Oils for moisturizing the scalp include jojoba, olive oil, vitamin E, coconut oil, shea butter and cocoa butter. The natural emollient properties of these oils lubricate the scalp and provide a light coating that replaces natural oils. Bald scalps, scalps with thinning hair and scalps of people with chemically-treated hair can become irritated or dry. People with normal to dry hair may need additional moisturizing during the winter or summer due to exposure to cold and sun. Applying a hot-oil moisturizing scalp treatment helps to ease discomfort and protect your scalp.
Step 1
Combine equal parts aloe vera and a natural oil, such as jojoba, coconut oil or shea butter. For example, mix 2 tbsp. each of jojoba and aloe vera. To use an emollient that's solid at room temperature, such as coconut oil or cocoa butter, measure it into a jar and put the jar in a pan of hot -- not boiling -- water. Then stir the aloe vera into the softened oil.
Step 2
Add 1/4 tsp. vitamin E, if desired. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that helps to moisturize and condition irritated skin. A scalp massage with natural ingredients, including vitamin E and aloe vera, "helps to keep hair roots healthy and promote hair growth," notes the Kerala Agricultural University's Aromatherapy website. However, as of 2011, there is no scientific evidence that these ingredients promote hair growth.
Step 3
Put the lid on the jar and shake the moisturizing scalp treatment to mix it thoroughly. Set the jar in a pan of hot water for 10 minutes, if you didn't use an oil that required softening. This provides a hot oil treatment to penetrate the scalp and hair shafts. Apply the moisturizer with your fingertips, and massage it into your scalp from your hairline in front to the back of your neck.
Step 4
Close the jar and keep the leftover moisturizing scalp treatment in the refrigerator. Leave the treatment on for at least a half hour, then shampoo as usual. For a deep moisturizing treatment, leave the mixture on overnight.
Tips and Warnings
- If your scalp is dry, shampoo less often to preserve your scalp's natural oils, or use less shampoo when you wash your hair; over-washing your hair is a waste of money, notes the American Dermatological Society. It's normal to lose 50 to 100 hairs a day. After you lose a hair, it's "replaced by a new hair from the same follicle and the growing cycle starts again," notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
- Consult your doctor about any medical concerns. Don't attempt to self-treat skin problems on your scalp. Test ingredients for your scalp treatment by rubbing a small amount of each one on your arm. Check for a skin reaction 24 hours later. Even natural ingredients can trigger allergic responses or skin irritation in some people.
Things You'll Need
- Aloe vera
- Jojoba oil, olive oil, shea butter, cocoa butter or coconut oil
- Vitamin E (optional)
- Jar with tight-fitting lid
- Pan of hot water
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