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 Does your scalp feel dry and flaky? If yes, then you are not alone. A dry and flaky scalp is quite common. It can be caused due to many reasons like dry weather or harsh hair products. All skin cells shed naturally as one of the body’s functions and the skin cells on your head is no exception. But when there is excessive shedding of the skin cells from the scalp, it becomes noticeable. Over shedding of these skin cells result in tiny white flakes on the top of the head, the hairline or the back of the neck. Your head can also experience flaking due to dandruff when the scalp is dry, although the flakes are oily to touch. If you notice your scalp feeling dry and flaky, it is time to change your hair care routine, and concentrate on moisturizing and nourishing your hair. One of the ways to provide your hair with the care it needs is to have regular head massages. There are many essential oils for dry scalp in the market. These are natural oils that are easily available, affordable and can be used as home remedies. These oils balance out the oil production in the scalp. Hair oils for an oily scalp need to be chosen based on their emollient and astringent properties. Apart from hair oil massages, a few drops can also be added to your shampoo and conditioner for better results. Some of these oils are:

• Rosemary oil is said to have restorative, analgesic, antiseptic, astringent and antimicrobial properties. Apart from these components, the moisturizing properties of rosemary oil work very well for a dry scalp. For massaging purposes, take 2 tablespoons of rosemary oil, heat it for a couple of seconds and let it cool, after which you gently massage the warm oil on to your scalp. Take a towel. Dip it in hot water and wrap it around the oiled head for about 30 minutes. Rinse your hair with a mild shampoo followed by a conditioner.
• Lavender oil, apart from being fragrant, also works wonders for dry scalps due to its moisturizing, cleansing and toning properties. It is also an oil balancing agent. Lavender oil can be used in hot oil hair massage treatments.
• Lemongrass is known to have oil balancing components that soothe a dry scalp and controls oily scalp conditions. It also consists of moisturizing elements that nourish and soften the hair. Its antifungal and antibacterial properties help to reduce itchiness that is sometimes accompanied by a dry scalp. Massage in two tablespoons of warm lemongrass oil onto the scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes, after which rinse the hair and wash it a mild shampoo and conditioner.  
• Olive oil is popularly used in cooking. This oil is rich in vitamin E, which means it has great moisturizing properties. It is also high in polyphenols, which have antifungal and anti bacterial properties. Regular warm oil massages is great for dry scalps.
• Coconut oil works to protect, condition and moisturize the scalp. It is an effective sealant of moisture so on application, the scalp receives and absorbs the oil’s nutrients. Rich in antifungal and antibacterial properties, coconut oil helps in preventing hair lice, dandruff and a dry scalp. It also reduces protein-loss. Regular hair massage with coconut oil helps in blood circulation.
  

Regular warm oil massages are very good for the hair not only because of the nutrients and minerals the oils provide but also to improve blood circulation and it is great way to de-stress. If you experience extreme itchiness, redness on the scalp and scabbing due to dryness, consult a hair specialist for treatment.

References

1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12715094

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

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