ESSENTIAL OILS FOR DRY SCALP & GENTLE HAIR CONDITIONING MASK

A dry, flaky scalp can be a harmless issue, but it can become bothersome if it leads to itchiness and embarrassing when others notice the white flakes. Here are some natural remedy suggestions, including essential oils that can help alleviate dry scalp.

TREATING DRY, ITCHY SCALP NATURALLY

First, it’s important to distinguish between dry skin and dandruff. While some remedies may help both conditions, dandruff is more complex and requires a different approach.

Dandruff is typically caused by excess oil, resulting in larger, yellowish flakes that are more difficult to remove. An unpleasant odor may also accompany dandruff. If this is your concern, you may need to consider more intensive treatments.

Once you’ve established that you’re dealing with a dry scalp, it’s helpful to identify the underlying cause of the dryness. While you can start using essential oils for dry scalp right away, understanding the root cause can help prevent recurring issues.

Some common causes of a dry scalp include:

  • Stress
  • Poor diet
  • Dehydration
  • Seasonal changes and climate (such as cold, dry winter air or excessive sunlight in summer)
  • Harsh chemicals in shampoos, conditioners, styling products, or other hair treatments
  • Hormonal changes

I recommend being cautious with dandruff shampoos, as the chemicals in these products may exacerbate dry scalp conditions. 

BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR DRY SCALP

These essential oils are renowned for their ability to cleanse the sensitive skin of the scalp and enhance hair conditioning. This list serves as an excellent starting point to discover which oils work best with your unique body chemistry.

  • Lavender: Known as one of the best oils for skin care, lavender essential oil is gentle yet potent, featuring antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
  • Tea Tree: This oil promotes healing of the scalp thanks to its antifungal properties and can also stimulate hair growth.
  • Rosemary: With its antioxidant and antibacterial characteristics, rosemary stimulates the scalp and may promote hair growth.
  • Cedarwood: This earthy oil combats bacteria and fungi with its antiseptic properties, adding shine to hair and serving as a heat protectant.
  • Lemongrass: A popular cleansing oil, lemongrass essential oil is effective for oily hair and helps strengthen hair follicles. It also boasts anti-inflammatory and detoxifying benefits.

A simple apple cider vinegar hair rinse can sometimes provide just what you need to balance your scalp’s skin, eliminate any bacteria contributing to dry scalp issues, and improve your hair’s texture. For many, this may be the only natural hair treatment needed in their routine. Here is a recipe for making apple cider vinegar at home that you can refer to.

Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

Author: Mama Z

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar
  • 1⅓ cups purified or distilled water
  • 30-48 drops of essential oils*

Instructions

  • Combine one part apple cider vinegar with four parts water and add your choice of essential oils.
  • Pour the mixture into a squeeze bottle or a repurposed shampoo bottle.
  • After shampooing, apply the rinse to clean, wet hair in the shower.
  • Gently massage it into your scalp and the roots of your hair, allowing it to soak for 3-5 minutes.
  • Rinse thoroughly. You may find that you don’t need to use as much conditioner after this treatment.

Notes: The ratio for this recipe is 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water. Feel free to adjust the quantities as needed for your family.

*Recommended essential oils include lavender, tea tree, cedarwood, lemongrass, and rosemary. Use about 15-20 drops per cup.

If your dry scalp requires more intensive moisturizing, this natural hair and scalp treatment is just what you need! Customize the essential oils to find the perfect match for your skin. Keep in mind that it may take a few applications and some time to heal your scalp. Here’s Mama Z’s at-home hair mask recipe for you to try!

NATURAL HAIR MASK TREATMENT

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 tablespoons aloe vera gel
  • 2 tablespoons organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon carrier oil or raw organic local honey*
  • 24-30 drops of your choice of essential oils**

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Combine all the ingredients to create a hair treatment mixture.
  • Apply the natural hair mask to your scalp, ensuring it penetrates the skin to help eliminate bacteria and flakes.
  • Start at the crown of your head or your natural part, working the mask down your scalp. A wide-tooth comb can help distribute the mask effectively if needed.
  • Cover your head with a shower cap or a clean towel, allowing the mask to soak in for 15-20 minutes or as long as desired.
  • Rinse thoroughly and shampoo or condition as usual, though you may find you don’t need as much conditioner after this treatment.

