31 DIY Home Remedies for Dry Scalp

Dry itchy scalp leaves you uneasy and becomes a huge embarrassment for you in public at the same time. Scalp infections, certain underlying health conditions, eczema, dandruff, and frequent shampooing are some of the common causes of dry scalp. It mostly occurs or worsens in cold and dry weather.

Our scalp contains sebaceous glands which produce oil to maintain the scalp moisturized. The various factors mentioned above may affect the production of oil which leads to dryness in the scalp.

Dry scalp can cause itchiness, flaking and frizzy hair. If you don’t treat the dry scalp in time, the absence of moisture can weaken the hair follicles and increase hair fall.

If you are wondering how to get rid of dry scalp, you should that the right way of treating it is to maintain the moisture in the scalp. This can be achieved by some dry scalp home remedies and dietary changes.

How to Treat Dry Scalp at Home

Are you wondering how to cure dry scalp? There are several ingredients to can treat it effectively. For your convenience we have listed them below. All you have to do is to choose one among them and try it regularly. Try these natural remedies for dry scalp and see clear result in a few weeks!

1. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil contains anti-fungal properties which kill the bacteria that cause dry scalp. Tea tree oil soothes your scalp when added to shampoo or conditioner. It works as the best dry scalp remedy because it is super effective.

Process 1:

• Add 6 drops of tea tree oil into your shampoo or conditioner.
• Use this mixture to rinse your scalp and hair.
• Repeat regularly.
• Alternatively, you can use tea tree oil based shampoo for effective results.

Note: You can replace tea tree oil with peppermint Oil, argan oil, eucalyptus oil, or jojoba oil. The essential oils should be applied directly onto the scalp without heating them. If your scalp cannot tolerate the strong nature of essential oils, then dilute them in carrier oils or natural oils.

Process 2:

• Combine 5 to 10 drops of tea tree oil and enough amounts of water.
• Use this solution to wash your hair after shampooing
• Repeat this regularly.

Process 3: Essential Oils Blend

• Combine 2 – 3 drops of neem oil, 4 – 5 drops of tea tree oil, 1 – 2 drops of rosemary oil and 2- 3 drops of lavender oil.
• Add 1 teaspoon of any carrier oil to the essential oils and stir well.
• Massage the mixture on the scalp.
• Leave it on overnight and rinse off with a mild shampoo.
• Repeat the process 2 times in a week.

2. Coconut Oil

Oiling is the best way to retain the lost moisture and treat the dryness. This process encourages the natural production of oil, enhances the blood circulation to hair follicles and scalp, supplies essential nutrients and locks the moisture content. And that is why coconut oil is one of the best dry scalp home remedies.

• Warm up enough amounts of coconut oil.
• Using fingers or cotton ball, apply the oil throughout the scalp and along the hair.
• Using your fingers, gently massage in circular motions for few minutes.
• Leave the application for at least 1 hour to overnight.
• Rinse off the application with shampoo. Use a mild shampoo for effective results
• Repeat the oil treatment for 2 – 3 times in a week.
• Alternatively, you can use almond oil, olive oil or castor oil instead of coconut oil.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar neutralizes the pH level of the skin. The antibacterial properties of Apple Cider Vinegar fight off the bacteria causing scalp infections. With just one wash, you can notice a decrease in itchiness and flaking of the scalp. The essential nutrients present in it nourish the scalp.

Process 1:

• Combine 1/2 cup each of apple cider vinegar and water.
• Apply the mixture on the scalp and massage for few minutes.
• Leave the application for about 10 minutes.
• Rinse your hair using shampoo (preferably that contains tea tree oil).
• Repeat the process regularly.

Note: If your scalp can handle the strong nature of apple cider vinegar then you can apply it directly on the scalp without diluting with water.

Process – 2: Apple Cider Vinegar Spray for Dry Scalp

• Boil 3 cups of water and add a handful of rosemary into it.
• Cover and let it simmer for 45 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and strain.
• Allow it to cool then add 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar and 10 drops each of the rosemary oil and peppermint oil.
• Stir well and pour into a spray bottle.
• Spray the solution after washing your hair.
• You can either rinse it off or leave it on.
• Repeat regularly.

4. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel provides relief from dry scalp if it is caused by hair coloring products or blow drying. The natural astringent property present in it treats itchy scalp by reducing the inflammation.

• Mix one part of witch hazel oil with two parts of water.
• Apply the solution thoroughly onto the scalp.
• Massage gently for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Rinse hair and scalp thoroughly.
• Repeat the process once in 3 to 4 days.

5. Lemon

Lemon has both antiseptic and moisturizing properties. It also removes excessive dead cells.

