HOW TO TREAT A DRY AND ITCHY SCALP

Dandruff is annoying and a problem that many just cannot shake off, it is a common skin condition that causes white flakes of skin to appear on the scalp.  It is more noticeable if they fall from your scalp onto your clothing, it will make your scalp feel dry and very itchy.  Just to throw it out there, suffering from dandruff isn't contagious and it will not cause you any harm.  Stress and cold weather can make dandruff worse, your skin produces new skin cells and gets rid of the old cells in order for it to remain healthy, but dandruff can occur when the cycle speeds up.

CAUSES

Seborrhoeic dermatitis causing oily and flaking skin
The skin fungus Malassezia.
Psoriasis
Eczema
Stress
Some hair products
A weakened immune system
Seasonal changes
fluctuating hormones

ADVICE CORNER

GENTLE SHAMPOO

Reach for a much gentler pH balanced shampoo that is free from any chemicals for many they prefer to reach for castile soap to help clarify their hair.

I am not one for co-washing as I feel that it doesn't clean my scalp, and in order to keep your scalp clean and healthy and free from dandruff, it is better to clean your hair weekly rather than monthly or any other week with a clarifying shampoo, try to reach for a shampoo that is designed for sensitive scalp and is fragrance-free such as The New Cantu Sensitive Shampoo & Conditioner.

SCALP TREATMENT 

If your hair is particularly dry and itchy you can also conduct a scalp detox using the Canu Cleanse Root Rinse with apple cider vinegar, this will help to cleanse and soothe it too. 


THINGS TO AVOID

Avoid using HOT water on your scalp, it will strip away moisture as well as drying out the actual hair shaft and making it more prone to environmental damage and can impact your hair growth.  Use warm water and finish your hair wash off with a cold rinse to seal cuticles, increase shine and boost circulation in the scalp.

If your scalp is irritating you, avoid scratching it, you do not want to cause further damage to your scalp, just massage your scalp using the pads of your fingers to help relieve that itch, or you can use 

SOLUTIONS

Apple cider vinegar has so many benefits and uses that the list is endless, however, if you want to ensure your scalp is really clean and free of any dirt that may still be there, just dilute the apple cider vinegar with water and apply it to your scalp, massaging it in.  It is great in removing product build-up and in removing flakes too, and it seals in your moisture.
Water, I know it is the last thing you want to think about especially in this cold weather, but it is a must. If your body is dehydrated then your hair will also be, so expect to get dry, itching and flaky scalp if you are not consuming the correct amount of water that your body needs.

Avoid eating certain foods such as bread as it has yeast in it, cookies, any baked goods, processed foods with white sugar, foods that are high in saturated fats, sweetened juices and sports drinks.  My best advice is to replace these foods with fresh vegetables and salads and foods naturally high in zinc, incorporate flax seeds or fish oils in the form of sardines or wild Alaskan salmon this omega- 3 fatty acids should help to combat your flaking.

Essential oils with properties good for dandruff include tea tree, lavender, rosemary, peppermint, patchouli, and Roman chamomile essential oil. It is important to choose therapeutic grade essential oils which say 100% essential oil on the label.
Essential oils are great to add to your routine in helping to combat dandruff, and itchiness, look to reach for these ones.

Roman chamomile: Essential oil properties can be used to clam dry itchy skin.

Chamomile: Camomile tea rinse will help fight dandruff it will help to soothe scalp irritation and nourish your hair.

Lavender essential oil: Has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is revitalizing to the skin and used in all types of skin disorders.

Patchouli essential oil: Has antifungal properties and is great for dry skin. It also helps to stimulate new tissue growth.

Lemon: Lemon contains anti-bacterial properties that fight dandruff.

Ylang Ylang: Will condition your hair and help to get rid of dandruff.

Rosemary increases circulation to the scalp.

Peppermint essential oil can calm inflammation and relieve itching.

These essential oils can be mixed or used individually use a few drops and massage them into your scalp and leave overnight, this process can be done as part of your pre-poo regimen.  You can use the essential oils in your shampoo or in your apple cider vinegar to form a great hair rinse in order to get rid of dandruff.  You will need to do this process a couple of times in order to see some form of improvement. 

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