One of the most common health problems in women and men is scaling of the scalp. Frequently confused with dandruff, this disease can affect anyone, regardless of age or hair characteristics, since it is generated by the appearance of a fungus or by genetic conditions.
Scalp scaling and hair loss – what is it due to?
The desquamation of the scalp is produced by the natural process of renewal of the hair cells of the scalp. When leather dries out too much, profuse scaling usually occurs, meaning our leather sheds small, dry, white scales.
If we take several days to wash our hair, we will probably notice how the flaking increases. Similarly, flaking is often accompanied by hair loss, because with the detachment of cells, the follicles weaken. That is why it is very important to keep our scalp clean and moisturized.
However, flaking can also be caused by genetic factors or, failing that, be confused with dandruff. Both flaking and dandruff cause cells to shed from the scalp, but the characteristics of the flakes and their origin are different.
The difference between dandruff and flaking is that dandruff is caused by the abnormal reproduction of Malassezia, a fungus present on the scalp of animals and humans. Instead, excessive peeling can be caused by any of these factors:
- Hormonal changes
- Genetic diseases such as psoriasis
- Poor diet or low in nutrients
- Weather changes
To prevent the formation of scales and crusts on the scalp, here are the best home remedies for scaling of the scalp.
The best home remedies for flaky scalp
Hair flaking and hair loss can be combated with natural treatments . If you notice that you frequently have crusts on your scalp , there are several shampoo recipes that attack flaking and dandruff. In any case, you should take into account the following recommendations:
- You should try to use shampoos that are free of sulfates or petroleum derivatives such as paraffin and silicones, as well as alcohol-free. These agents dry out the scalp and weaken it, leading to hair loss.
- You should avoid washing your hair with very hot water, as well as the permanent use of irons and dryers, as extreme heat seriously damages the scalp and facilitates its continuous flaking.
Let's go with the home remedies that you can use to combat this condition. With these simple treatments you will be able to recover the best version of your hair and show off your head clean and healthy on a daily basis.
Tea tree
Tea tree essential oil has antifungal properties that make it an effective treatment for flaking and dandruff. When applied to the scalp, it reduces itching and irritation, helping the epidermis to recover its cellular balance. This is how you should use tea tree oil for peeling :
- Add 20 drops of tea tree oil to the dandruff shampoo you use to wash your hair.
- Cap the shampoo container and shake it to mix the oil well. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Wet the scalp well with warm water and apply the shampoo on the head.
- Massage on the scalp and leave for 15 minutes.
- Wash your hair well with cold water and apply the treatment 2 or 3 times a week. With tea tree oil you can moisturize the scalp without over-greasing it.
Jojoba Oil with Lavender and Peppermint
Another effective natural treatment against scaling of the scalp is jojoba oil. This oil promotes hair growth, as it deeply cleanses the leather, preventing the accumulation of sebum and other impurities that cause continuous flaking.
Combined with lavender oil, which is antiseptic and regulator of hair oil, you can obtain a powerful shampoo for scalp flaking . It is also advisable to add peppermint oil, as it also helps refresh the scalp and prevents irritation caused by excess sebum. This is how you should combine these oils to relieve flaking:
- Add 20 ml of jojoba oil to a container.
- Add 15 drops of lavender oil and 15 drops of peppermint oil.
- Mix well and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Soak your scalp with warm water and apply the mixture.
- Slowly massage the oils on your head and leave for 15 minutes.
- Wash your hair well with lukewarm water and your trusted shampoo.
You can use this treatment once a week, especially at night.
Coconut oil with lemon
If you are wondering how to moisturize the scalp without making it greasy , coconut oil is your best option. Possessing antifungal properties, this oil helps eliminate seborrhea, moisturizing the hair without making it greasy. If you combine it with lemon you will get better results, because lemon helps prevent dandruff. This is how you should use coconut oil with lemon to avoid hair flaking:
- Take 15 ml of coconut oil and add the juice of 1 lemon, previously strained.
- Stir the mixture well and apply it directly on the scalp.
- Massage slowly and leave for 5 minutes.
- After that, wash your hair with plenty of warm water and shampoo.