Process 1: With Honey

• Squeeze a fresh lemon to extract juice.
• Add honey and mix well.
• Massage gently on your scalp for a few minutes.
• Rinse off with shampoo and water.

Process 2: With Coconut Oil

• Warm a cup of coconut oil and then add a few drops of lemon juice.
• Apply to your scalp and leave for at least an hour.
• Wrap your hair in a warm towel for a while.
• Remove and wash your hair.

Alternatively, you can use any essential oil instead of coconut oil.

Process 3: With Fuller’s Earth or Multani Mitti

Fuller’s Earth moisturizes hair naturally. When combined with lemon juice and coconut oil, it works very effectively.

• Whisk enough amounts of lemon juice and coconut oil with a cup of fuller’s earth.
• Apply this paste to your scalp and leave for at least an hour.
• Rinse your hair with water and shampoo.
• Repeat the remedy regularly.

6. Mayonnaise

As mayonnaise is made with eggs, it provides nourishment to the scalp. The vinegar present in it disinfects the scalp and fights with bacteria causing dryness and itching.

• Apply 1/2 cup of mayonnaise on the scalp.
• Massage your scalp concentrating more on the hair roots.
• Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for 15 – 20 minutes.
• Wash your hair as normal.
• Repeat the process twice in a week.

7. Honey

Honey acts as anti-inflammatory and anti-viral which is effective to treat a dry scalp.

Process 1: With Olive Oil

• Warm 1/2 cup of virgin olive oil then mix with 2 teaspoons of honey.
• Apply this on your scalp and massage gently.
• Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
• Rinse off with herbal shampoo.
• Use a hot towel to cover your scalp which helps to lock the moisture very effectively.
• Alternatively, you can use olive oil instead of coconut oil.
• Repeat regularly.

Process – 2

• Mix 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of pure vegetable glycerin and 2 tablespoons of pure honey.
• Shampoo your hair and apply the above mixture as a conditioner.
• You can also combine honey with regular conditioner. Mix 1 part honey with 2 parts of conditioner.
• Repeat this process regularly.
• This remedy works as the best natural scalp moisturizer.

Process – 3

• Squeeze juice of a lemon.
• Add some honey and mix well.
• Massage gently on the scalp.
• Leave it on for few minutes and rinse off with water.

8. Egg Yolk and Olive Oil for Dry Scalp

In some cases, scalp needs more than just an oil massage. The combination of egg yolk and olive oil helps in conditioning the scalp, nourishing the hair follicles, and treat dry scalp.

• In a bowl, add 2 – 3 egg yolks, 2 teaspoons of olive oil and a few drops of water.
• Whisk the ingredients well.
• Dampen your hair. (The hair should not be dry or completely wet).
• Apply the mixture on the scalp and along the hair.
• Leave the application for 15 – 20 minutes.
• Rinse off the hair with lukewarm water.
• Alternatively, you can use coconut oil or almond oil instead of olive oil.
• Repeat the process once or twice in a week.

Things to Remember

• Never rinse your hair with hot water to remove the egg application.
• Egg may not smell good.You can add few drops of essential oil into it.
• Avoid applying conditioner to the hair after egg treatment.

9. Aloe Vera for Dry Scalp

The cooling, moisturizing and cleansing properties of aloe vera help in treating dry scalp.

• Extract aloe vera gel from an aloe leaf.
• Blend the gel for even consistency.
• Add few drop of any essential oil into it. (Optional)
• Apply the mixture on the scalp and along the hair.
• Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse off with water.
• Repeat the process regularly.

Alternatively: You can add freshly extracted aloe vera gel into the shampoo and conditioner. Or else you can rub the rind of aloe vera on the scalp as it also contains many nutrients.

Note: If you are more prone to cold or have a cold body, then avoid using aloe vera. The cooling effect of aloe vera spreads to the entire body, not just the scalp.

10. Avocado

Avocados are rich in minerals, vitamins and natural oils which help to treat the dryness problem. It also makes hair soft, glossy and moisturized.

• Mash one ripe avocado and mix with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and a teaspoon of honey.
• Apply this to your dry hair. Wear a shower cap and leave it on for 30 minutes.
• Wash your hair with mild shampoo and water.

11. Sugar Scalp Scrub

This process helps to remove the accumulated dead skin that is causing dryness.

• Mix five tablespoons of sugar (brown if possible) with either olive oil or any oil of your choice.
• Apply this scrub on your scalp.
• Massage gently in circular motions.
• Wash your hair as normal.
• Repeat this process regularly.

