water less dry shampoo

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 SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONERS FOR DAMAGED HAIR

Damaged hair is the obsession of many people, causing hair to become tangled, split ends, break and lose its inherent shine. Understanding that, this article will introduce to you 15 “savior” shampoos and conditioners specifically for damaged hair, helping you restore smooth and shiny hair.

OUR TOP PICKS

MONDAY HAIRCARE MOISTURE SHAMPOO + CONDITIONER SET

Monday Haircare Moisture Shampoo + Conditioner Set is a hydrating duo designed to revitalize dry, coarse, and stressed hair. Infused with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, rice protein, shea butter, and vitamin E, this salon-quality formula gently cleanses while deeply conditioning, leaving hair soft, smooth, and manageable. Dermatologically tested and free from harsh chemicals, this set promotes healthy hair growth and thickness, while the recyclable packaging aligns with the brand’s commitment to sustainability.

AVEDA NUTRIPLENISH LIGHT MOISTURE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Aveda Nutriplenish shampoo and conditioner offer a gentle yet effective cleanse for dry hair, soothing the scalp while delivering intense hydration. Packed with nourishing superfoods like pomegranate and coconut oils, as well as mango butter and oat extract, this duo revitalizes dehydrated hair, leaving it noticeably softer and more manageable after just one use. The rich, creamy formulas are a delight to apply, resulting in hair that feels thoroughly clean without being stripped of essential moisture.

NEXXUS ULTIMATE MOISTURE THERAPPE SHAMPOO AND HUMECTRESS CONDITIONER

High-quality hair care can be expensive, but Nexxus shampoo and conditioner offer exceptional value. Priced around $30, this duo is a budget-friendly option for reviving damaged hair. Infused with green caviar and elastin protein, they nourish and repair dry, brittle strands. We noticed a visible improvement in hair health and shine with each use.

AMIKA NORMCORE HYDRATING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Amika’s Normcore collection is a dream for those seeking healthier hair. Packed with hair-nourishing ingredients like sea buckthorn, shea butter, and coconut acid, the shampoo and conditioner duo delivers intense moisture without weighing hair down. Both products have a rich, creamy texture perfect for taming thick hair, leaving it soft, hydrated, and revitalized.

DAVINES MOMO SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Dry hair often lacks essential nutrients and moisture. To restore its health and vitality, opt for products rich in vitamins that can thicken and strengthen your hair. Davines Momo Hydrating shampoo and conditioner, featuring Cartucciaru melon packed with vitamins A, C, E, and niacin, offer a solution. These lightweight formulas not only nourish your hair but also enhance shine, softness, and manageability, transforming dry, lifeless locks into healthy, voluminous tresses.

KÉRASTASE NUTRITIVE HYDRATING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Craving shiny, soft, and strong hair? Look no further than Kerastase’s Nutritive line. This hydrating shampoo and conditioner duo is packed with niacinamide and plant-based proteins to fortify and shield your hair from damage. They work in harmony to condition and detangle dry hair, leaving it looking and feeling its best.

LOLAVIE RESTORATIVE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Static and flyaway hair often signals dryness or damage. To restore your hair’s health, consider Lolavie’s Restorative shampoo and conditioner. This Jennifer Aniston-backed product is packed with plant-based powerhouses like vegetable ceramides, vegan keratin, and B vitamins biotin and niacinamide, working together to nourish, strengthen, and revitalize your hair.

OLAPLEX BOND MAINTENANCE NO.4 SHAMPOO AND NO.5 CONDITIONER

If you’re dealing with product buildup from daily styling, you need a powerful hair duo that cleanses without compromising moisture. Olaplex’s shampoo and conditioner offer a deep clean without drying out your hair. The shampoo lathers beautifully, leaving your hair feeling incredibly refreshed after just one wash. This cleansing power has been consistent throughout our testing period.

PUREOLOGY HYDRATE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Pureology’s sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner duo is a game-changer for color-treated hair. Enriched with green tea, sage, and plant-based proteins, this vegan formula deeply hydrates, strengthens, and protects hair color. We noticed immediate improvements in hair thickness and health after the first wash, with even more noticeable bounce and softness after consistent use. Our scalp and strands also felt revitalized thanks to the added moisture.

