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 DEEP CONDITIONERS FOR CURLY HAIR, ACCORDING TO HAIRSTYLISTS AND EDITORS
Want to give your curly hair some extra TLC? Deep conditioners are a curly girl’s best friend, adding moisture, definition, and shine to your locks. But with so many products on the market, it can be tough to choose which one is right for you. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 best deep conditioners for curly hair, according to hairstylists and editors. Whether you have fine, thick, or color-treated hair, there’s a deep conditioner on this list that will help you achieve your best curls yet!
OUR TOP PICKS
SPOILEDCHILD M26 DAMAGE REVERSER
SpoiledChild M26 Damage Reverser is a hair mask designed to repair and revitalize damaged hair in just 10 minutes. It targets breakage, restores strength, and aims to fortify hair to prevent future damage. The key ingredients are Argan oil and Keratin, both known for their hair repair properties. This product is ideal for those with dry, dull, or frizzy hair caused by heat styling, chemical treatments, or coloring. Users report that the mask leaves hair shinier, softer, and more manageable.
BREAD BEAUTY HAIR-MASK DEEP CONDITIONER
Bread Beauty’s Hair-Mask Deep Conditioner is a popular choice for its ability to both strengthen and soften hair. It contains unique ingredients like Australian Kakadu Plum Seed Oil, which is lightweight and effective at keeping hair moisturized and supple. Customers love that this mask hydrates and detangles hair, leaving it feeling soft, luxurious, and quenched. This deep conditioner comes in two sizes, a 3.3 oz and a 12 oz dispenser, to fit your hair care needs.
SHEA MOISTURE INTENSIVE HYDRATION HAIR MASK
SheaMoisture’s Intensive Hydration Hair Mask, also known as the Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Masque, is a deep conditioning treatment designed specifically for dry, damaged hair, particularly curly hair. It promises to intensely hydrate and nourish hair with a blend of key ingredients. Certified organic Shea Butter, Manuka Honey, and Mafura and Baobab Oils work together to restore and lock in moisture. This rich formula also contains African Rock Fig, an antioxidant that helps strengthen hair follicles and promote frizz-free hair. Overall, the SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Hair Mask aims to revitalize dry, damaged hair, leaving it smoother, stronger, and healthier.
MIZANI 25 MIRACLE MILK LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER
Mizani’s leave-in conditioner is a versatile hair product praised by hairstylist Ryan Babbitt for its multiple benefits. This sulfate-free formula is rich and nourishing, yet lightweight, making it ideal for various hair types. Babbitt uses it for shine enhancement, detangling, as a cutting lotion during trims, and even as a daily leave-in conditioner for curly hair. It also boasts a “fresh and honest” scent, although some might find it strong.
BRIOGEO DON’T DESPAIR, REPAIR! DEEP CONDITIONING MASK
Briogeo’s Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask is a hair treatment designed to restore and revitalize dry, damaged, or chemically treated hair. This intensive weekly treatment uses natural ingredients to deliver essential hydration and enhance hair’s resilience to protect against future damage.
The mask is formulated with Briogeo’s NOVA Complex, a blend of transformative nutrients including B-vitamins, rosehip oil, argan oil, algae extract, and biotin. These ingredients work together to replenish damaged hair, leaving it shiny, healthy-looking, and manageable. Briogeo’s Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask is free of sulfates, silicones, phthalates, parabens, DEA, and artificial dyes, making it a good choice for those with sensitive scalps or color-treated hair.
COLOR WOW MONEY MASK DEEP HYDRATING & STRENGTHENING HAIR TREATMENT
Designed by celebrity stylist Chris Appleton, COLOR WOW’s Money Mask Deep Hydrating & Strengthening Hair Treatment is a luxurious hair mask aimed at achieving salon-quality shine and health at home. This weightless formula penetrates deep into the hair to deliver a powerful dose of moisture and fortify strands with marine-derived ingredients. Key components include Blue Sea Kale, which strengthens hair, and a Mediterranean Sea Kelp and Algae Blend that provides deep hydration. Suitable for all hair types, the Money Mask is touted for leaving hair glossy, supple, and manageable with continued use. You can use it weekly or as often as every three shampoos for an extra boost of hydration and heat protection.