12. Beer Treatment

Process – 1:

• Mix 2 cups of beer with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
• Apply this mixture on your hair after shampooing.
• Repeat regularly.

Process – 2:

• Mix a few drops of jojoba oil to eight ounces of dark beer.
• Apply this to your hair and leave it on for 15 minutes.
• Rinse it off with warm water followed by the shampoo.

13. Coconut Oil, Grapefruit, and Lemon Juice Mixture

If we talk about dandruff vs dry scalp then these are two different conditions and need to be treated in separate ways. However, the following process is not only effective in removing dryness but also helps to treat dandruff. 

• Warm some organic coconut oil for a few seconds.
• Let it cool down to room temperature.
• Blend the grapefruit to extract the juice.
• Squeeze the juice from a fresh lemon.
• Mix the juice of a grapefruit and a lemon.
• Add 2 tablespoons of the juice to the coconut oil.
• Massage it gently on your scalp and wrap your head with a hot towel.
• Let it sit for about 15 minutes and shampoo your hair as usual.
• Repeat the process regularly.

14. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil contains anti-fungal properties which kill the bacteria causing dryness and white flakes. It soothes your scalp when added to shampoo or conditioner.

• Mix 6 drops of tea tree oil in your shampoo or conditioner.
• Use this to rinse your scalp and hair.
• Repeat regularly.
• It will work as the best shampoo for dry scalp.
• Note: Use tea tree oil based shampoo for effective results.

Alternatively:  Mix 5 – 10 drops of tea tree oil with water and use this to wash your hair after shampooing. Repeat this regularly.

15. Listerine

• Combine 1/2 oz each of Listerine and baby oil.
• Stir well and using a cotton ball, apply it on the scalp and along the hair.
• Leave it on for 5 – 10 minutes.
• Rinse off with shampoo and water.
• Repeat the process daily for a week to notice the results.

16. Dry Scalp Treatment with Herbs

Process 1: With Thyme

For this process, you can either use thyme, rosemary or sage leaves. These herbs are very effective in treating dry scalp, itchy scalp and controlling hair fall.

• Add 2 tablespoons of dried thyme to 2 cups of water.
• Bring this mixture to boil and remove from the flame.
• Let the temperature of thyme tea reduce to lukewarm.
• Apply the tea to scalp and massage gently.
• Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse off with shampoo and water.
• Alternatively, you can use 1/2 cup rosemary or 1 cup sage leaves instead of thyme.
• Repeat the process 2 times in a week.

Process 2: With Lilac, Basil and Henna Leaves

Henna, basil and lilac leaves contain antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties which help to treat dry and itchy scalp.

• Combine 1 cup each of lilac leaves, basil leaves, and henna leaves.
• Blend them and take out the mixture in a bowl.
• Add 6 cups of coconut oil into it and bring the mixture to boil.
• Once the color changes to brown, remove from the flame.
• Once the oils cool down, strain the oil and store in a bottle.
• Apply the oil on the scalp, leave it on for an hour and rinse off using shampoo and water.
• Repeat the process daily.

Process 3: Stinging Nettles

Stinging Nettles are rich in iron. Include them in your daily routine helps in treating dry, itchy and flaky scalp.

• Bring 1 1/2 cup of water to boil.
• Add 1/2 cup of dry nettles to the boiling water and let it simmer for few minutes.
• Now add 1 teaspoon each of rosemary, sage, and lavender into it.
• Simmer for 5 minutes and remove from the flame.
• Strain and consume while hot.
• Repeat the process once in a day to treat dry scalp.

For added benefits: Add 4 to 5 drops of peppermint oil into the tea and rinse your hair using this mixture every time you shampoo hair. Peppermint oil helps in storing the tea for 6 months. So you can make a large amount of tea and store it for regular use.

17. Dried Herbs Rinse

You can use the following process instead of commercial shampoos.

Process 1:

• Bring 2 cups of water to boil and remove from the flame.
• Add 5 calendula flowers, 10 to 12 comfrey leaves and 8 to 10 thyme leaves into boiled water. Make sure all are dried properly.
• Cover and let it steep.
• Massage the solution onto the scalp and leave it on for 20 minutes.
• Rinse off with shampoo and water.
• Repeat the process once in a week.

Process 2:

• In a jar, add 2 teaspoons each of thyme, stinging nettle, budrock, red clover, yarrow and rosemary, 1 to 2 teaspoons of witch hazel, 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoons of white vinegar.
• Place the jar in a warm and dark place for 5 weeks. Make sure to shake it once or twice in a day.
• Strain the liquid using a cheesecloth.
• Add 10 to 12 drops of olive oil and 3 to 4 tablespoons of water into it.
• Apply enough amounts to the scalp.
• Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse off with water.
• Repeat the process 2 times in a week.

