Dry scalps can be itchy, flaky and even painful, and many conditioners on the market do not address issues on the scalp, focusing instead on hair shafts. A natural choice in conditioners that is healthy for both the scalp and the hair is coconut oil. Used by Indian women for years to promote lustrous hair, coconut oil is relatively inexpensive and purported to quickly heal the scalp.
Identification
A dry scalp can stem from both internal and external issues. Too little healthy fat in the diet can dry out the skin, as can excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol. The cold air of winter combined with the drying heat indoors also can cause dryness in the skin and scalp.
Significance
Using a natural conditioner for dealing with a dry scalp rather than one that is chemically based is important for overall health. According to Patricia Thomas in the book "What's in This Stuff?: The Hidden Toxins in Everyday Products and What You Can Do about Them," a typical hair conditioner contains polyvinylpyrrolidone, various silicones, preservatives such as disodium EDTA and methylisothiazolinone, which have been linked to nerve damage. Since conditioner is absorbed into the scalp, using a product that is beneficial internally as well as externally is important.
Features
One product that might treat dry scalp both from the inside and outside is coconut oil. According to the book "Virgin Coconut Oil: Nature's Miracle Medicine" by Bruce Fife, coconut oil works on the scalp to improve skin health and get rid of dandruff. Taken internally, coconut oil provides fatty acids for oil-producing glands, according to Mary G. Enig and Sally Fallon in the book "Eat Fat, Lose Fat: The Healthy Alternative to Trans Fats."
Time Frame
Using a natural conditioner might help a dry scalp quickly. Renée Loux, in the book "The Balanced Plate: The Essential Elements of Whole Foods and Good Health," notes that massaging up to 1/4 cup of coconut into the scalp and hair, covering the hair with a shower cap or towel and leaving it on for between 20 minutes and two hours provides a deep-conditioning treatment and scalp soother. Coconut oil can be used daily before shampooing to maintain hair and scalp.
Considerations
Coconut oil can have a strong scent that not everyone enjoys or appreciates. It is also oily and can permanently stain clothing, so be careful when applying or rinsing it from the hair. As with any food, there is a possibility of being allergic to coconut. Watch for signs of breakouts: red skin or bumps that would indicate an allergy.
References
- "What's in This Stuff?: The Hidden Toxins in Everyday Products and What You Can Do about Them"; Patricia Thomas; 2008
- "Virgin Coconut Oil: Nature's Miracle Medicine"; Bruce Fife; 2006
- "The Balanced Plate: The Essential Elements of Whole Foods and Good Health"; Renée Loux; 2006
