Want a Healthier Scalp? These 6 Natural Fixes Actually Work, Pros Say

Your scalp often falls prey to the “out of sight, out of mind” mentality, but this sensitive area may be in need of some TLC. A balanced, clean, and nourished scalp translates to healthier hair growth, reduced dandruff and flaking, and less shedding and hair breakage. It also helps your hair look better, and you’ll feel more comfortable in your own skin. If you want a healthier scalp, try these natural fixes approved by the pros.

Meet Our Expert

• Becca Raziuddin, hairstylist and director of artist education at Blo Blow Dry Bar

• Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, FNP-C, medical and cosmetic dermatology expert

Related: How to Get a Healthy Scalp, According to Hair Specialists

01 of 06

Do Coconut Oil Scalp Massages

The art of “oiling” has been around for literal centuries, and it’s not going away anytime soon. Becca Raziuddin, hairstylist and director of artist education at Blo Blow Dry Bar, says that massaging coconut oil into the scalp helps deeply moisturize dry skin, reduce flaking, and support the scalp’s natural barrier. It can also improve circulation to the hair follicles.

Coconut oil also has some antimicrobial properties. "Just warm the oil, apply it to the scalp, [massage for a few minutes], then leave it for 30 to 60 minutes or overnight, and wash thoroughly," Raziuddin says.

02 of 06

Address Hard Water

If you’re dealing with hard water at home, it can affect everything from the way your appliances function to your hair and scalp health. Minerals can build up on your scalp, making it feel dry, itchy, and irritated. It can also make your hair look dull and more brittle. A simple fix is swapping in a new shower head with a built-in filter, and you can also use a chelating hair treatment once every few weeks to remove buildup on your hair and scalp.

03 of 06

Use Tea Tree Oil for Irritation

If you’re dealing with itchiness or flaking, tea tree oil is a natural ingredient for scalp health that can help. This ingredient has natural antifungal and antimicrobial properties that help calm irritation. Raziuddin says you can also add a couple drops of tea tree oil to either your shampoo or conditioner (1 to 20 dilution), or in a carrier oil like coconut oil when doing a scalp massage. “Some evidence shows it reduces inflammation. Just make sure to do a patch test first.”

04 of 06

Fuel Your Body Well

Here’s another compelling reason to make sure you’re getting all the right nutrients. “An unhealthy or poor diet is associated with hair loss and hair structure abnormalities,” says Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, FNP-C, medical and cosmetic dermatology expert.

"Since hair follicles have a high cell turnover, if you are depriving your body of healthy nutrition or if you are deficient in proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, hair changes or loss can occur," LoGerfo says. Whole, nutritious foods are king, but you can also take a hair supplement to make sure you’re getting all the right nutrients.

05 of 06

Try an Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

Good old apple cider vinegar provides a natural and gentle way to exfoliate your scalp. “An apple cider vinegar rinse restores pH levels on the scalp, and may reduce buildup and dandruff," Raziuddin says. "To do this, dilute one to three with water and use the rinse just after shampooing.” She says to let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse well. Follow up with your go-to conditioner.

06 of 06

Always Blow-Dry a Wet or Sweaty Scalp

Calling all gym goers and air dryers. Taking three to five minutes after a workout or a shower to blow-dry your scalp and roots (not the full hair length) is a game-changer for scalp health. Lingering moisture on the scalp creates a warm, damp environment that can throw off the scalp’s microbiome and lead to itchiness, odor, or flaking. A quick, low-heat blow-dry helps keep the scalp balanced and comfortable while still letting you air-dry the rest of your hair.

Read the original article on Real Simple