18. Oatmeal

Oats are very rich in vitamin E which nourishes the dry skin and treats the dryness, flaking, and itching.

• Combine 1 tablespoon of oatmeal powder and 1/2 cup of water.
• Stir well and massage the mixture gently on the scalp.
• Leave it on for 30 minutes.
• Rinse off hair with cold water.
• Repeat the process 2 – t3 times in a day.

19. Baking Soda

Baking soda exfoliates the dead skin and other impurities from the scalp. Apart from treating dry scalp, it controls dandruff caused by overactive fungi.

• Massage olive oil onto the scalp for few minutes.
• Combine 3 tablespoons of baking soda and enough water to make a paste.
• Apply the paste to the scalp.
• Leave the application for 20 minutes.
• Rinse off with water.
• Repeat the process 1 or 2 times in a week.

20. Sea Salt

Magnesium present in sea salt improves the skin barrier function. It helps in reducing inflammatory conditions like psoriasis.

• Blend 1 tablespoon of dead sea salt or Epsom salt into a powder.
• Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil into it.
• Mix well and massage the mixture onto the scalp.
• Leave it on for 5 minutes.
• Rinse off with shampoo and water.
• Alternatively, you can use olive oil instead of coconut oil.
• Repeat the process once or twice in a week.

21. Onion Juice

Onion juice contains antibacterial and antifungal properties which provide relief from dry and itchy scalp. Onion provides vitamins, potassium, geranium, magnesium, and sulfur to nourish the scalp.

• Grind 1 – 2 onions and extract the juice.
• Combine 3 tablespoons of onion juice and 1 – 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
• Apply the mixture on the scalp.
• Leave the application for 30 minutes.
• Rinse off with water.
• Repeat the process regularly.

22. Fenugreek

Fenugreek not only treats dry scalp but also provides shine and volume to the hair.

Process 1: with Honey

• Combine 1 tablespoon each of fenugreek powder and honey.
• Apply the mixture on the scalp.
• Massage the scalp for 15 minutes. Leave it on for 30 minutes.
• Rinse off with shampoo and water.
• Repeat the process regularly.

Process 2: with Amla

• Deseed 2 gooseberries.
• Blend 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds and 2 gooseberries.
• Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the blended mixture.
• Apply the mixture on the scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes.
• Rinse off with mild shampoo and water.

23. White Gourd

White gourd or winter melon is very helpful in treating dandruff, itching, flaking and dry scalp. It also helps in promoting hair growth.

• Blend some white gourd seeds with water to make a paste.
• Apply the mixture on the scalp.
• Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse off with water.
• Repeat regularly.

24. Ginger

Ginger is helpful in treating dryness and hair fall. It improves the blood circulation to the scalp.

• Combine 1 tablespoon each of grated ginger and sesame oil.
• Blend the ingredients and apply the mixture on the scalp.
• Massage the scalp for 20 minutes.
• Leave the application for 6 hours.
• Rinse off with water.
• Repeat the process once in a week.

25. Parsley

Parsley is considered as one of the tonic to improve hair growth, reduce scalp infections and dryness.

• Add 1 cup of parsley into 2 cups of water.
• Let the mixture boil for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Let it cool down and strain the leaves.
• Grind the leaves into a paste.
• Squeeze of one lemon into the paste and mix well.
• Apply the paste on the scalp.
• Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse off with shampoo and water.
• Repeat the process once in a week.

26. Green Tea and Beetroot

Green tea contains antioxidants which cure the infections naturally. The combination of green tea and beeroot is one of the effective dry scalp home remedies.

• Chop 1 beetroot into pieces.
• Add chopped beetroot and 1 tablespoon of dried green tea leaves into a cup of water.
• Simmer the mixture on low flame for 20 minutes.
• Let it cool down and strain the solution.
• Blend the beetroot and green tea leaves.
• Apply the mixture on the scalp and rinse off after 30 minutes.
• Repeat the process twice in a week.

27. Calendula

As it is loaded with many healing properties and essential nutrients, it is helpful in treating dryness and improving the scalp health.

• Bring 4 cups of water to boil.
• Add 5 calendula flower into it and let it simmer for few minutes.
• Remove from the flame and leave it overnight.
• In the morning, apply the solution on the scalp.
• Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse off with water.
• Repeat the process regularly.

28. Hibiscus

• To 2 cups of water, add 1/2 cup each of hibiscus flowers and leaves.
• Bring the mixture to boil on low flame for 5 minutes.
• Remove from the flame and let the mixture steep overnight.
• In the morning, strain the mixture.
• Using a cotton ball, apply the liquid on the scalp and along the hair.
• Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse off with water.

