In this article
- What causes dry scalp?
- 5 DIY hair masks for dry scalp
- 1. Aloe vera
- 2. Banana
- 3. Coconut oil
- 4. Apple cider vinegar
- 5. Yogurt and lemon
- 6. Avocado & oat milk elixir
- 7. Fenugreek & rose water treatment
- 8. Raw honey & green tea scalp mask
- Alternative dry scalp treatments
- The verdict: Are hair masks good for dry scalp?
Does mashing bananas in your hair really help with a dry scalp? You might be surprised to learn that it can, and there is a method to the madness!
In this article, we introduce you to eight DIY hair masks for dry scalp that are proven to work when you apply them regularly.
What causes dry scalp?
There are numerous potential causes of dry scalp. Sometimes it is caused by external factors like the weather or by allergic reactions, which you have no control over.
However, you can also suffer from dry scalp by using harmful hair products. Opting for products with ingredients like parabens and sulfates can cause your scalp to dry out, so switching to natural, organic products is a smart move.
Another cause of dry scalp is using your hair dryer's hottest setting. Blow-drying your hair with too much heat causes both your scalp and hair to dry out. To avoid this, you can switch to an ionic hair dryer with adjustable heat settings, such as the Laifen Swift Special.
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• Pampering experience – Makes routine faster and more enjoyable.
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If any of these potential causes ring true, wearing a hair mask for dry scalp can help to rejuvenate your hair and head. Below are some options to consider.
8 DIY hair masks for dry scalp
Below are five at home hair masks for dry scalp you can try to add moisture to your hair and scalp. Though results vary from person to person, you can expect to see a positive impact if you wear the hair mask regularly, over the course of a few weeks or months.
1. Aloe vera
As well as being a key ingredient for burn treatment, aloe vera can be brilliant for the health of your hair and scalp. It is rich in fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamins, which promote the health of your follicles. Another benefit of aloe vera is that it boasts enzymes, which are good for regulating the amount of oil on your scalp.
How to use it:
The easiest way to apply this mask is to buy a tube of aloe vera gel. You can then massage a small amount of gel onto the affected areas of your scalp.
Alternatively, combine two tablespoons of aloe vera with the same amount of olive oil, and apply generously to your scalp.
2. Banana
Mashing bananas in your hair might seem offputting at first, but these fruits are a superb source of potassium and magnesium, which can work wonders for your dry scalp. If you suffer with dry, frizzy hair, bananas can also soften your hair and add shine, helping your hair's appearance as well as its health.
How to use it:
Combine two bananas with one tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of honey.
Mash the ingredients together to create a paste and apply it to your scalp. You can leave it on your scalp for around thirty minutes, before washing your hair with shampoo and water.
Though it sounds, quirky, banana is one fo the best hair masks for dry scalp.
3. Coconut oil
You probably don't need us to tell you about the myriad benefits coconut oil can have on your hair, but we're going to anyway! It has superb moisturizing benefits and has crucial nutrients and vitamins that can stimulate hair follicle growth. You can also use coconut oil as the base of another hair mask, and you can combine it with the likes of aloe vera and tea tree oil before applying it as a hair mask.
How to use it:
You can easily buy a tub of coconut oil from your local supermarket if you don't already have some in your cupboard. You will need to melt the oil over a low flame to reduce it to its liquid form.
Then, wait for it to cool down and apply it generously to your scalp.
After 30-40 minutes, remove it and wash your hair thoroughly.
4. Apple cider vinegar
Perhaps the best hair mask for dry hair and scalp is one that contains apple cider vinegar. It's brilliant for clarifying the scalp, while removing the build-up from hair products and excess sebum. It is also great for balancing the pH level of your scalp, which makes this a great hair mask for dry scalp and dandruff. We recommend combining apple cider vinegar with honey to make an easy yet effective DIY hair mask.
How to use it:
Combine half a cup of apple cider vinegar with two tablespoons of honey and create a smooth mixture.
Then, apply it liberally to your hair and leave it for around thirty minutes before washing it out.
