Do you find yourself constantly scratching your scalp? While scalp dryness and irritation may seem like a relatively harmless condition, they are painful or embarrassing for many.
Scalp dryness can cause flaking and itching and resemble dandruff at times. However, these symptoms are not related to dandruff at all and arise due to extreme dryness of the scalp.
Multiple factors such as overuse of shampoo, coloring your hair, and environmental conditions like cold weather contribute to this phenomenon. (1)
The good news is some natural remedies can effectively help treat a dry scalp at home. Aloe vera happens to be one of the most potent among them.
Aloe Vera Remedies for Dry Scalp
Aloe vera contains hydrating properties and has long been used as a natural moisturizer. It is filled with antioxidants, vitamin A, vitamin E, water, lignin, salicylic acid, etc., which help restore moisture to your scalp and hair and also provide a soothing effect to the scalp. (2)
Here are a few easy ways to use aloe vera gel on your scalp and hair:
1. Massage your scalp with aloe vera gel
As mentioned above, one of the most potent benefits of aloe vera is its ability to moisturize the skin and scalp without making them greasy.
Aloe vera gel is composed of 98% water and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, it is an effective solution to get rid of dryness and irritation.
Ingredients:
Aloe vera gel – 2 tablespoons
How to use:
- Dip the cotton ball in aloe vera gel and massage it gently across the scalp.
- Leave it to be absorbed for half an hour.
- Wash it off with a mild shampoo.
2. Apply an aloe mask
Aloe vera gel is filled with water and sugars such as mucopolysaccharides. Mucopolysaccharides are a natural humectant: they help lock moisture in your hair and scalp to prevent dryness.
Aloe vera gel helps moisturize and seal the cuticle, leading to softer, smoother hair. (3) Mixing it with an oil base (such as olive oil or coconut oil) makes it more convenient to apply and provides added nutrients to the hair.
Honey is also another natural humectant that helps bind water to your hair shaft.
Ingredients:
How to use:
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until they are completely blended.
- Using a brush, evenly apply this hair mask to your scalp and hair.
- Leave it to be absorbed well for at least half an hour.
- Wash it off with a mild shampoo.
3. Try an aloe vera and coconut milk hair mask
Aloe vera gel and coconut milk make for an excellent combination to combat dry and flaky skin.
Coconut milk is rich in natural fatty acids that can moisturize and soften your scalp. It also nourishes the scalp to increase hair growth. Aloe vera gel helps hydrate the scalp and provides relief from itching and irritation. (4)
The strong antifungal properties of both aloe vera and coconut milk also help combat dandruff.
Ingredients:
- Aloe vera gel – 2 tablespoons
- Coconut cream – 1 tablespoon
- Extra-virgin coconut oil – 1 tablespoon
How to use:
- Add all the ingredients to a bowl and mix them well.
- Apply this hair mask to your scalp and hair using a brush.
- Massage the scalp gently for 5 minutes.
- Let it sit for an hour before washing it off with a mild shampoo.
4. Prepare an aloe vera and egg hair mask
Sulfur, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, protein, and iodine are found in eggs and boost hair growth and curb hair loss. Egg yolks are chock-full of beneficial fatty acids. These fatty acids help preserve the natural moisture of your scalp and hair to prevent dryness.
Aloe vera and eggs help seal moisture into your hair. They also serve as cleaning agents. Eggs (especially the yolk) are capable of cutting through dirt and grease in your hair, making it clean and healthy.
The combination of eggs and aloe vera gel makes for a nourishing and soothing hair mask.
Ingredients:
- Aloe vera gel – 2 tablespoons
- Whole egg – 1
How to use:
- Crack the egg open in a bowl and whisk well.
- Add the aloe vera gel to the whisked egg and mix until well blended.
- Using a brush, apply this paste to your scalp and hair.
- Cover your hair using a shower cap for half an hour.
- Wash the paste off with a mild shampoo.
5. Use an aloe vera and yogurt mask
Yogurt is rich in lactic acid, which helps clean the scalp and acts as a natural exfoliant to get rid of dead skin cells. It moisturizes the scalp and nourishes the hair follicles with beneficial nutrients such as potassium, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6.
Ingredients:
- Aloe vera gel – 2 tablespoons
- Yogurt – 1 tablespoon
How to use:
- Mix all the ingredients well in a bowl.
- Apply this hair mask to your scalp and hair using a hair dye brush.
- Massage it on your scalp for 5–10 minutes to help it penetrate deeper.
- Wash it off after half an hour.