29. Coconut Milk

Vitamin E present in coconut milk is very helpful in hair growth, preventing dry and itchy scalp.

• Extract coconut milk from 3 cups of grated coconut.
• Refrigerate the coconut milk overnight and take it out in the morning.
• Add 1/4 cup of gram flour into the coconut milk.
• Leave it aside for 30 minutes.
• Now apply the paste on the scalp.
• Massage the scalp for 20 – 30 minutes.
• Cover your head with showercap.
• Leave it on for 6 hours and rinse off with shampoo and water.
• Repeat the process regularly until you get relief from dry scalp.

30. Neem

The antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties of neem provide relief from dryness and prevent the release of histamine.

Process 1: Neem Leaves

• Combine 2 cups of water and 1 cup of neem leaves.
• Simmer the mixture for 20 minutes.
• Remove from the flame and let it cool down.
• Strain the leaves and grind them into a paste.
• Apply the paste on the scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes.
• Rinse your hair with shampoo and water.
• Repeat the process 2 times in a week to achieve the results.

Process 2: Neem Oil

• In a bowl, combine 6 to 8 drops of neem oil and 1 to 2 teaspoons of any carrier oil.
• Massage the oil mixture on the scalp.
• Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Rinse off with water.
• Repeat the process regularly.

31. Watercress

It is rich in minerals and vitamins which are helpful in treating dry scalp.

• Crush 1 cup of watercress.
• Add 1 teaspoon each of geranium and alcohol into it.
• Gently massage this mixture for 20 minutes.
• Leave the application for few hours and rinse off with water.
• Repeat the process once in a week

Dietary Changes to Treat or Prevent Dry Scalp:

Changing your diet can greatly change the condition of your hair or scalp and promotes healthy hair growth.

• Include foods like leafy vegetables, fruits, eggs and whole grains in your daily diet for protein content.
• Omega-3 s is found in cell membranes of the scalp skin which hydrates the areas. Salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds, spinach etc. are rich in Omega-3.
• Consume food that is rich in Vitamin B and C.
• Include the foods that are rich in zinc and iron.
• Avoid excess intake of Vitamin A as it can worsen the problem.
• Intake of caffeine and alcohol should be avoided.
• Increase vitamin E content in your diet with foods like almonds, sunflower seeds, blueberries, tomatoes etc.
• Reduce the amount of sugar in your diet.

Things to Remember to Get Rid of Dry Scalp:

• Always check the ingredients before purchasing any shampoo or conditioner. Make sure they don’t contain sulfates or paraben.
• Avoid using hair dryers to dry your hair. Let them dry naturally. Excessive heat coming from a hair dryer can damage the production of natural oils and moisture from the scalp.
• Drink plenty of water to maintain the scalp hydrated. Lack of hydration also triggers dry scalp.
• Constant exposure to air conditioners also causes moisture loss in the scalp. So it is better to avoid staying in air conditioner for a long period of time.
• Oiling regularly helps in maintaining the oil and moisture balance on the scalp. Massage your scalp regularly with vitamin B and E oil, lavender oil or almond oil to increase the blood circulation and helps to prevent the dryness.
• Use baking soda as a conditioner by adding few drops of water to it. Wondering how to fix hot roots? We discussed that in a separate post that you might want to check out.
• Avoid using chemical substances on your hair.
• Avoid washing your hair too often as too much water exposure can also make your scalp dry.
• Avoid using very hot water to rinse your hair. The heat can damage the production of oils and moisture content on the scalp.
• Avoid using hair styling equipment at least till you treat dryness completely.
• Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures like direct sunlight and harsh winters.
• Never leave shampoo or conditioner in the hair for a longer period of time.
• Do yoga or meditation to reduce stress. Increased stress can also trigger dry scalp.
• If you have open sores, bleeding sores then it is better to consult a doctor.

We hope the information in this article has helped you. Have you tried any home remedy to treat dry scalp earlier? Share your experience, comments and suggestions in the comments section below.

Rajee Datti

Hi everyone, this is Rajee!

I live the beautiful city of Baltimore, where my husband works.

I’m from India. I have been visiting India on and off for past few years and my mom was an inspiration for me to start this site. She has a wealth of knowledge on home remedies for a large number of health problems, and we grew up in an environment where frequent visits to the doctor just wasn’t logistically or financially feasible.

Despite this, she managed to raise a family of healthy kids, and my goal here at Home Remedies for Life is to pass on some of her knowledge of natural remedies.