, such as coconut or jojoba, and ingredients like tea tree oil and aloe vera that can soothe and rebalance the scalp environment. Incorporating these strategies into your hair care routine can effectively address the challenges of managing curly hair with a dry scalp.

Nurturing a Healthy Scalp: Effective Remedies for Dryness

Addressing a dry scalp can be both uncomfortable and frustrating. Rather than merely alleviating the symptoms, it’s crucial to identify and treat the underlying issue causing the problem. Once the root cause is pinpointed, it’s time to take targeted measures to rectify it. Here are a few product recommendations:

#1 As I Am Dry & Itchy Scalp Care Shampoo and Conditioner 

This shampoo is infused with zinc pyrithione and enriched with tea tree oil and olive oil, this formula works to soothe and moisturize the dry, itchy scalp while detangling hair and making it easier to comb.

With just one use, this shampoo and conditioner delivers a noticeable increase in moisture levels, improving scalp health by 78%. Additionally, it eases the process of detangling curls by 41%, helping to reduce overall irritation in the scalp.

Whether you’re dealing with symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff, this product provides gentle yet effective relief for all types of hair.


#2 As I Am Dry & Itchy Scalp Care Co-wash

With its powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial ingredients, this co-wash is the perfect solution to help eliminate yeast and bacterial growth in your hair and scalp.

Not only does it relieve itchiness and soothe irritated, dry skin, but it also works to hydrate dry hair, leaving you with vibrant coils and curls that are manageable and soft to the touch.

Whether you’re suffering from seborrheic dermatitis or just need some relief from pesky dandruff or dry scalp, this may be the perfect solution for you!


#3 Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo

According to Briogeo’s website, this is a vegan and cruelty-free formula that is clinically shown to reduce up to 82% of dry scalp flaking, thanks to the powerful combination of binchotan charcoal. This charcoal draws impurities out from the scalp and hair follicles, creating a clean and healthy foundation for optimal scalp health.

The micro-exfoliators in this shampoo gently remove dead skin cells and product buildup from the scalp, leaving your hair feeling soft, clean, and refreshed.

A cooling blend of peppermint and spearmint oils helps to relieve any itchiness or irritation on the scalp, while tea tree oil provides anti-septic and healing properties that soothe inflammation and irritation.

Last but not least, coconut oil deeply moisturizes your scalp to keep it hydrated and prevent dryness or flakiness from forming.


#4 GIRL+HAIR Cleanse+ Sulfate-Free Shampoo

This female-formulated product is backed by science, with ingredients like shea butter, tea tree oil, and neem oil to help treat and prevent dry, itchy scalp.

The unique flash-foam system reduces friction during cleansing, making it easier to detangle your hair in less time.

So, whether you have natural hair with or without a protective style, this sulfate-free and alcohol-free shampoo is just what you need to keep your hair looking healthy and beautiful.


#5 WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo & Conditioner

With ingredients like hydrating oils, this shampoo and conditioner deliver an effective treatment that opens clogged hair follicles, breaks down itchy build-up, and fights back against flakes to give you a healthy, revitalized scalp and hair.

Whether your hair is dry, damaged, or suffering from dandruff or other scalp issues, this shampoo and conditioner are the perfect solution.

And, with ingredients like avocado oil, argan oil, and vitamin E to strengthen your hair while keeping it soft and silky, you can be sure that your hair will be looking its best.


#6 PURA D’OR Scalp Therapy Shampoo

Pura D’Or Scalp Therapy shampoo has a unique blend of aloe vera, tea tree, peppermint, and argan oil. This moisturizing formula provides superior hydration and nourishment to the scalp while reducing the appearance of flakes and irritation.

Whether you’re dealing with chronic dryness or occasional irritation, this shampoo is your go-to solution for shinier hair and less irritation due to dryness.


#7 Curlsmith – Wash & Scrub Detox Shampoo

If your scalp is flaky, itchy, or just in need of some serious TLC, then this is for you. This powerful formula is designed to gently cleanse away all gunk and build-up from your scalp without being too drying on your curls.

Made with micro-exfoliating particles that will gently unclog your follicles and wash off easily, this shampoo leaves your hair looking shiny and revitalized.

