There are several commercial shampoos available to help relieve your dry scalp. The Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization that has analyzed more than 60,000 skin and hair care products, has published findings in a database called Skindeep. Among the ingredients found in shampoos for dry scalp and dandruff are tea tree oil, jojoba oil, lavender essential oil and others.
Coconut, Jojoba Oil Shampoo
According the Environmental Working Group, a shampoo made with coconut, jojoba, olive and avocado oil is rated zero for toxicity level. Keys Soap Muttiner Pet & Human Shampoo also has rosemary, orange and sage essential oils and neem oil. Jojoba oil is a plant wax derived from the Simmondsia chinensis plant and is similar to the body's sebum, found on the skin and scalp. Coconut and olive oil are excellent cleansing ingredients for sensitive skin and scalps. Avocado oil is moisturizing, while neem oil is well-known for its therapeutic qualities in Ayurveda medicine, an Indian holistic healing system. And rosemary, orange and sage are extracted from plants and flowers and may help reduce dryness on the scalp.
Lavender Essential Oil
Solay Shine Lavender Shampoo has coconut, castor, palm, jojoba oils, Himalayan salt, soy protein, vegetable glycerin, lavender essential oil and potassium hydroxide. The Environmental Working Group gave this shampoo, designed for dry scalp and itchiness, a toxicity rating of 1, for the ingredient lavender essential oil. In some cases, lavender, known as Lavendula Augustofolia, may be an endocrine disruptor for very sensitive individuals. Lavender is commonly found in many skin and haircare products. The amount of soy protein in this shampoo has not been identified as an endocrine disruptor risk.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is made available by many different manufacturers, and is found in shampoos and hair conditioners to help control dryness. Extracted from the Melaleuca Alternofolia tree, it was first made popular during the World War I when Australian soldiers used it for its antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties. Today, tea tree oil can be used by adding 10 to 12 drops to any shampoo you currently use and rinsing as usual. It can help remove flakes from dandruff. Tea tree oil is best used diluted and it has received a zero toxicity rating from EWG. Were it used in much larger quantities, it might have a warning for endocrine disruption.
