A dry scalp causes irritation and itchiness and can also lead to severe dandruff and skin infections. Treating dry scalp with prescription shampoos or over-the-counter treatments can be costly and sometimes ineffective. One of the best natural treatments for dry scalp is colloidal oatmeal. Colloidal oatmeal has a high content of vital nutrients that help moisturize and soothe the skin and scalp.
Treating Dry Scalp Naturally
Step 1
Measure one-third cup of colloidal oatmeal. Colloidal oatmeal is oatmeal that has been finely ground to a soft, silky powder. You can buy packets of colloidal oatmeal bath treatments in the bath aisle at most pharmacies or department stores. Make sure the package says only 100 percent pure colloidal oatmeal. You do not want any other additives or fillers.
Step 2
Put one-half cup of warm water in a bowl, and slowly add the colloidal oatmeal to the water. Stir continually as you add the oatmeal, making sure to break up large clumps.
Step 3
Add one tbsp.of extra virgin olive oil to the oatmeal and water. Stir again until it is blended in.
Step 4
Moisten your scalp with warm water. Apply the colloidal oatmeal treatment by pouring one tbsp. at a time onto your head and then massaging it into the scalp. Continue until your scalp is fully covered.
Step 5
Cover your head with the plastic shower cap. Place a towel or head wrap in a dryer on high heat for one minute to warm it up. Cover your head and the shower cap with the warm towel and leave on your head for 20 minutes. You may instead saturate the towel or head wrap with hot water. Wring out the water and place the warm, wet towel or headwrap over your head.
Step 6
Rinse the colloidal oatmeal treatment out of your hair after 20 minutes. Use lukewarm water to rinse, as hot water can irritate and dry out the scalp again. After rinsing, shampoo and condition your hair as usual. Do not apply conditioner to your scalp, as over time this can cause your scalp to stop producing its natural oils as it adjusts to the conditioner. Apply the conditioner at least one-half inch from the scalp and continue down the hair shaft.
Tips and Warnings
- If you do not have olive oil, you can substitute almond or coconut oil.
- If you have an oat allergy, do not use the colloidal oat dry scalp treatment.
Things You'll Need
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Plastic shower cap
- Towel or head wrap
- Clothes dryer
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
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