Dadi-Nani-approved expert haircare guide: Try these time-tested home remedies

Tiny white flakes discouraging you from donning your favourite black brown and blue tops A dry scalp has become a common woe of every other person today Factors like unhealthy diet stress dehydration and environmental pollution are the leading cause of this hair condition among peopleDonrsquot let your dry scalp stand in the way of flaunting your tresses because we got your back Midday online sat down with health experts who share a haircare guide to treat this irritating and embarrassing conditionldquoThe key to getting rid of a dry scalp is to be patient and persistent with your chosen remedies and scalp care practices to achieve the desired resultsrdquo says Dr Sunil Tolat consultant dermatologist Jehangir HospitalIn addition to this Dr Yojana Pokarna MD in Ayurveda cofounder Orijine Clinic stresses the importance of consumption and application of natural ingredients to treat dry scalp naturallyCommon causes of dry scalpA dry scalp indicates dry skin It occurs when the skin lacks sufficient sebum a waxy substance made up of cholesterol fatty acids wax esters and glycerides and natural oils that protect the scalp from bacteria and maintain proper moisture levelsThere are various factors that trigger the formation of a dry scalp which include1 Faulty lifestyles2 Sudden changes in climate3 Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle menopause or postpartum4 Reduction in estrogen levels causing reduced production of oils5 Certain thyroid conditions6 Overwashing your hair with harsh shampoos containing sulphates sodium lauryl sulphate SLS parabens alcohol and artificial fragrances7 Washing hair with hot water8 Medical conditions like eczema and psoriasis9 Frequent hair styling treatments like blow drying ironing straightening hair streaking10 Exposing hair to harsh sunlight According to Tolat those having a dry scalp witness small white or grey flakes that resemble dandruff but are typically smaller and drier Itching and irritation on the scalp are also common and scratching may worsen the condition Some individuals may also experience redness and inflammation in the affected areasDry scalp induces other hairrelated concerns tooA dry scalp can invite other hair conditions that can cause more damage to hair health Dandruff is the most common one Tolat says ldquoThe transition between the two conditions is not always straightforward and they can sometimes overlap due to shared symptomsrdquoIf a dry scalp is not adequately moisturised and remains untreated it may become more susceptible to the overgrowth of Malassezia the yeastlike fungi responsible for dandruff The lack of moisture on the scalp can lead to increased flaking and shedding of dead skin cells creating an environment where the fungi can thrive As a result the condition can progress from a dry scalp to dandruffA dry scalp can also lead to split ends hair breakage and frizzy hair When the scalp lacks sufficient moisture and natural oils the hair becomes dry brittle and more susceptible to damage As a result split ends may develop and the hair shaft can easily break when subjected to stress during brushing styling or other activities Moreover the disrupted moisture balance in the hair shaft can cause it to absorb moisture from the air leading to frizzy and unmanageable hairTime taken to improve the conditionAlthough dry scalp can be stubborn health experts assure that with the correct hair care practices and improved lifestyle habits depending on the severity of the condition and how well it responds to a particular treatment one may begin to notice improvements within a few days or weeks If one is suffering from an extremely dry scalp it might take several weeks or even a few months to see significant improvementTolat says ldquoIts essential to continue moisturising the scalp regularly using gentle hair care products avoiding harsh treatments and following a healthy diet and lifestyle Additionally adjusting your hair care routine based on your scalps response to treatments can also be helpfulrdquoTreat dry scalp naturallyAyurveda specialist Pokarna says ldquoHome remedies are effective to rid dryness from the scalp and promote strong and luscious hairrdquo She recommends practising the following1 Take scalp massages with nourishing oils like coconut oil or sesamebased oils containing essential herbs like Japa Bhringraj and Brahmi on a regular basis2 Apply oil and then wash your hair with decoctions of Reetha Shikakai Triphala3 Use rejuvenating supplements like Chyawanprash or natural calcium supplements4 Practise pranayama and meditation to reduce cope with stress5 You can also include the application of powders like Shikakai Avala Reetha and Methi aloe vera egg whites and buttermilk into your haircare routine to treat dry scalpPokarna also shares a few natural hair packs which are extremely effective in getting rid of dry scalpYastimadhu hair packIngredientsYastimadhu liquorice 10 gmPowdered chironji seeds Calumpong nut 10 gmKushta powder Costus root 10 gmUrad daalBlack gram 10 gmRock salt 4 gmHoney enough to make a pasteMethod All the above ingredients are to be finely powdered and mixed well in pure honey until it becomes a thick pasteApplication To be applied on the scalp and hair for a duration of 20 minutes