How to Get Rid of Dry Hair and Dry Scalp Updated: August 03, 2019 | References Having dry hair and scalp can be frustrating, but you may be able to find relief! While dry hair and scalp have several causes, changing your hair care habits and using deep conditioning treatments will usually help fix it. To get rid of your dry hair and scalp, adjust your hair care routine to avoid products and techniques that cause dryness. Then, restore moisture to your hair and scalp using a home treatment. Finally, protect your hair to keep it as healthy as possible. Method One of Three: Adjusting Your Hair Care Habits 1 Shampoo your hair no more than 2-3 times a week. Washing your hair too often can dry out both your scalp and hair. You don’t need to wash your hair every day, and skipping washes may help improve the look and feel of your hair. For best results, wash your hair just 2-3 times per week.[1] If your hair feels very dirty, try using dry shampoo between washes. It’s okay to condition your hair between washes, if you like. Tip: Use warm or cool water to wash and rinse your hair, as hot water can dry it out. For your final rinse, always use cool water because it seals your cuticles, which makes your hair smooth and shiny. 2 Use a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Sulfate can dry out both your hair and your scalp, so skip products that contain it. Check the label on your shampoo and conditioner to make sure they are sulfate-free and are moisturizing. This can help you find relief.[2] Variation: If your scalp is also itchy and flaky, you may have dandruff. Switch to a dandruff shampoo to see if it relieves your dry scalp.[3] 3 Condition your hair daily, but avoid your scalp. Using a moisturizing conditioner may help treat your dry hair. Apply the conditioner starting at your ends, then stop just before you reach your scalp. Let the conditioner sit on your hair for 3 minutes before rinsing it out with cool water, which seals your cuticle.[4] Don’t put the conditioner on your scalp because it may worsen the dryness, especially if you have dandruff. 4 Do a 20-30 minute deep conditioning treatment once a week. Apply a deep conditioning treatment to your hair starting at the ends and working up to your roots. Let it sit for up to 30 minutes, then rinse with cool water to seal your cuticle. This will help restore your hair’s moisture.[5] Follow the directions on your product label. 5 Use heat styling tools no more than 1-2 times a week to prevent damage. Unfortunately, styling tools can damage your hair and even cause breakage. Avoid using heat to style your hair if you can. Otherwise, limit your use of heat styling tools to just 1-2 times a week. This includes your hair dryer, straightener, and curling iron.[6] When you do use heat styling tools, apply a heat protectant to your hair first. This will help reduce the damage. Method Two of Three: Using Home Treatments 1 Apply coconut oil to your hair and scalp for 20-30 minutes. Divide your hair into 4-6 sections, depending on how thick your hair is. Starting with the first section, use your fingers to apply a thin layer of coconut oil to your hair and scalp. Continue applying the oil to each section until your hair is coated. Then, cover your head with a shower cap and a hot towel. Let the oil sit for up to 30 minutes, then shampoo and condition your hair to remove it.[7] If you don’t have much time, leave the oil on your hair for 10 minutes. It won’t be quite as effective, but you should see results. Variation: For very dry hair, it’s okay to leave the mask on your hair for longer. In fact, you can even use it as an overnight treatment. Apply the oil before bed, then sleep with the shower cap and towel on your head. Wash your hair in the morning to remove the oil. 2 Do a hot oil treatment to add moisture to your hair. Pour about .5 cups (120 mL) of oil into a bowl. Heat the oil in a pot of boiling water or the microwave until it feels warm. Massage the oil into your hair and scalp, then cover your hair with a shower cap and a warm towel. Let the oil sit for 30-45 minutes. Finally, shampoo and condition your hair to remove the oil.[8] You can use any oil that you have on hand. Avocado oil is a great option for dry hair, and jojoba oil helps with dandruff. You can also use coconut oil, which is great for all hair types. 3 Try a homemade egg yolk mask, which may help with dryness. To make your mask, put 2-3 whole eggs into a clean bowl and add 2-3 drops of lemon juice. Beat the eggs until they get frothy, then apply the mask to your hair using your fingers. Cover your hair with a shower cap and let the mask sit for 20 minutes. Rinse the mask out with cool water, then shampoo and condition your hair.