What Are The Treatments For Dry Hair & Scalp?

Dry hair and scalp occur when the oil glands in the scalp produce too little oil to properly lubricate the hair and scalp. According to "Aromatherapy for Vibrant Health and Beauty," by Roberta Wilson, poor diet and nutrition are generally the main reasons behind the lack of oil production, although chemical treatments, styling products, heat styling appliances and changes in the weather also may contribute. There are a variety of treatments that can be used to reduce dryness.

Essential Oil Treatments

Use natural essential oils to treat hair and scalp dryness. Essential oils are extracted from plant sources and many are reputed to be able to treat an array of skin problems. According to "Aromatherapy for Vibrant Health and Beauty," lavender, chamomile, clary sage, cedarwood and rosemary are the best oils for the treatment of dry hair and scalp.
To make a dry hair conditioner from essential oils, mix eight drops of clary sage oil, eight drops of cedarwood oil and four drops of lavender oil with two oz. of jojoba oil. Put in a clean container and shake to blend. Leave on for 30 to 45 minutes, at least once a week, and shampoo with a dry hair shampoo.
Make a dry scalp treatment to treat the scalp and reduce dandruff. Mix eight drops of tea tree oil, six drops of rosemary oil, four drops of cedarwood oil and three drops of pine oil with two oz. of jojoba oil. Shake to mix. To use, massage the treatment into the scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes. Shampoo with a shampoo for dandruff or dry hair.

Over-the-Counter Treatments

There are many over-the-counter treatments for dry hair and scalp. Dailyglow.com recommends purchasing a hot oil treatment. Over the counter hot oil treatments, such as Nature's Therapy Hot Oil Botanical treatment, by L'oreal, and Moisture Soak Hot Oil Treatment, by VO5, are available at most pharmacies and grocery stores.
There are also a variety of deep conditioning treatments available for dry hair and scalp. Deep conditioners are different from daily conditioners because they are usually left on the hair and scalp for longer periods and provide extra conditioning. Deep conditioners include Fructis Triple Nutrition Three Minute Undo, by Garnier and Performance Two Minute Recovery Deep Conditioner by Suave.

Home Remedies

Use a home remedy to treat dry hair and scalp. Dailyglow.com recommends using olive oil as a hot oil treatment. To use, massage the oil into the scalp, cover the hair with a towel and leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse and shampoo with a dry hair shampoo.
Hair-style-secrets-revealed.com recommends massaging a half cup of mayonnaise into the hair and scalp, covering the head with a plastic cap or bag and leaving on for 15 minutes. Rinse and shampoo.