Notes:

  • Follow this mask with my Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse to balance your hair’s pH and remove any excess product. Use an organic, unscented conditioner on the ends of your hair.
  • I recommend using a scalp massager to thoroughly work the hair mask into your scalp. For extra care, you can use a Nix lice comb to remove any leftover particles from your hair and scalp.
  • To complete your hair care routine, consider applying our Hair Regrowth Gel.

*Avoid coconut oil, as it can dry out the skin. Opt for jojoba, argan, almond, or olive oil instead; jojoba is particularly good for adding shine. Honey is also a great option for moisturizing and can help tame frizz.

**Suggested essential oils include cedarwood, lavender, lemongrass, tea tree, and rosemary. My favorite blend is equal parts peppermint, rosemary, and tea tree.

This treatment makes for a wonderful weekly ritual, especially while you unwind in a detox bath or simply to rejuvenate your scalp’s skin.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, essential oils offer a natural and effective solution for addressing dry scalp and promoting healthy hair. By carefully selecting oils like lavender, rosemary, tea tree, and peppermint, you can create a gentle yet potent hair conditioning mask tailored to your specific needs. Remember to always conduct a patch test before using essential oils on your scalp, and dilute them properly with a carrier oil to avoid irritation. With consistent use, this DIY hair mask can help nourish your scalp, reduce dandruff, and leave your hair feeling soft, shiny, and revitalized. Embrace the power of nature and unlock the transformative potential of essential oils for your hair care routine.

15 BEST DETANGLERS FOR CURLY HAIR

There will inevitably be some knots and tangles while working with curls, regardless of the type of hair you have. Furthermore, even while it can seem like the simplest solution to rake a detangling brush right through your matted mane, you don’t want to deal with the aftermath of possible hair loss, breakage, and damage. Alternatively, there are excellent detangling solutions available to assist you in completely preventing it. You have come to the correct site if you are ready to give up on your search for the best detangler for curly hair.

UNITE 7SECONDS DETANGLER LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

7Seconds Detangler is one of those unicorn products that works on all hair types because of its protein-based components. Panthenol and rice protein easily untangle fine baby hair, coarse curls, chemically treated hair, and even hair extensions. Not only does the product smooth knots fast, but it also seals the cuticle for softer strands. Adherents of hot style will value its safeguarding properties from heat and ultraviolet rays. It is also a multipurpose detangler for both adults and children because of its mild scent. If you ever consider finding the perfect hair products for curly hair, this conditioner is a must-have.

THE HONEST COMPANY CONDITIONING DETANGLER

For smoother, more manageable hair, this conditioning detangler spray helps to reduce knots and tangles. Because it is free of silicones, sulfates, dyes, parabens, and artificial perfumes, it is safe for little children and effective for the entire family. It is available in several formulas to address particular hair issues, such as dry hair and frizz-prone hair, and has enticing scents like sweet almond and citrus vanilla. Furthermore, it’s an excellent value at about $7 per bottle.

ORIBE RUN-THROUGH DETANGLING PRIMER

This opulent detangler costs about $40 each bottle, so it’s not a cheap purchase. However, the combination of its constituents yields certain advantages that justify the premium cost. Amla and hibiscus extracts hydrate and condition the hair for shine and softness, while pomegranate, apricot, and coconut oils separate and smooth the hair. An anti-static compound also keeps flyaways at bay for silkier, smoother strands. This spray not only detangles hair but also provides heat protection and primes it for style. Reviews also mention that a little goes a long way.

INNERSENSE SWEET SPIRIT LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

Hydration is essential since curly hair is prone to dryness and frizz. With ingredients like aloe, tamanu oil, honey, and organic rice protein, this hydrating spray—technically a leave-in conditioner, but great as a daily detangler—delivers moisturizing and strengthening effects. Although Innersense was created with curly hair in mind, every hair type can benefit from this conditioning spray’s ability to detangle and hydrate without becoming heavier or more oily. Many reviewers laud the subtle aroma, and many believe it hydrates nicely with only a few spritzes. No donut, this is the best leave-in conditioner for curly hair.

AVEDA NUTRIPLENISH LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

This light conditioning spray contains organic pomegranate oil that nourishes hair without adding weight, and stressed strands will absorb it. Aveda’s Nutriplenish spray not only smooths, softens and detangles hair but also provides heat protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. An additional benefit is that it contains sand ginger, a naturally occurring UV filter that protects hair from the drying effects of the sun.

