By: Co-Founder, Stephanie Vendetti
Nothing is more annoying than a dry, flaky scalp, especially when you’re having a great red hair day. For me, it’s the same cycle every year: the beauty of redhead season arrives with warm cozy sweaters and crisp air, soon evolving into colder temperatures and you guessed it, a dry, itchy, flaky scalp.
I’ve struggled with a sensitive scalp for years, and it’s always around this time where I start noticing dry flakes by my hairline and on the top of my head. In the past, I’ve scratched them to go away but soon realized it wasn’t the best idea.
Tip: If you see flakes in your hair, don’t touch or scratch! It’ll only it worse.
READ: How Redheads Can Get Rid Of An Itchy Scalp
I’ve tried so many products out there that say they ‘eliminate’ dandruff and help treat this scalp issue.
But, using many ingredients in my kitchen, I’ve learned DIY treatments really give the best results. Here are my top 7 favorites:
1. Tea Tree Oil
This oil is known to help cure dandruff and itchy scalps due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Mix a small amount of tea tree oil with your favorite shampoo or jojoba oil. Leave on the scalp for 5-10 minutes and rinse with cool water.
2. Baking Soda
This household item is great for everything, especially your scalp. Make a paste in a bowl or in your palm with baking soda and water. Apply it directly to your scalp and rinse after 5-10 minutes.
3. Olive Oil
Growing up in an Italian family, I was taught at an early age the power of olive oil. We used it on our hair, skin, body and of course, on our food. Olive oil helped me a lot with my itchy scalp last winter. Apply a small amount on the dry area and leave on for a couple minutes, or up to a few hours. Follow with your favorite gentle shampoo.
4. Coconut Oil
We love applying coconut oil to our skin when dehydrated, so why not the scalp? Apply a small amount on the scalp and let it sit for 15-30 minutes – depending on the severity of your dry scalp. Rinse with cool water.
5. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is known to aid in digestion, vomiting, muscle fatigue, nausea, headaches, menstrual cramps, morning sickness, arthritis, fevers, toothaches and itching. Similar to tea tree oil, mix peppermint oil into your shampoo or dilute it with water before applying to your scalp.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
We all know apple cider vinegar makes your red hair shiny, but did you know it also works to get rid of dandruff too? The acidity in the apple cider vinegar helps to change the pH of your scalp making it harder for dry, flakes to develop. Mix with equal parts water and spray or pour onto scalp. Let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse out and shampoo.
7. Aloe Vera
Just like a sunburn, aloe vera helps to not make you want to itch due to the amazing cooling effects it contains. Apply directly to the dry area. You’ll notice a cooling sensation almost immediately.
Rock it like a Redhead!