And don’t worry – it won’t leave any residue or get stuck in your curls!


#8 Head & Shoulders Supreme Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner Set

The Head & Shoulders Supreme Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner Set is an advanced hair care solution that offers soothing relief for your scalp and strengthens hair from root to tip.

Infused with rose essence and argan oil, this shampoo gently cleanses the scalp, leaving it calm and hydrated.

The conditioner works in tandem with the shampoo, providing nourishing hydration to help keep your hair looking healthy and vibrant.

Whether you have color or chemically-treated hair, this set can help restore strength, vitality, and shine to your hair.


#9 Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo and Conditioner

This shampoo and conditioner duo is one of my favorites! With its powerful combination of tea tree oil and other scalp-nourishing ingredients, this duo is an excellent choice for those dealing with damaged, dry hair and build-up on the scalp.

Made with gentle, hydrating formulas that are free of damaging sulfates, this shampoo and conditioner effectively revitalize lackluster hair and restore your scalp to its healthiest state.

#10 As I Am Dry & Itchy Scalp Care Olive & Tea Tree Oil

This treatment is designed to alleviate the symptoms of conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, and psoriasis.

This powerful formula is packed with soothing olive and tea tree oils that help to nourish and moisturize the scalp, leaving you feeling comfortable and confident.

Simply apply to dry or itchy areas as needed, massaging into the scalp to promote total relief.


#11 Design Essentials Scalp & Skin Care Detoxifying Tonic with Eucalyptus & Lemon

This clarifying tonic contains a blend of nourishing ingredients like peppermint, aloe, and natural oils, which work to calm, soothe, and stimulate the scalp for immediate relief from discomfort.

The nozzle applicator makes it easy to reach every part of your scalp to provide protection against environmental factors, while the lightweight formula is ideal for use on wet or dry hair.


#12 Scalp Brush

The soft and high-quality scalp brush is the perfect tool for anyone who needs a tool to help gently stimulate and relieve their dry, itchy scalp.

This waterproof brush features an ergonomic design that fits perfectly in your palm, making it easy to hold while you’re shampooing.

With its gentle but effective bristles, this brush not only provides a thorough cleanse for your hair and scalp but also provides a relaxing scalp massage that can help soothe any itchiness or stress.

Natural Remedies to Treat Dry Scalp

Try natural remedies like aloe vera – These natural remedies can help soothe your itchy scalp and moisturize curly hair, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.

How to use aloe vera for dry scalp (and dandruff) relief:

If you have an aloe vera plant at home, you can extract the gel from its leaves. If not, grocery stores typically sell them too, or you can get them online.

Video credit: Daisy Creek Farms with Jag Singh

1. After you have extracted the gel from an aloe vera leaf, apply it directly to your scalp, being careful to avoid your hairline.

2. Massage the gel into your scalp for a few minutes, then leave it on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it out.

3. Gently cleanse your scalp with a mild shampoo.

4. Repeat this process a few times per week (or as recommended by your healthcare provider) to help reduce dryness, irritation, and flaking associated with a dry scalp.

5. You can also try adding a few drops of essential oils like peppermint or rosemary to your aloe vera gel for an extra boost of moisture and nourishment.

Some people use aloe vera gel as a natural conditioner for their hair. If you use it frequently, though, you might start to notice a film building up on your strands. This isn’t harmful and can actually be beneficial for some people’s hair health.

Apple cider vinegar rinse – You’ll need 2 tsp. Apple Cider Vinegar and 1 cup Filtered or Distilled Water.

  1. Measure the vinegar in a cup.
  2. Add the water to it.
  3. Stir it with a spoon.
  4. The diluted version will have a pH level of 4.0 – 5.0, which matches the hair’s isoelectric point.
  5. Shampoo your hair and entire scalp with a shampoo.
  6. Use a spray bottle or whatever you have on hand and spray a sufficient amount of the above diluted Apple Cider Vinegar on your wet hair. Be careful not to get it in your eyes. If the rinse gets in your eyes, rinse it out immediately.
  7. Massage it thoroughly to your hair and scalp.
  8. Let it sit for a few minutes (I usually do it for 3 minutes)
  9. Rinse it off completely with cool water.
  10. Apply your regular styling products.