AMIKA THE WIZARD DETANGLING PRIMER

This well-known detangler contains avocado and sea buckthorn oils to increase hydration and squalane to guard against moisture loss. It can do several tasks, including detangling, priming, protecting against heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and eliminating frizz. Although it’s meant to be used after washing and before style to prep the hair, smooth knots, and even shorten blow dry times, reviews claim that it works really well on both wet and dry hair.

I.C.O.N CURE SPRAY

This solution-focused spray untangles and nourishes hair, leaving it feeling silky, light, and free of knots. Aloe vera to calm and hydrate, a combination of proteins to fortify, and panthenol to promote suppleness are some of the hero components. Apply a mist to any kind of hair to provide obvious softness, strengthen strands, and quickly smooth knots.

GARNIER FRUCTIS PURE CLEAN DETANGLER

You can untangle your hair for a few dollars thanks to Garnier. This spray uses chemicals like aloe and vitamin E to eliminate frizz, enhance shine, and smooth hair in addition to being gentle with knots. We also adore that it is entirely devoid of substances produced by animals and isn’t created with silicones or parabens. Wet or damp hair should be treated with the leave-in product, and then combed through.

THE MANE CHOICE SOFT AS CAN BE DETANGLER

For naturally textured and curly hair, this hydrating multipurpose solution was designed to provide both tangle prevention and relief. Although Soft As Can Be by The Mane Choice was designed with kinky, wavy, curly, and textured hair in mind, it is theoretically acceptable for all hair types. This incredibly hydrating product, which includes nutritious nutrients like biotin, avocado oil, castor oil, and aloe vera, may be used as a normal conditioner, co-wash, leave-in conditioner, or post-shower detangler. Although the packaging can be improved a whole lot more, this is still a good product for curly hair.

TGIN 3-IN-1 CO-WASH CONDITIONER AND DETANGLER

If you often tie knots, you probably know that the best place to start is usually the shower. Having said that, while you’re ironing out the kinks, you’ll be happy to have a bottle of TGIN Quench on hand. You may use this triple-threat shampoo to wash, condition, moisturize, and untangle your hair, and each time you can expect shinier, softer hair.

PATTERN LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

Additionally, we adore Pattern’s Leave-In Conditioner. Known as one of the greatest leave-in treatments, the creamy solution works to release knots, relax matted hair, and lock in moisture by utilizing natural oils and honey. Apply it to drenched hair after taking a shower, and then rub it through to ensure it’s equally dispersed from root to tip. Although some individuals may find the fragrance overpowering, this detangler is well worth a try.

KINKY CURLY KNOT TODAY DETANGLER

This leave-in detangling treatment from Kinky Curly provides an additional choice. Though all hair types benefit from Knot Today’s excellent knot and tangle removal, the brand’s products are primarily targeted at those with curly or naturally occurring hair. In order to make detangling simple and painless, it also supplies moisture. Although the potent herbal aroma may not be to everyone’s taste, it does the job well.

BUMBLE AND BUMBLE HAIRDRESSER INVISIBLE OIL

In certain cases, greasy fingers are required to loosen knotted hair. Bumble & bumble’s To unravel all the knots holding you down, Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil is a hydrating concoction of coconut, safflower, grape, macadamia, argan, and sweet almond oils. The solution, which is lightweight and highly absorbent, also treats split ends and frizz. So if you are still wondering “Is argan oil good for curly hair?”, the answer is definitely yes.

BRIOGEO BE GENTLE, BE KIND DETANGLING SPRAY

Briogeo’s unscented Be Gentle, Be Kind product line may be ideal for you if you want simple products without overpowering scents. Aloe vera, oat milk, and green tea are the main ingredients in this organically derived detangling spray, which is strong on knots and gentle on stressed hair. Additionally, it provides a smoothing effect that aids in flyaway control. Before letting your hair air dry or blow dry, spray it on somewhat damp or towel-dried hair and comb it through.

IGK GOOD BEHAVIOUR PREP SPRAY

Numerous hair detangling treatments claim to provide the illusive “slip.” This basically means that they lubricate your hair to reduce friction, which makes matted portions release and knots easier to unravel. IGK Good Behavior Spray uses a mild blend of natural oils to accomplish the task. In addition to detangling, it smooths and adds gloss to your hair, protects it from heat, and controls frizz for up to 24 hours.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Even though yanking a brush through knotted hair might make you cry, you can be causing more harm than you realize. Despite the sensitivity of the scalp, vigorously brushing out tough knots can lead to hair breakage and loss. One easy fix is to use one of the best detanglers. Take a look at our list to simplify your hair care regimen.