Foods that Help Dry Scalp, Dandruff and Dry Hair

Our hair is one thing we do not want to have to cover up. Sure, we can don hats and scarves to hide dandruff, or dry, damaged hair, but we do not want to have to wear them all the time. It would be much easier just to have shiny, flake-free hair. Unfortunately, that is not as easy as wash, brush, and repeat for some of us. Dandruff and dry hair can be something passed on to us from our parents or caused by a medical condition. Luckily, there are some tricks to help clear up these hair problems and they do not involve buying expensive shampoos that often make the problem worse. They involve food.

Dry Hair

Foods that help dry hair contain/are oil or contain protein. Protein is essential to hair health and oil, well, oil makes our hair less dry simply by being oily. In fact, our body produces oils that keep our hair shiny and soft. It makes sense to add some more if you are not making enough. That does not mean you should put any old oil in your hair. Coconut oil is recommended. Just massage it into your scalp before bedtime and leave it in until morning. You should wear a shower cap to bed so you do not stain your pillowcases.

When you make an egg for breakfast, go ahead and whisk up a raw egg, warm it slightly and massage it into your hair. Leave it in for up to 30 minutes. If the smell of the raw egg bothers you, add a little coconut oil or milk to your rinse water.

Mayonnaise contains both eggs and oil. It makes sense that such a food would be good for dry hair and old wives say that it is. Apply mayonnaise to your hair as a conditioner and let it set for at least five minutes. Like the egg, it might leave a scent behind, so be just add a little coconut oil or milk to your rinse water.

Omega-3 fatty acids are good for your brain, your skin and you hair. One of the best sources of these miracle acids is salmon. Now, do not go rubbing it in your hair, but do incorporate some salmon into your diet.

Dry Scalp/Dandruff

Dandruff is one of the most embarrassing hair problems. It is itchy and annoying. Dry scalp is much the same, but it can also be painful. Do not worry. Just like everything else in life, food is to the rescue.

Coconuts are king when it comes to hair problems. Just like with dry hair, coconut oil and milk can help with dry scalp. What is even better is coconut contains anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. That can be helpful if your dandruff is caused by fungus. Apply the oil before bed and leave it in overnight. Wash regularly in the morning. Coconut milk can be added to your rinse water or massaged into hair before washing.

Lemon Juice is not so much for dry scalp as it is for dandruff. Massage the juice (100% only) into your scalp. Leave it in for at least 20 minutes, then rinse. Do not use on damaged skin, such as that caused by itchy, dry scalp, it will burn. If the burning sensation does not bother you, go ahead and use it. It is a natural antiseptic, so will keep your damaged skin clean.

One food product that is good for dry scalp and dandruff is good for dry skin too and that is apple cider vinegar. Apply to your hair the same as you would lemon juice. Do not be afraid to use a teaspoon or two in body or hair rinse water as well.

When you wash any of these food products out of your hair, it is a good idea to rinse with cool water and use organic shampoos. Some of the chemicals in shampoo actually make your hair drier. Hot water is never good for your hair.

Sources

Lemon Juice for Dandruff, retrieved 3/14/11, dryscalpremedies.com/2011/01/lemon-juice-for-dandruff.html

Parker, Hillary, Top 10 Foods for Healthy Hair, retrieved 3/14/11, webmd.com/skin-beauty/features/top-10-foods-for-healthy-hair

Remedies for Dry Hair, retrieved 3/14/11, womenshealthcaretopics.com/bn_hair_Dry_Hair_Remedies.htm

Natural Cures for Dry Hair, retrieved 3/14/11, natural-cures-for.com/remedies/dry-hair