6. Make an aloe vera, fenugreek, and Indian gooseberry mask
Fenugreek seeds have a number of benefits for your scalp. They are rich in protein and nourish the hair follicles to promote hair growth. Lecithin, an emollient present in fenugreek, helps retain moisture in the skin to combat scalp dryness. (5)(6)
Indian gooseberry, also known as amla, contains vitamin C, antioxidants, and antifungal properties that contribute to overall scalp health and fight dandruff.
Ingredients:
- Aloe vera gel – 2 tablespoons
- Fenugreek seeds – 2 tablespoons
- Indian gooseberry powder – 1 tablespoon
How to use:
- Soak the fenugreek seeds in a glass of water overnight.
- Grind the soaked seeds the next morning.
- Add the fenugreek paste, aloe vera gel, and Indian gooseberry powder to a bowl and mix well.
- Apply this paste evenly to your scalp and hair using a brush.
- Leave it to be absorbed for half an hour.
- Wash it off with a mild shampoo.
Beneficial Properties of Aloe Vera for Dry Scalp
Aloe vera has traditionally been used for skin care by many cultures around the world. It was termed the “plant of immortality” by the ancient Egyptians – a fitting name for a plant with such a wide range of beneficial properties.
Here is a brief description of the benefits of aloe vera gel:
- Exhibits anti-inflammatory effects: Aloe vera has potent anti-inflammatory properties due to its rich antioxidant, fatty acid, and salicylic acid content. It helps provide relief from itching, skin irritation, and dandruff. (7)
- Provides antifungal factors: Aloe vera gel contains beneficial compounds known as anthraquinones. Anthraquinones have antimicrobial properties that help fight dandruff and yeast infections. (8)
- Cleanses scalp: Aloe vera gel hydrates the scalp without making it greasy or oily. In fact, it contains saponins that can cleanse the scalp and get rid of excess sebum. (9)
- Soothes irritation: Aloe vera gel has a soothing effect on the skin. It is filled with anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants that can provide relief from irritation and refresh the scalp.
- Moisturizes and strengthens: The moisturizing properties of aloe vera gel are well known. It contains beneficial fatty acids, sugars, and a high moisture content that make it the ideal natural moisturizer for your scalp, skin, or hair. (10)
Side Effects of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel is a completely natural product and usually does not cause side effects. However, some people may experience:
- Allergic reactions (itching, rashes, swelling)
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Mild redness and irritation
Causes of Dry Scalp
There can be several different causes of a dry scalp. The most common ones are:
- Skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema
- Overuse of hair care products such as shampoos
- Environmental conditions such as cold air
- Use of harsh chemical products on the hair (hair sprays, artificial hair dyes, bleach, etc.)
Symptoms of Dry Scalp
The most common symptoms of dry scalp are:
- Redness and irritation
- Dry and brittle hair
- Hair loss
- Itching
- Scalp flaking
Additional Tips for Managing Dry Scalp
Here are a few additional tips to help you treat and prevent scalp dryness:
- Make sure to include lots of healthy and hydrating fruits and vegetables in your diet.
- Drink at least 8 liters of water in a day.
- Avoid using hot water to wash your hair.
- Do not use dry shampoos to clean your hair and scalp as they tend to have a drying effect.
- Avoid the use of heating products such as hair straighteners and hair dryers.
- Use sulfate-free shampoos. Shampoos that contain sulfate can lead to dry and brittle hair.
- Deep condition and oil your hair at least once in a fortnight.
- In severe cases, you may need medical treatment. You can consult a dermatologist who may prescribe medicated shampoos or antifungal creams depending on your condition. (11)(12)
Most-Asked Questions
Is dry scalp bad for the hair?
Yes. Having dry scalp will eventually lead to dry, lifeless hair and hair fall. Your scalp is where the hair follicles reside. A well-nourished and hydrated scalp will lead to strong and healthy hair.
What is the difference between dry scalp and dandruff?
It can be difficult to tell scalp dryness and dandruff apart since both have similar symptoms. However, dandruff is caused by an overgrowth of fungus in the scalp, whereas dry scalp occurs due to loss of moisture and natural oils on the scalp.
Final Word
Aloe vera gel happens to be one of the most convenient and effective ways to cure scalp dryness. It is filled with many beneficial compounds such as fatty acids; vitamins A, C, and E; polysaccharides; and amino acids that not only hydrate your scalp but also nourish it.
However, it is important to make sure that the aloe vera gel you use is pure and does not contain chemical additives. It is best to use fresh gel from an aloe plant.