Wash your hair with a mild shampooMango pit hair packIngredientsFinely powdered mango pit or seed 15 gmDry ginger powder 15 gmCow milk enough to make a pasteMethod In equal quantity mix all to form a thick pasteApplication Apply on the scalp and hair for 20 minutes and then wash it with a mild shampooBhringaraj and Methi hair packIngredientsFresh juice of Bringraj 40 mlMethi or Fenugreek seed powder 20 gmMethod Mix it well and form a pasteApplication Apply on the scalp for over 20 minutes Wash hair with a mild shampooApply these packs twice a week Regular application of these packs over a period of 36 months shows great resultsHealthy haircare habitsIn order to promote a healthy scalp and maintain the overall health of your hair it is essential to practice certain healthy hair care habits to reduce hair damage1 Wash your hair at least 23 times a week This will help remove dirt and oil buildup while also preserving natural scalp oils2 Choose a mild sulfatefree shampoo that is suitable for your hair type and scalp condition to avoid stripping the scalp of its natural oils3 Moisturise your scalp from time to time Apply natural oils or scalp serums regularly to keep the scalp moisturised and prevent dryness 4 Minimise the use of heatstyling tools like blow dryers straighteners and curling irons They are your hairrsquos worst enemies Excessive heat can damage the hair and scalp5 Refrain from wearing hairstyles that pull the hair tightly They can cause tension and lead to hair breakage6 Wear a hat or use protective hairstyles to shield the hair from harsh weather conditions and pollution7 Use a widetooth comb to detangle hair gently This helps prevent hair breakage8 Get regular hair trims to remove split ends and maintain healthy hairUse the right products to treat dry scalpTo treat a dry scalp effectively its essential to use products that provide nourishment hydration and gentle care to the scalp Tolat recommends some products that can help treat dry scalp1 Moisturising conditioner Use a moisturising conditioner after washing your hair with a shampoo to restore moisture and promote scalp and hair health2 Scalp serums or oils Apply natural scalp serums or oils such as coconut oil olive oil jojoba oil or almond oil to the scalp regularly to keep it moisturised at all times3 Aloe vera gel It can soothe and hydrate the scalp providing relief from dryness and irritation4 Tea tree oil This product has antimicrobial properties that help soothe an itchy dry scalp Dilute it with a carrier oil before applying it directly to the scalp5 Leavein conditioners Consider using leavein conditioners that contain moisturising ingredients that provide continuous hydration to the scalp6 pHbalanced products Opt for products with a balanced pH level as they help maintain the scalps natural acidity level which is essential to maintain healthy skinRemember to patchtest new products on a small area of your scalp before full application especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies What works best can vary from person to person Its essential to find the products that suit your scalps needsEating habits and dry scalpYour eating habits and diet largely affect the health of your scalp A wellbalanced diet that includes nutrients like Omega3 fatty acids vitamins A E and C biotin zinc and protein can promote a healthier scalp as these food support oil production and hydration Additionally reducing the intake of processed and sugary foods may further benefit scalp health To maintain good scalp health aim for a diverse diet rich in essential nutrients and consult a healthcare professional for personalised dietary adviceConsuming foods like whole grains wheat oatmeal and brown rice lentils vegetables curry leaves fruits like gooseberry pomegranate grapes nuts and seeds like almonds raisins dates sesame seeds traditionally prepared buttermilk with cumin seeds cow ghee coconut water fenugreek fennel seeds and coriander seeds can further promote a healthy scalpWater and dry scalpAdequate hydration is essential for a healthy scalp as it helps retain moisture and balance oil production Additionally a wellhydrated scalp enhances the absorption of hair care products and reduces irritation While water intake is effective in addressing dry scalp caused by dehydration it should be complemented with other scalp care practices as wellConsult a doctorYou should consider seeing a doctor specifically a dermatologist or a healthcare professional if you experience any concerning signs or symptoms related to your scalp Persistent dry scalp that doesnt improve with home remedies severe itching redness inflammation or irritation on the scalp excessive flaking or scaling bleeding or crusting and hair loss are all worrisome signs that warrant medical attentionAn expert will help in properly diagnosing the underlying cause of your scalp issue recommend suitable treatment and provide personalised advice to ensure a healthy scalp and hair Early intervention can prevent potential complications and help you maintain optimal scalp healthDisclaimer This information does not replace professional medical advice Consult a qualified specialist or your physician for personalised guidanceAlso Read Watching food videos help satisfy cravings without triggering weight gain Chef Sanjeev Kapoor on food content in India