[9] You can use this treatment once or twice a month. Don’t rinse the mask out with warm or hot water because the egg will start to cook and will be harder to remove. Variation: You can add half a banana, 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of honey, 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of olive oil, or 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of coconut oil to your mask for extra softness and shine. However, keep in mind that these ingredients don’t work the same way for everyone and aren’t guaranteed to help your hair. 4 Use a homemade gelatin mask for smooth, shiny hair. Stir 1 tbsp (9 g) of gelatin into 1 cup (240 mL) of warm water. Let the gelatin sit for 5 minutes, then add 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of apple cider vinegar and 6 drops of rosemary essential oil. Mix the ingredients, then apply the mask to your hair. Let is sit for 10 minutes before shampooing and conditioning your hair.[10] Instead of the rosemary essential oil, you can use clary sage, lavender, or jasmine essential oil. 5 Apply a thick layer of mayonnaise to your hair to restore moisture. Wet your hair with warm water before applying the mask. Use your fingers to apply a thin coat of mayonnaise to your hair, starting at your ends and working up to your roots. Cover your hair with a shower cap and let the mayonnaise sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Finally, rinse out the mayonnaise, shampoo, and condition.[11] Choose a mayonnaise that contains eggs and oil, as these are the ingredients that treat the dryness. 6 Use an avocado mask to add moisture to your hair and scalp. Add a ripe avocado, 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of extra virgin olive oil, and 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of honey to a blender, food processor, or clean bowl. Mix the ingredients together until your mask is an even consistency. Apply the mask to dry hair and massage it into your scalp. Cover your hair with a shower cap and let the mask sit for 30 minutes. Finally, rinse your hair out with cool water, then shampoo and condition.[12] Avocados are rich in vitamins, minerals, and natural oils, so they may make your hair soft, glossy, and moisturized. 7 Use honey to make a deep conditioning mask. For an easy option, mix 1 part honey and 2 parts conditioner together. Alternatively, mix 4 tablespoons (59 mL) of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of pure vegetable glycerin, and 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of pure honey to make a mask. Apply the conditioner to your hair and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing your hair with cool water.[13] Be aware that honey can lighten your hair. Method Three of Three: Protecting Your Hair and Scalp 1 Eat a nutritious diet or take a multivitamin to avoid vitamin deficiencies. Consuming nutritious foods will help you get the nutrients you need for healthy hair. If you want to use supplements, check with your doctor first to make sure they’re safe for you to take. Here are some ways you can improve your diet to help relieve your dry hair:[14] Eat more fatty fish, like tuna, salmon, sardines, and mackerel. Choose more fresh produce, especially blueberries, broccoli, and tomatoes. Add nutrient-dense foods like walnuts, kidney beans, and oysters. Take supplements for Omega-3s, vitamin A, vitamin C, biotin, and iron. 2 Wear a hat when you’re out in the sun. Sun exposure can dry out your hair and scalp, so spending time outdoors can make your condition worse. Covering your head with a hat helps block the sun’s rays, so it may help with your dry hair and scalp. Choose a hat with a brim for the best coverage.[15] If you can, spend less time outdoors during the sunny parts of the day. 3 Wear a swim cap while swimming to protect your hair from chlorine. Exposing your hair and scalp to chlorinated water may dry them out. Fortunately, you don’t have to give up swimming! Instead, cover your head with a swim cap before you get in the pool. This will protect both your hair and scalp, which may help with your dryness.