How to Treat Oily Hair & Itchy, Dry, Flaky Scalp

Simply washing more frequently won't help most hair-health issues -- if you suffer from oily hair or a dry, flaky scalp, a symptom-targeted haircare routine may help. Oil overproduction exacerbated by excessive washing or poor product selection keep your hair looking and feeling greasy shortly after showering. Dry flakes form in the face of low hydration, overly hot showers and exposure to indoor heating in the winter. Keep your hair healthy and hydrated to just the right degree with a regular cleansing routine.

Oily Hair

Wash with a shampoo formulated for oily hair once daily. Condition the ends of the hair only once every few days.

Wash three times per week with a salicylic-acid shampoo treatment to combat oily hair and greasy flakes.

Restore scalp pH once each week. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with clear shampoo to wash. Rinse with a mixture of 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1 cup of water and three drops of lavender oil.

Dust hair powder onto your roots once daily to soak up extra oil at the scalp as needed.

Dry Scalp

Wash once daily with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner. If flakes are a problem, wash with a shampoo formulated to treat dandruff.

Massage the scalp once each week. Coat your fingers with olive oil and work them against the scalp in small circles to loosen dry skin and improve blood flow. Wash your hair immediately following the massage.

Treat your hair with hot oil once each week to moisturize. Wash with a creamy shampoo, then towel-dry your hair. Pour 1/4 cup of warm jojoba oil onto your scalp and wrap your hair in a towel for 20 minutes. Wash hair immediately to remove oil.

Tips

If dandruff and scalp itching persists, consult a doctor for a prescription-strength shampoo. You may have a scalp fungal infection.