Aloe vera is the super healing power plant we can’t get enough of! If you’re suffering from a dry and itchy scalp, aloe vera can help. It helps cool and soothe sensitive scalp skin, providing immense relief. Check out the recipe for a DIY aloe vera hair mask for dry and itchy scalp below!
Sensitive scalps need special care. Store-bought shampoos can strip the scalp of its natural oils, causing it to become dehydrated and flaky. Cold weather can also rob your scalp of its protective barrier, making it feel dry, tight and itchy.
Some of the causes of a dry and itchy scalp include:
- Dandruff
- Chemical hair treatments
- Hard water
- Cold weather
- Not drinking enough water
- Heat damage from blow dryers, curlers and straighteners
- Dying your hair frequently
- Conventional hair products like shampoo
- Stress
- Inflammatory skin conditions such as scalp eczema & scalp psoriasis
- And more
To mitigate some of the above problems, consider these solutions:
- Leaving your hair to air-dry/limiting use of heat on your hair
- Drinking enough water
- Switching to natural SLS-free shampoo and conditioner
- Buying a chlorine & hard water filter for your shower head
- Protecting your scalp in a beanie, scarf or hat in cold weather
- Using anti-dandruff remedies
- Limiting the amount of products you use on your scalp/hair
- Avoiding or reducing chemical hair treatments and dyeing your hair
- Relaxing as much as you can to reduce stress
One of the quick remedies to heal a dry and itchy scalp is making this DIY aloe vera hair mask! Let’s check out what ingredients it contains and how each of them work:
Ingredients in this DIY Aloe Vera Hair Mask for Dry And Itchy Scalp
Aloe Vera Gel
Let me start by saying right away, research shows that aloe vera gel helps resolve the scalp inflammation caused by dandruff. This means dryness and itchiness associated with scalp inflammation and/or dandruff can be healed using regular application of Aloe vera gel.
It has fatty acids with strong anti-inflammatory properties that calm red irritated skin.
Aloe vera also helps balance oil production in the scalp because it contains Vitamin A that keeps the scalp from becoming too dry and flaky.
Being a natural humectant, aloe vera draws moisture droplets from the atmosphere and locks it into the scalp and hair, which is then sealed by the oils used in this hair mask.
Coconut Oil
The anti-fungal qualities of coconut oil help erase the yeast/fungi that causes dandruff, Malasezzia.
Coconut oil is also moisturizing and helps trap extra hydration, that is added to the hair by aloe vera, deep into the scalp and hair strands.
Being anti-inflammatory, coconut oil also helps soothe inflammatory skin conditions that cause a dry and itchy scalp, including scalp eczema, scalp psoriasis and more.
Sweet Almond Oil
Another useful oil for the scalp, sweet almond oil makes the scalp healthy with its high Vitamin E content. It adds lubricating fatty acids to a dry and dehydrated scalp, keeping the skin moisturized and itch-free.
Sweet almond oil is also known to repair hair damage, which also extends to the scalp. A scalp damaged by too much heat can be calmed using sweet almond oil.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
It is excellent for reducing scalp itchiness and inflammation. Tea tree oils astringent properties help prevent excess itchiness.
Don’t forget its anti-fungal properties that kill dandruff-causing yeast on the scalp.
Rosemary Essential Oil
Another essential oil for itchy scalp is rosemary.
It has antifungal, antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and astringent effects – all of which help in itchy scalp relief.
Rosemary also decreases scalp inflammation. It has a tingling & cooling sensation when applied to the scalp which helps reduce pain from a dry and itchy scalp!
DIY Aloe Vera Hair Mask for Dry And Itchy Scalp
What you need
- 1 cup of pure unscented aloe vera gel (where to get it)
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil (where to get it)
- 2 tablespoons of sweet almond oil (where to get it)
- 10 drops of tea tree essential oil (where to get it)
- 7 drops of rosemary essential oil (where to get it)
- Glass bowl & whisk for mixing
- Air-tight amber storage container (where to get it)
Directions
- In a medium sized glass bowl, add 1 cup of pure aloe vera gel.
- Next, add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of sweet almond oil.
- Finally, carefully measure out and add the drops of each essential oil into the bowl.
- Using a whisk, mix the ingredients until well combined.
- Scoop into a clean air-tight amber glass jar.
How To Apply
- Using a clean spatula, get a suitable amount of the hair DIY aloe vera hair mask and place it in a glass bowl.
- Section your hair in the middle.
- Now apply the hair mask onto your entire scalp using clean fingertips, starting from the middle going outwards on each side.
- Tie your hair up using a crocodile clip or into a bun.
- Cover it with a warm and damp towel.
- Leave the DIY aloe vera hair mask for 1 hour.
- When the time is up, wash it off using lots of water and a mild natural SLS-free shampoo and conditioner.
- Repeat 1-3 times a week.
Notes
- Always make sure to do a patch test before applying anything on your scalp, especially sensitive scalps. Get a pea-sized amount of the DIY aloe vera hair mask and rub it behind your ear. Monitor the area for at least one hour to make sure there’s no negative reaction before you use it on your entire scalp.
- Certain essential oils are not suitable for pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants, and young children so do your research before using essential oils, if you or the person needing this hair mask falls into this category.
Do try this effective DIY aloe hair mask for dry and itchy scalp. Come and share how it worked for you in the comments below!
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