[16] You can buy a swim cap online. As another option, keep your hair out of the water while you’re spending time in a pool. Community Q&A Question Will hair dye dry out my hair? Community Answer Regular dye will, yes. Henna is an alternative that shouldn't dry out your hair. Question Why do I get dandruff when I brush my hair after a shower? Community Answer It might be that your scalp is not totally clean. Try massaging it for at least three minutes with shampoo. Also, use a clean comb, change your pillow cover every two days and don't brush your hair right after showering, as that is when it is at its weakest. You can also try applying hot oil therapy once a week. Question Can having dry scalp cause itchiness? Community Answer Yes. Question What do I do if I break out in little bumps every time I wash my hair? Community Answer Please describe the problem more specifically. Are the bumps on your head? If so, that's unusual and you might want to try either switching products or seeing a dermatologist. If you're referring to breakouts on your face, you may also consider switching products, or, if you don't already, wash your face with a facial cleanser after you've washed your hair to remove any shampoo/conditioner residue that might be on your skin. If you're just referring to goosebumps on your body, those are totally normal and harmless, and usually occur when you're cold. Question Does using flat irons slow hair growth? Community Answer No, it does not stop hair from growing. However, the flat iron may burn your hair, and you may need to trim your dead ends. If this happens, your hair will not get a chance to get too long. Question I've tried everything possible for my extreme dry scalp, but nothing seems to work. What more can I do? Community Answer Drink lots of water, and try to avoid sugary drinks. Your dry scalp may also be genetic, something you are born with. If this is the case, consider seeking the advice of a dermatologist; he or she will suggest a specially-formulated/medical shampoo and conditioner for you to try. Question Can I use almond oil as a hot oil treatment? Community Answer Yes. You can use coconut, almond, olive, castor or grape seed oil. Question Should I condition my hair after I apply warm coconut oil, though my hair remains oily? Community Answer After using coconut oil, wash your hair with a small amount of shampoo, rinse thoroughly, then shampoo again to ensure the bulk of the oil is gone. Remember to only shampoo on the top of your head, rather than the ends - the suds will take care of the ends. Conditioner is not necessary. Question Are dandruff and a dry scalp the same? If not, what's the difference, and how can I tell if I have either? Community Answer No. Dandruff is a fungal infection, dry scalp is usually white and dandruff would be other colors such as yellow. Question Can becoming bald get rid of small pimples and extreme dryness? Community Answer No, the dryness and acne will stay because it is on your scalp, not your hair. Tips Always visit a dermatologist or your doctor if you are experiencing scalp problems.[17] Warnings Don’t use baking soda treatments if you have dry hair or scalp because baking soda is too harsh and drying. It will likely make your dryness worse.[18] Related wikiHows How to Care For Unmanageable Hair How to Brush Your Hair How to Straighten Your Hair How to Style Preppy Hair How to Deal with a Scalp Sunburn How to Moisturize Your Scalp How to Treat Seborrheic Dermatitis on Your Face How to Clean Your Scalp How to Treat Scalp Pimples How to Treat an Oily Scalp and Dry Roots How to Get a Healthy Scalp How to Make Your Scalp Stop Itching How to Treat Scalp Ringworm How to Get Rid of an Itchy Scalp About This Article Co-Authored By: wikiHow Staff Editor This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Together, they cited information from 18 references. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article meets our high standards. Co-authors: 66 Updated: July 31, 2019 Views: 2,423,619 Article Rating: 80% - 15 votes Categories: Featured Articles | Scalp Health Article Summary References ↑https://www.elle.com/beauty/hair/a24736798/dry-scalp-treatment-remedies/ ↑https://www.elle.com/beauty/hair/a24736798/dry-scalp-treatment-remedies/ ↑https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-and-scalp-problems/scalp-itch ↑https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320988.php ↑https://www.prevention.com/beauty/a20516469/solutions-for-dry-hair/ ↑https://www.prevention.com/beauty/a20516469/solutions-for-dry-hair/ ↑https://www.liveabout.com/coconut-oil-hair-treatment-3517796 ↑https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321850.php ↑https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321971.php More References Reader Success Stories SD Sandra White Christopher Dpc "Because I have a great passion for healthy hair and with the water's being so hard hear in Louisiana I try to help..." more Rated this article: More reader stories Did this article help you? 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