With the end of summer and cold weather approaching, it’s time to start thinking about protecting your hair and scalp for the upcoming seasons. Most will protect their hair and ends by wearing protective styles i.e. buns, up-dos, braids, cornrows and twists, but we also have to remember to protect our scalp. Dry scalp is particularly common in the cold weather or if you have high central heating because both can affect the amount of moisture in the scalp.
There are several essential oils that can be used for treating dry scalp.
Basil: Promotes growth by stimulating blood flow.
Chamomile: Chamomile helps to retract skin cells that have been inflamed from chemical procedures and the sun.
Clary Sage: Clarifies the scalp. It cleans away impurities and works well with other herbs to heal scalp problems such as psoriasis and helps when used with zinc to end dandruff symptoms.
Lavender:Soothes the scalp. It’s good for itchiness, dandruff, and even lice.
Lemon Oil: Works well for dry scalp, dandruff, lice, and underactive sebaceous glands. Be very careful to only use lemon on hair that is too oily as this can seriously dry out the hair after just one washing or rinse.
Orange Oil: Regulates the production of sebum.
Peppermint: Promotes hair growth by stimulating blood flow.
Rosemary: Treats dandruff and promotes hair growth (should not be used by those with high blood pressure or during pregnancy).
Sandalwood: An astringent, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. Soothes dry and irritated scalp.
Tea Tree: Good for oily hair, dry scalp, dandruff, lice, and underactive sebaceous glands.
Ylang-ylang: Regulates sebum production and stimulates hair growth.
Neem: An effective fungicide and insecticide (great for head lice when used with geranium, rosemary, lavender and eucalyptus oils).
Remember: Essential oils should be mixed with carrier oils before putting them directly on your scalp.

Sweet Almond Oil: An emollient, nourishes, softens and re-conditions the skin. It is rich in proteins and Vitamin D.
Olive Oil: Nourishes, conditions, and improves the strength and elasticity of your hair.
Jojoba Oil: Moisturizes and helps to rebalance sebum.
Avocado Oil: Contains vitamins A, E, D and beta carotene.
Grapeseed Oil: Contains minerals and vitamins that moisturize and help strengthen hair. Has a high content of linoleic acid, an important fatty acid that supports cell health.
Oatmeal and EO for Dry Itchy Scalp
Take ¼ oatmeal and soak in water for 20 minutes. Mix well and then strain the liquid, adding it to a cup. Add 5 drops lavender oil (or lavender stalks steeped in ¼ cup hot water). Add 5 drops of rosemary (or rosemary stalks steeped in ¼ cup hot water). Allow to cool until tepid. Mix the liquids together and dab onto your scalp. Leave in for 10 minutes to soothe the itch.
Dry Scalp Hot Oil Treatment
You will need: ¼ Avocado oil, 1 tablespoon Rosemary oil, 1 tablespoon Tea Tree oil.
Mix oils in a spray bottle. Warm up a cup of water, place bottle in cup of water for 5 minutes to warm the oil. Add a few sprays of mixture in small sections on the scalp. Continue to rub through entire scalp and massage for about 5 minutes. Leave it on for 30 minutes or overnight. Follow with a good shampoo and conditioner; recommended twice a week.