You can apply the treatment two or three times a week, preferably at night. However, it is not recommended to use it if you suffer from psoriasis, as the lemon will irritate the scalp more. In that case, we recommend the following home remedy.
If you want to know more ways to moisturize the scalp, we invite you to visit our article Home remedies for dry scalp .
Castor oil with thyme
If the flaking is caused by psoriasis on the scalp , castor oil will do great things for you. Psoriasis is a cellular condition that produces scaly lesions and continuous irritation on the skin. Castor oil works as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory, helping to relieve itching and irritation.
In addition, it contains vitamin E and bactericidal properties that prevent infections and mitigate flaking. Likewise, thyme has an antiseptic and antimicrobial effect, ideal for combating skin irritation. How to prepare this anti-scaling mixture? Follow these simple steps:
- In a container, add 10 ml of castor oil.
- Add finely chopped thyme and stir well.
- Apply the mixture directly on the scalp, previously moistened with warm water.
- Massage carefully, completely covering the head.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes and then wash your hair with warm water and shampoo.
You can apply this treatment 3 times a week before washing your hair.
Sesame oil with fenugreek seeds
Sesame oil is an excellent hair moisturizer , since it contains fatty acids and vitamin E. These components cut seborrhea and, added to the anti-inflammatory properties, mitigate the effects of dandruff and psoriasis on the scalp.
Fenugreek seeds, meanwhile, mitigate dryness, inflammation and relieve irritation caused by continuous peeling. Therefore, combined, these two ingredients work wonders to restore health to your hair. Prepare them in the following way to improve dry and flaky scalp :
- Mix 15 ml of sesame oil with 5 g of previously ground fenugreek seeds.
- Apply the mixture directly on the scalp. We recommend separating your hair into strands so that the preparation works more effectively.
- Massage slowly and leave for 10 minutes.
- Wash your hair normally, with warm water and shampoo.
Coconut oil with lemon
If you are wondering how to moisturize the scalp without making it greasy , coconut oil is your best option. Possessing antifungal properties, this oil helps eliminate seborrhea, moisturizing the hair without making it greasy. If you combine it with lemon you will get better results, because lemon helps prevent dandruff. This is how you should use coconut oil with lemon to avoid hair flaking:
- Take 15 ml of coconut oil and add the juice of 1 lemon, previously strained.
- Stir the mixture well and apply it directly on the scalp.
- Massage slowly and leave for 5 minutes.
- After that, wash your hair with plenty of warm water and shampoo.
You can apply the treatment two or three times a week, preferably at night. However, it is not recommended to use it if you suffer from psoriasis, as the lemon will irritate the scalp more. In that case, we recommend the following home remedy.
If you want to know more ways to moisturize the scalp, we invite you to visit our article Home remedies for dry scalp .
Castor oil with thyme
If the flaking is caused by psoriasis on the scalp , castor oil will do great things for you. Psoriasis is a cellular condition that produces scaly lesions and continuous irritation on the skin. Castor oil works as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory, helping to relieve itching and irritation.
In addition, it contains vitamin E and bactericidal properties that prevent infections and mitigate flaking. Likewise, thyme has an antiseptic and antimicrobial effect, ideal for combating skin irritation. How to prepare this anti-scaling mixture? Follow these simple steps:
- In a container, add 10 ml of castor oil.
- Add finely chopped thyme and stir well.
- Apply the mixture directly on the scalp, previously moistened with warm water.
- Massage carefully, completely covering the head.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes and then wash your hair with warm water and shampoo.
You can apply this treatment 3 times a week before washing your hair.
Sesame oil with fenugreek seeds
Sesame oil is an excellent hair moisturizer , since it contains fatty acids and vitamin E. These components cut seborrhea and, added to the anti-inflammatory properties, mitigate the effects of dandruff and psoriasis on the scalp.
Fenugreek seeds, meanwhile, mitigate dryness, inflammation and relieve irritation caused by continuous peeling. Therefore, combined, these two ingredients work wonders to restore health to your hair. Prepare them in the following way to improve dry and flaky scalp :
- Mix 15 ml of sesame oil with 5 g of previously ground fenugreek seeds.
- Apply the mixture directly on the scalp. We recommend separating your hair into strands so that the preparation works more effectively.
