How To Naturally Treat Dandruff and Dry Scalp

Dandruff and dry scalp can be embarrassing issues one-too-many of us can experience easily and frequently.

There are several factors that can lead to dandruff or dry scalp - from our diet to the type of water streaming out of our faucets. As a result, for some, resolving these symptoms can be as easy as adding a filter to their showerheads, while others might need a little extra hydrating boost to soothe and rehabilitate the scalp or the use of a medicated shampoo.

What Causes Dandruff or Dry Scalp?

First, let’s clarify the difference between dandruff and dry scalp; yes, they are two different conditions, altogether.

In both cases you may experience white flakes and an itchy scalp, but dry scalp is when the scalp has too little moisture so it gets irritated and flakes off, whereas dandruff is a result of too much oil on the scalp causing the skin to appear red, oily and scaly.

It’s important to identify which of these conditions you have, in order to get the right treatment. Before we explore some natural remedies, let’s look into some of the causes of these conditions in the first place.

1. Dehydration and Poor Diet

If we don’t supply our body with sufficient amounts of water and nutrients, our scalp will be one of the first areas to lose out and react.

Drinking more water, reducing your caffeine intake, and incorporating more raw vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fruit in your daily diet will boost the health of your scalp.

If your hair and skin need a healthy boost, we highly recommend adding Haitian Moringa Powder infused with biotin and a high concentration of vitamins, mineral, and antioxidants. Simply add a tablespoon to your breakfast smoothie, tea, or acai bowl and you’re done!

2. Hard Water

If you live in an area with hard water, which causes dry hair and dry skin, we recommend finding a water filter to attach to your showerhead ASAP. They are relatively affordable and well worth it, since it will not only minimize the dehydrating effects of the water, but also the need for purchasing additional products to combat that dryness!

3. Harsh Chemicals

Sulfates, parabens, and mineral oil can all cause product buildup, dry scalp and damage. So take a close look at the ingredients in the products you use and assess whether they are good for you and your health. At Kreyol Essence we promise to use natural, clean, paraben-free, cruelty-free, nourishing ingredients, keeping you safe and your hair and skin healthy and poppin’!

4. Stress

Stress can cause all sorts of issues, from sleeplessness to hair loss and much worse. So if you live a high-stress life, please, please take caution and practice prevention by treating yourself to breaks. We highly encourage incorporating self-care and stress management exercises into your daily routine - every area in your life will benefit from it!

Tip:  Our HBCO Organic Lavender and Hibiscus oil is our favorite stress-relieving, scalp nurturing oil.

5. Hair Washing Routine

Your routine is everything. Washing too often will lead to a dry scalp, when not giving the scalp the chance to produce it’s natural sebum oil.  Whereas not washing enough will results to buildup and dandruff, as a result of giving the scalp too much time unwashed, allowing the buildup of sebum oil, leading to the creation of fungus and bacteria.

Get to know the rhythm of your scalp and follow through when it’s time to wash and condition your hair.

Tip:  Our Haitian Black Castor Oil: Scalp Care Shampoo is amazing at cleansing and soothing your scalp while also being non-stripping.  Similarly, in between wash days, we recommend reaching for a co-wash, like our Haitian Moringa Oil: "Drench Me" Co-Wash for a light refresher to your scalp and hair, without the risk of overdrying.

Natural Remedies for Dandruff and Dry Scalp

Here’s a list of our favorite natural remedies for safely treating dry scalp and dandruff.

1. Rosemary oil

Our HBCO Rosemary Peppermint Oil is a common, natural remedy for dandruff and dry scalp. The formulation will clear away any dirt, fungus or bacteria that may be on the scalp while stimulating circulations and soothing irritations for a replenished scalp.

2. Aloe Vera

100% pure aloe vera leaf juice can work wonders on your scalp (skin and hair). It’s antibacterial and antifungal properties will clear away any fungus or bacteria on the scalp. It will also hydrate the scalp without leaving behind any grease or oil. This is why we incorporate this valuable ingredient into so many of our formulations!

3. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has traditionally been used to treat infections and wounds because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. We recommend adding two drops to your shampoo, or adding two to three drops into a teaspoon of 100% pure Haitian Black Castor Oil and massaging the mixture to your scalp. Let sit for 20 minutes and then shampoo as usual.

4. Black Castor Oil

Haitian Black Castor Oil is one of the best ways to hydrate and nourish your scalp. It will not only soothe and hydrate, but it helps the scalp retain its moisture, preventing it from drying out and flaking. Regardless of your hair type, this oil can be used as a hot oil treatment or hair mask for its soothing and replenishing benefits, alike! We not only offer our Haitian Black Castor oil in several variations to suit al your sensory and hair care needs, but we also infused it into many of our other product formulations as well!  It’s a must try!

5. Exfoliating

If you have buildup, fungus, or bacteria on the scalp, it’s important to take the time to exfoliate your scalp. A good exfoliating brush and ingredients that encourage good circulation and health starting with your scalp, will help keep it in a healthy condition for optimal health and strength.

Be sure to check out all our natural hair & skin care products with Haitian Black Castor Oil & Moringa Oil, full of additional powerhouse ingredients that feed and protect you from the inside out!