How to Get Rid of Dry Scalp - Causes and Treatment

Learn how to combat a dry scalp, the Ayurvedic way!

Having a dry scalp can be a bothersome condition, leading to itchiness, flakiness and discomfort. From an Ayurvedic perspective, a dry scalp is often a sign of an imbalance in the doshas (fundamental energies), particularly the vata dosha. Ayurveda offers holistic and natural remedies to address this issue by balancing the body’s internal energies.

Causes of Dry Scalp

According to Ayurveda, the primary causes of dry scalp include:

• Imbalanced Vata Dosha: Vata is associated with dryness and coldness. When Vata becomes aggravated, it can lead to a dry and flaky scalp.
• Improper Diet: Consumption of dry, cold and light foods can increase vata, leading to dryness. Lack of hydrating and nourishing foods further exacerbates the condition.
• Stress and Anxiety: Mental stress and anxiety can disrupt the balance of doshas, contributing to dry scalp.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to cold and dry weather, excessive use of hair dryers and using harsh hair products can strip moisture from the scalp.
• Inadequate Hair Care: Infrequent oiling of the scalp and use of chemical-laden hair products can also lead to dryness.

Ayurvedic Treatments for Dry Scalp

Ayurveda offers several natural remedies to combat dry scalp by restoring balance to the doshas and nourishing the scalp.

1. Oil Massage (Abhyanga):

• Sesame Oil: Massage the scalp with warm sesame oil and leave it on for at least an hour before washing it off.
• Coconut Oil: Coconut oil has cooling properties and is a natural moisturizer. Regular scalp massages with coconut oil can prevent dryness.
• Bhringraj Oil: Known for its nourishing properties, our Blissful Bhringraj Head Massage Oil helps maintain scalp health and moisture.

2. Herbal Hair Masks & Washes:

• Fenugreek (Methi) Mask: Soak fenugreek seeds overnight, grind them into a paste and apply to the scalp. Fenugreek is known for its hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Brahmi Wash: Our Essentials Of Japapatti & Brahmi Hair Wash aids in maintaining scalp by routinely relaxing the scalp surface. While hibiscus contributes to deep conditioning and hair strength, Tulsi’s antibacterial properties coupled with sesame oil brings more sheen to your hair.

3. Dietary Adjustments:

• Hydration: Drink plenty of water and include hydrating foods like cucumber, watermelon and citrus fruits in your diet.
• Healthy Fats: Incorporate healthy fats like ghee, avocados and nuts to nourish the body and scalp from within.
• Warm and Moist Foods: Consume warm, cooked meals with spices like ginger and turmeric to balance your vata energy.

4. Herbal Remedies:

• Neem and Tulsi: Neem and tulsi have antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help maintain a healthy scalp.
• Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Rich in Vitamin C, amla helps strengthen your hair by nourishing the scalp.

5. Lifestyle Modifications:

• Stress Management: Practice yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises to reduce stress and maintain dosha balance.
• Avoid Excessive Washing: Opt for mild, natural shampoos and wash your hair less frequently.
• Natural Cleansing: Reetha (Soapnut) and Shikakai are natural cleansers that can be used as alternatives to chemical shampoos.
• Colour Care: If you tend to color your hair often, opt for a natural hair dye like Natural Black Hair Colour, so that you can also nourish your scalp with nutrients.

You can restore balance to your doshas and achieve a healthy, moisturized scalp with just a few adjustments in your self-care routine. Remember that consistency is key and integrating these treatments into your regular hair care routine can lead to lasting results.