- Massage slowly and leave for 10 minutes.
- Wash your hair normally, with warm water and shampoo.
Apple vinager
Apple cider vinegar works wonders for the scalp, as it helps restore the pH of the skin, cleaning the pores clogged by seborrhea. It is also known as a powerful bactericide, very effective against nits in the hair. This is how you should apply apple cider vinegar to combat hair flaking:
- In a glass container, mix 300 ml of apple cider vinegar with 300 ml of water.
- Let the mixture sit for 24 hours.
- The next day, apply the preparation on your head. Massage slowly and completely soak the scalp.
- 10 minutes later, wash your hair with plenty of warm water and shampoo. Applying the treatment once a week you will notice the difference.
We tell you more about the properties of apple cider vinegar for hair in our article How to use apple cider vinegar for dandruff .
Aloe vera
Known worldwide for its antifungal and antibacterial properties , aloe vera is one of the most common natural products used in scalp treatments. Ideal for combating seborrhea and dandruff, this plant deeply cleanses the scalp, moisturizing it without making it greasy. This is how you should use it against scaling of the scalp:
- Cut an aloe vera leaf and extract its juice in a container. Gather 5 ml of juice extract.
- Moisten your head well with warm water.
- Apply the aloe vera extract directly on the scalp. Massage slowly for 5 minutes.
- Wash your hair well with plenty of warm water and your trusted shampoo.
Apply aloe vera daily, before bathing, for 1 week and you will see immediate results.
Aspirin
Among the home remedies for scaling of the scalp, aspirin is one of the most striking. Why is common aspirin good for dry hair ? Because it contains acetylsalicylic acid, a common compound found in anti-dandruff and hair-loss shampoos.
This acid has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it serves to relieve the symptoms caused by dandruff and psoriasis. To prevent flaking of the scalp with aspirin, you just have to follow these simple steps:
- Crush two aspirins into a powder.
- Dissolve the crushed aspirin in 5 ml of your anti-dandruff shampoo. Add a teaspoon of white vinegar.
- Mix to form a paste.
- Apply directly to the scalp, massage, and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Then, wash your hair well with lukewarm water and your anti-dandruff shampoo.
Listerine
Strange as it may seem, Listerine also works as an anti-scaling agent. This is because the product was originally launched as an antiseptic to relieve insect bites and to clean wounds.
In turn, Listerine was also tested, with positive results, as a treatment for dandruff and athlete's foot, before establishing itself as a mouthwash. The product contains eucalyptus and thymol, two components with antifungal properties, as well as menthol and methyl salicylate, which have analgesic properties.
Thanks to this, it helps prevent dandruff, controlling the fungus that produces it and preventing the scalp from drying out. How to remove dandruff with Listerine and use it to prevent flaking of the scalp? We tell you in this simple step by step:
- In a container with a diffuser, add 15 ml of Listerine. Add 15 ml of baby oil and mix well.
- Separate your hair into sections so that the scalp is as exposed as possible.
- Wet your head with warm water.
- Using the diffuser from the container, apply the Listerine directly to the scalp until it is completely covered.
- Massage slowly and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Wash your hair with lukewarm water and your trusted shampoo.
If your scalp is very irritated or has open wounds, rule out the use of Listerine. Also, avoid contact of the product with your eyes.
Sodium bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate represents an excellent preventive agent against scabs on the scalp. This product combats seborrhea, avoiding excess sebum and fat in the leather. Similarly, baking soda relieves irritation caused by dryness and dandruff. To prevent a dry, flaky scalp, use baking soda as follows:
- Mix 2 teaspoons of baking soda with a little water to form a thick paste.
- Wet your hair and rub the paste directly onto your scalp.
- Massage in a circular motion, with emphasis on the areas that present the most flaking.
- Let stand for 15 minutes and wash your hair well with plenty of warm water.
You can use this treatment 2 or 3 times a week . Do not use shampoo after applying the treatment so as not to mistreat the scalp.
Before applying any of these peeling treatments, we recommend you go to the doctor. This way you will be able to know exactly what type of problem your scalp presents and what causes it. Similarly, you must make sure you are not allergic to any component before using it.