Note: Rinse-out products are the best for hair between pH 4 and 6.

Get a scalp massage. Massaging your scalp can help increase circulation, which in turn helps promote healthy scalp and curly hair growth.

Tea rinse – I have found that using a tea rinse is the fastest way to relieve a dry and itchy scalp.

A great thing about tea rinses is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money on them, and they’re easy to prepare at home.

  1. Boil 2 cups of water
  2. Steep 1 tea bag in the water for at least 1 hour (make sure the tea has cooled)
  3. Once the tea has cooled, transfer it into a clean spray bottle
  4. Wash your hair with shampoo as usual
  5. Towel dry
  6. Apply the tea rinse to your scalp and massage throughout your hair. Comb through to ensure all of your hair strands are covered.
  7. Put a plastic cap over your hair for 30 minutes
  8. Rinse hair with lukewarm water

Note: There’s no need to re-shampoo after your tea rinse. Just continue with your regular curly hair care routine.

Why is Maintaining a pH-balanced Scalp So Important?

Ph scale infographic

When the pH balance of your scalp is off, the skin cells on your scalp can become inflamed and irritated. This can lead to dryness, flaking, dandruff, itching, and even hair loss.

So, in order to maintain healthy curly hair, it’s important that you keep your scalp pH level in check.

How Can You Maintain a Healthy Scalp pH?

Healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp, so it’s important to maintain a pH-balanced scalp through regular hair care routines.

Some tips to help maintain a healthy pH balance include:

Using gentle, pH-balanced shampoos and conditioners that are specifically designed for curly hair types.

Moisturizing your scalp using essential oils (just make sure to use a carrier oil) and other moisturizing products designed for curly hair.

Stepping away from hot tools like hair dryers and curling irons can cause further irritation and damage to curly hair.

To help keep your curly hair healthy and hydrated, it’s important to address the underlying causes of dry scalp.

Common Causes of Dry Scalp

Having a dry scalp can make you feel itchy and uncomfortable. But it’s important to remember that dry scalp is not just a cosmetic issue; it can also cause damage to your curly hair. Again, a healthy scalp is key to healthy curly hair.

There are a few potential causes of dry scalp, including:

  • Poor diet and nutrition
  • Exposure to environmental toxins
  • Excessive chemical treatments or heat styling
  • Irritating ingredients
  • Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or menopause
  • Extreme dryness and weather conditions, such as hot, dry weather or cold, dry air
  • Overusing harsh ingredients that strip away natural oils

If you are experiencing dry scalp along with other symptoms, such as dry hair, flaking, irritation, or dandruff, it is important to see a doctor or dermatologist to help identify the underlying cause.

Fortunately, there are many effective treatments for dry scalp that you can try at home. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular methods.

When to Seek Medical Professional Advice

Sometimes our go-to solutions don’t work, and that’s okay. In instances like these, we should consider talking to a medical professional about what might be the best course of action. They are the experts after all.

Many people suffer from dry scalp conditions needlessly because they feel embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help, but there is no reason to endure quietly.

There are treatments available that can resolve the problem quickly and easily.

Unhealthy Practices to Avoid

Just as it is crucial to know which products we should use, it is important to understand what common practices we should either avoid or follow.

  1. Don’t scratch your scalp with combs or fingernails because this can result in hair loss or an inflamed scalp.
  2. Avoid using hot water when washing your hair, as this can dry out your scalp and strip away the natural oils that are essential for healthy curly hair.
  3. Be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, as this can help keep your hair and scalp well-nourished and moisturized.
  4. Steer clear of using oils that are dense and viscous like castor oil alone on your scalp.
  5. If you have product buildup on your scalp, make sure you’re regularly cleansing it with shampoo.

HI,I'M VERNA

I’m just a girl who transformed her severely damaged hair into healthy hair. I adore the simplicity of a simple hair care routine, the richness of diverse textures, and the joy of sharing my journey from the comfort of my space.

My mission? To empower others with the tools to restore, and maintain healthy hair, and celebrate the hair they were born with!

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