REDKEN ALL SOFT SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Thin, dry hair can be challenging to manage as many hydrating products tend to weigh it down. To combat this, you need a shampoo and conditioner that deeply nourish without leaving residue. We recommend Redken’s argan oil-infused duo, designed specifically for dry, brittle hair. Their creamy textures distribute easily and effectively hydrate without leaving any greasy feeling post-rinse.

SHU UEMURA URBAN MOISTURE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Dry hair doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice lightweight hair care. Shu Uemura’s Urban Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner offer a solution with their thinner yet nourishing formulas. Infused with moringa oil and red algae, these products strengthen and protect hair from damage while providing essential hydration. Additionally, the antioxidant-rich ingredients shield your hair from environmental pollutants, leaving it healthier and more vibrant.

VIRTUE LABS RECOVERY SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Scalp irritation is common with frequent hair product use, especially for those with dry hair. Virtue Labs’ shampoo and conditioner offer a gentle solution. Infused with their patented Alpha Keratin 60ku, the products repair damage while strengthening and thickening hair. Additional ingredients like quinoa, baobab, and grapefruit extract promote hair growth and overall health, all without aggravating the scalp.

ORIBE GOLD LUST REPAIR & RESTORE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Craving lustrous locks? Oribe’s shampoo and conditioner duo is a game-changer. Infused with argan and cypress oils, plus a fortifying blend of caffeine, biotin, niacinamide, and plant collagen, this pair deeply moisturizes and revitalizes hair. The shampoo strikes the perfect balance for your scalp, preventing that stripped feeling, while the conditioner seals in hydration for silky smoothness. After six weeks, we were showered with compliments on our noticeably healthier hair.

L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL SERIÉ EXPERT ABSOLUT REPAIR GOLD SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Are you looking for a way to restore your dry, damaged hair? L’Oréal Professionnel Serié Expert Absolut Repair Gold shampoo and conditioner duo could be the answer for you. Formulated with Gold Quinoa and Protein, this shampoo targets broken hair bonds to mend and prevent future breakage. By creating a smoother hair surface, it reduces split ends and frizz, leaving your hair not only healthier but also with a luxurious shine.

MOROCCANOIL HYDRATING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Are you having trouble with dry, damaged hair after dyeing or chemical treatment? Moroccanoil Moisture Restoring Shampoo and Conditioner may be the solution for you. Containing antioxidant-rich argan oil, it nourishes and strengthens hair. Keratin helps rebuild broken fibers, restoring elasticity and manageability. This shampoo doesn’t stop there – it also adds moisture and shine, making your hair noticeably stronger and healthier.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SHAMPOO OR CONDITIONER FOR DRY HAIR

Absolutely! Here’s a summary of what to look for in a shampoo or conditioner for dry hair:

Hydrating ingredients: Look for ingredients like coconut oil, argan oil, and shea butter which will moisturize and soften your hair, while also preventing breakage.

Avoid sulfates and harsh ingredients: These ingredients can strip your hair of its natural oils, so opt for sulfate-free and gentler formulas.

FAQ

1. What are the signs of damaged hair?

Damaged hair often appears dry, brittle, frizzy, and prone to breakage. It may also lack shine and be difficult to manage.

2. How should I use shampoo and conditioner for damaged hair?

Wash your hair 2-3 times a week, don’t wash your hair too often.

Massage scalp gently when shampooing.

Use conditioner after shampooing, focusing on the length and ends of your hair.

Rinse hair with cool water.

CONCLUSION

Above are 15 popular shampoos and conditioners for damaged hair today. Each product has its own advantages and uses, suitable for different hair types and levels of damage. You should choose products that suit your needs and hair condition to achieve the best results. In addition, combining the use of shampoo and conditioner in the same set will help enhance the effectiveness of hair care. With perseverance and proper care, you will quickly regain the soft, smooth, shiny hair of your dreams.