Summer Hair Care Routine for Dry and Itchy Scalp

Summer is here, and so are sweat, humidity, and heat, which can make your hair frizzy and dull and your scalp dry and itchy. 

Did you know your dry and itchy scalp (due to sweat or heat), if left untreated, can become inflamed and prone to dandruff? (1)

For this reason, a good summer hair care routine for itchy and dry scalp with natural ingredients is needed to soothe and moisturize your scalp.

Whether your hair is straight, curly, thick, or thin, incorporating gentle and effective products in your hair care routine can give you a smooth, refreshed, and nourished scalp. 

Continue reading to learn more about the recommended hair care steps and the dos and don’ts for a beautiful and gorgeous mane this summer.  

Summer Hair Care Routine for Dry and Itchy Scalp

Follow these simple steps for itchy and dry scalp.

1. Choose a gentle, moisturizing shampoo 

Harsh shampoos remove the natural oils of the scalp and hair, leading to itchiness and dryness. (2) 

Researchers claim that using a medicated shampoo is suitable for relieving scaly and itchy scalp, as it alleviates scalp scale production, eliminates excess sebum, and acts as an antifungal and antibacterial agent.

You can also use dry hair shampoo, which provides mild cleansing and good conditioning. Another great choice is a 2-in-1 shampoo, which is also a conditioner for dry hair, as it treats itchy and dry scalp. (3) 

Look for natural ingredients (such as bhringraj, reetha or soapnut, tulsi, hibiscus, and ginger) in your shampoo. (4)

2. Wash your scalp with cold or lukewarm water

The natural oils in your scalp moisturize your hair, (5) preventing itchiness and dryness. Hot water strips your scalp of these oils and causes irritation. (6)

For these reasons, it is advised to use lukewarm water or cold water to retain your scalp’s moisture. 

3. Massage your scalp with nourishing oils

If you have a dry and itchy scalp, use natural oils. Oils such as rosemary oil, lime oil, or tea tree oil fight dandruff-causing germs. (7)

You can also combine these oils with other oils such as jojoba oil and grape seed oil to massage your scalp daily. Doing so reduces scalp itchiness, enhances blood flow, and moisturizes your scalp. (8)

4. Apply hydrating masks on your scalp

Hydrating masks reduce flakiness and dryness and also condition and nourish the scalp. For homemade masks, ingredients such as bananas, (9) avocados, (10) and aloe vera (11) can be used.

5. Protect your scalp from sun exposure

UV exposure can damage your scalp and hair in many ways, such as causing discoloration and bleaching your hair, especially if it’s colored.

It can also cause hair dryness, breakage, brittleness, and frizziness. In some cases, sunburn on the scalp can cause flaking and itchiness.

Therefore, wear hair sunscreen, a scarf, or a hat when outdoors to avoid sun damage. (12)(13)

Homemade Hair Masks for Dry and Itchy Scalp

The following are homemade hair masks you can prepare and apply to relieve a dry and itchy scalp.  

1. Banana and avocado hair mask

How to make:

1. Mash one banana and half of a ripe avocado until there are no lumps.
2. Add 2 tbsp of olive oil and mix thoroughly. 
3. The mask is ready.

How to use:

1. Wash your hair and dry it thoroughly. 
2. Part your hair in sections. 
3. Thoroughly apply the mask from roots to tips, and cover all of your hair.
4. Let it sit for 30 minutes, and put on a shower cap.
5. Use lukewarm water to wash off the mask and shampoo afterward. 

2. Banana and aloe vera hair mask

How to make:

1. Blend one scoop of aloe vera pulp from the leaf and two medium-sized bananas. 
2. Blend them thoroughly to get a lump-free mixture.
3. The mask is ready.

How to use:

1. Shampoo your hair and dry it off completely.
2. Use a hair color brush to evenly apply the mixture from the hair roots to the tips.
3. Tie your hair in a loose bun and cover it with a shower cap.
4. Let it sit for 2 hours.
5. Rinse it off using cold water and shampoo afterward. 

Dos and Don’ts for Dry and Itchy Scalp in the Summer

The following are the dos and don’ts for itchy and dry scalp.

Dos:

• Apply a moisturizing and gentle shampoo that is suitable for your hair type.
• Limit your hair wash to twice or thrice a week. 
• Scrub your scalp weekly to eliminate oil and dirt buildup.
• Use apple cider vinegar to wash your hair to fight dandruff.  
• Use dry shampoo in between hair washes to keep the scalp fresh.
• Apply a hair mask or a leave-in conditioner for hair hydration.
• Consume foods rich in biotin and omega-3 fatty acids, and drink plenty of fluids. 
• Use an umbrella or wear a hat to shield your hair from sunlight. 

Don’ts:

• Avoid overwashing your hair, as it can eliminate the scalp’s natural oils.
• Avoid heat styling tools to prevent hair dryness and breakage. 
• Avoid products containing harsh chemicals that may cause scalp irritation.
• Avoid scalp scratching as it may lead to infection and inflammation.
• Avoid smoking, as it can affect hair growth by lowering blood flow to your scalp.

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Final Word

To keep your scalp and hair sun protected, refreshed, healthy, and clean this summer, follow a proper hair care routine and wear sunscreen, a scarf, or a hat outdoors.

Keep yourself hydrated, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid heat styling tools to enjoy beautiful, silky-smooth hair throughout the season.

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