DAVINES LOVE CURL CURLY HAIR MASK
Davines Love Curl Hair Mask is a deep conditioning treatment designed specifically for wavy or curly hair. It promises to tame and nourish even thick, unruly strands. This mask focuses on improving manageability and curl definition. The formula contains ingredients like Noto almond, rich in proteins and vitamins, to boost elasticity and volume in your curls. It also contains panthenol for added shine and vitamin E to combat frizz. The Davines Love Curl Hair Mask is described as having a pleasant citrus scent and is designed to leave your curls soft, bouncy, and easier to manage.
DESIGN ESSENTIALS ALMOND & AVOCADO WASH DAY DEEP MOISTURE MASQUE
Designed specifically for dry hair, Design Essentials’ Almond & Avocado Wash Day Deep Moisture Masque is a concentrated treatment that promises intense hydration. This rich mask is formulated with the nourishing properties of Almond and Avocado oils, aiming to strengthen hair while locking in moisture. It goes beyond just hydration though, targeting increased elasticity and shine for your hair. This paraben, phthalate, silicone and gluten free formula is also said to improve detangling and manageability, making wash day a breeze.
BUMBLE AND BUMBLE THICKENING PLUMPING MASK
Bumble and Bumble Thickening Plumping Mask is a lightweight hair mask designed to add volume and body to fine or thin hair. This product is formulated with their Strand-Plumping Technology, which is designed to plump up each hair strand from root to tip for a thicker overall look. It also contains Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, which adds volume and bounce, and Kukui Seed Oil and Coconut Oil to condition and smooth hair.
Bumble and Bumble Thickening Plumping Mask is free of parabens, formaldehydes, phthalates, and mineral oil, and is also cruelty-free. It is ideal for those with fine to medium hair who are looking for a lightweight hair mask that will add volume and hydration without weighing hair down.
L’ANZA TRAUMA TREATMENT
L’Anza Healing ColorCare Trauma Treatment is a hair product designed to repair and revitalize color-treated hair that has been damaged by chemical processing, heat styling, or environmental factors. This restorative conditioner contains a blend of amino acids and ceramides to strengthen hair and improve color longevity. It also offers triple UV and heat protection to help prevent future damage. Users report that L’Anza Trauma Treatment leaves hair feeling shinier, softer, and more manageable. This product is available in two sizes, a 5.1 fl oz bottle and a 1 liter container.
ADWOA BEAUTY BAOMINT DEEP CONDITIONING TREATMENT
Adwoa Beauty’s Baomint Deep Conditioning Treatment is designed to detangle and invigorate your scalp with a cool and refreshing experience. This treatment, particularly suited for kinky, coily and curly hair, focuses on deep moisture to support length retention and healthy hair growth. The key ingredients are Baobab Oil, known for its moisturizing properties, and a blend of Mint Oils for their scalp-stimulating and possibly hair growth supporting effects. This product is advertised to be particularly effective for medium to thick hair. Users can expect softer, more manageable curls with continued use.
LIVING PROOF NO FRIZZ INTENSE MOISTURE HAIR MASK
Living Proof’s No Frizz Intense Moisture Hair Mask is designed to combat frizz and bring intense moisture to coarse, thick hair. It promises to deliver smooth, manageable hair without any greasy weighdown often associated with heavy conditioners. This silicone-free formula utilizes a unique technology to target frizz while still providing deep hydration. Shea butter is included in the ingredient list to further nourish hair and potentially extend the time between washes. Living Proof’s No Frizz Intense Moisture Hair Mask is ideal for those struggling with frizzy, thick hair who are looking for a lightweight mask that delivers both moisture and frizz control.
