Why does scalp health matter?
Healthy hair is the product of a healthy scalp. If your scalp is irritated, itchy, or dry, your strands will pay the price. According to leading hair restoration surgeon, Dr. Robert Dorin, “Hair follicles need natural oils from the glands that surround them to function. If you have a dry, irritated, or unhealthy scalp, the hair your follicles produced will likely be drier and less manageable, too.”
An easy way to remedy the situation is a DIY scalp mask. While there are a ton of products on the market aimed at treating hair and scalp issues, sometimes it is just easier to whip it up yourself at home. You can also make adjustments to your recipe to suit your specific scalp’s needs.
So how do you make your own DIY scalp mask? Well, that depends on what results you are looking to achieve. A DIY scalp mask can be really simple. Sometimes it can even be just one key ingredient! While you could add other ingredients, a DIY scalp mask is actually better the simpler it is. A scalp with issues doesn’t need a lot of added topical ingredients. It just takes the main ingredients mentioned below to truly benefit from a mask.
For dry scalp
Olive oil helps restore moisture to the scalp while also loosening the dry flakes caused by psoriasis, dandruff, and dryness in general. With this ingredient, apply liberally to hair and massage scalp for 10 minutes, comb through strands to remove any flakes, and then wash hair with a gentle shampoo.
For an itchy scalp
Apple cider vinegar is a great for solving an array of ailments, such as itchiness. You can make this mask by making a mixture that is 2 parts water and 1 part vinegar to start with. If you don’t get the relief or results you want, then you can try a mixture of 1 part water to 1 part vinegar. If you have been scratching and broken the skin of the scalp, do not use this mixture because it might lead to more discomfort. Apply the mixture to your scalp and massage gently without using your fingernails. Aside from treating itching, this concoction is also great for removing product buildup. Wash hair and apply a soothing moisturizer to hair to avoid drying out your strands.
For an irritated scalp
Oatmeal offers natural soothing properties perfect for treating skin irritation. While this one can be a little messier to apply than the other two remedies, it can certainly help soothe an irritated and inflamed scalp. Mix uncooked oatmeal flakes with water to meet the consistency you desire. Some prefer the mixture with less water for an easier to apply sort of paste while others prefer more water. It won’t affect the way the mask works so find the consistency that is easiest for you to apply to your hair. Apply to your scalp and chill for 10-15 minutes. Wash out of hair with a gentle shampoo.