SHU UEMURA ULTIMATE RESET HAIR MASK FOR VERY DAMAGED HAIR
Designed for very damaged hair, Shu Uemura’s Ultimate Reset Hair Mask is an intensive repair treatment that specifically targets hair weakened by chemical processes like bleaching, coloring, and frequent heat styling. This rich mask is formulated with Japanese-sourced rice extract, which is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These ingredients work together to nourish hair from within, fortifying hair fibers and repairing damage. The result? Hair that is stronger, less prone to breakage, and visibly smoother and shinier. This mask is suitable for all hair types, though those with very damaged hair will benefit most.
ORIBE MOISTURE & CONTROL DEEP TREATMENT HAIR MASK
Oribe’s Moisture & Control Deep Treatment Hair Mask is a luxurious hair mask designed to deliver intense hydration and manageability to all hair types, particularly curly hair. This silicone-free formula features coconut and almond oils to quench dry strands, prevent breakage, and repair damage. It also works to seal the hair cuticle, further promoting moisture retention and adding shine. Users can expect smoother, softer, and more manageable hair with continued use.
VIRTUE FLOURISH THICKENING & HYDRATING MASK FOR THINNING HAIR
Virtue Flourish Thickening & Hydrating Mask for Thinning Hair is a targeted treatment designed to address concerns of thinning hair. This whipped, creamy yet weightless mask promises multiple benefits. It aims to strengthen hair strands and support healthy hair growth, all while delivering intense hydration. This two-pronged approach can leave hair feeling stronger, shinier, and silkier, with the potential to help prevent breakage often associated with thinning hair. The key to Flourish Mask lies in its use of Alpha Keratin 60ku CLINICAL, a patented protein that Virtue Labs claims is clinically proven to be effective. This protein is said to thicken, strengthen, and repair hair while also balancing the scalp to create an optimal environment for growth.
WHAT IS DEEP CONDITIONING + WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
According to Larry Sims, a hairstylist and co-founder of Flawless by Gabrielle Union, deep conditioning is like giving your hair a super boost of care. It’s especially important for people with curly hair because it helps keep their curls healthy and strong, even if they use heat or chemicals on their hair.
When you’re picking a deep conditioner for curly hair, look for ones with ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, and shea butter. Avoid ones with alcohol or sulfates because they can dry out your hair.
Using a deep conditioner is easy. After you shampoo your hair, put the deep conditioner on your damp hair, making sure every strand is covered. You can use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to help spread it evenly.
You can leave the deep conditioner on for 5 to 10 minutes for a quick treatment, or you can cover your hair with a shower cap and sit under a hooded dryer for a more intense treatment. Then rinse it out with cool water before styling your hair as usual.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A DEEP CONDITIONER
When choosing a deep conditioner, there are a few key factors to consider to target your specific hair needs:
Hair type and condition: Are your curls in need of definition or moisture? Is your hair fine and limp or thick and coarse? Dry, damaged hair will benefit from intense moisture, while fine hair might need a lightweight formula to avoid weighing it down.
Ingredients: Look for ingredients that address your concerns. For moisture, seek out emollients like butters and oils, and humectants like glycerin and aloe vera. Protein is great for strengthening damaged hair, but too much can be drying.
Desired benefits: Do you want frizz control, manageability, or heat protectant qualities? Some deep conditioners offer multiple benefits, while others specialize in a particular area.
Here’s a quick breakdown of some common deep conditioner benefits and their corresponding ingredients:
Moisture: shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil, glycerin, aloe vera
Keep in mind that some deep conditioners are designed for specific hair types, such as curly hair or color-treated hair. Reading the label and understanding your hair’s needs will help you pick the best deep conditioner for you.
CONCLUSION
Whether you have wavy, curly, or coily locks, finding the right deep conditioner can transform your hair care routine. By considering your curl type, hair condition, and desired results, you can choose a product that provides the moisture, strength, and control your curls need. With so many great deep conditioners on the market and the right combination of products like hair masks for curly hair or a scalp massager, we believe you will have beautiful, healthy hair from deep within. Happy conditioning!