5. Yogurt and lemon
Another great DIY hair mask for dry hair and scalp is a yogurt and lemon combination. Yogurt contains lactic acid, which has exfoliating properties and removes dead skin from the scalp. Lemon, on the other hand, is high in Vitamin C, which is cleansing and can regulate oil production on your head.
How to use it:
Buy half a cup of plain, natural yogurt and combine it with two tablespoons of lemon juice.
Mix them together and create a consistent mixture, before using a brush to apply it to your scalp.
Then, leave it for thirty minutes before thoroughly washing your hair with warm water and shampoo.
6. Avocado & oat milk elixir
Avocados are packed with healthy fats and antioxidants, while oat milk calms irritation and delivers a soft, hydrating layer to dry, flaky scalps. Together, they create a nutrient-rich mask that’s perfect for reviving dull hair and soothing an itchy scalp.
How to use it:
Mash one ripe avocado and slowly blend it with 3–4 tablespoons of unsweetened oat milk until you get a creamy consistency.
Massage into the scalp and leave it on for 25–30 minutes.
7. Fenugreek & rose water treatment
The hair mask DIY dry hair seeds are an ancient remedy for dry scalp, thanks to their natural emollients and antifungal properties. Paired with rose water, which soothes and cools the skin, this is a powerhouse combination that tackles both dryness and scalp inflammation.
How to use it:
Soak 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds overnight in water.
Grind into a fine paste and mix in 2 tablespoons of rose water.
Apply generously to the scalp and let it sit for 30–40 minutes before rinsing.
8. Raw honey & green tea scalp mask
Want a DIY hair mask for hair growth? Green tea is full of antioxidants that boost scalp health, and when mixed with raw honey it locks in moisture like nothing else. This duo is especially effective for flaky scalps and improving overall hair texture.
How to use it:
Brew one cup of strong green tea and let it cool.
Mix in 1–2 tablespoons of raw honey.
Stir well and apply to the scalp using a spray bottle or cotton pad.
Leave for 20–25 minutes, then rinse out with lukewarm water.
Alternative dry scalp treatments
DIY masks are fantastic, but they’re not the only route to a healthier scalp. In fact, treating a dry scalp often calls for a broader approach when it’s caused by environmental triggers, lifestyle factors, or even hidden irritants in your hair routine. Below, we introduce alternative treatments for dry scalp that go beyond the mixing bowl.
Scalp micro-exfoliation with natural scrubs
Most people exfoliate their skin, but forget the skin on their head needs just as much love. Micro-exfoliating the scalp once a week with a natural scrub can help remove dead skin, product buildup, and flakes that clog follicles.
Switching to a sulfate-free, pH-balanced shampoo
One of the most overlooked dry scalp culprits? Your shampoo. Sulfates can strip your scalp of its natural oils, leaving it tight, itchy, and prone to flaking. Instead, opt for a sulfate-free, pH-balanced formula made with gentle botanicals like chamomile, aloe, or calendula.
Blow-dry with the Laifen SE hair dryer (The smart way)
It might surprise you, but your hair dryer could either be helping or hurting your scalp. The Laifen SE is designed with smart temperature regulation and ionic tech, which helps retain moisture in both your hair and scalp. SE doesn’t blast high, inconsistent heat that can dry out sensitive skin. Blow-dry from a safe distance on a low-heat setting, and always point the airflow down the hair shaft to avoid scalp stress.
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• Low-heat mode protects sensitive, dry scalps
• Ionic care helps retain moisture and reduce flakiness
• Even airflow prevents hot spots and irritation
• Quiet operation for a more soothing drying experience
• Fast drying reduces scalp exposure to heat
• Ionic care helps retain moisture and reduce flakiness
• Even airflow prevents hot spots and irritation
• Quiet operation for a more soothing drying experience
• Fast drying reduces scalp exposure to heat
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Scalp massage with essential oils
A nightly or weekly scalp massage is therapeutic. Massaging boosts blood flow, which stimulates oil production and helps carry nutrients to the follicles. Try it with a blend of carrier oil (like argan or sweet almond) and a few drops of lavender or rosemary essential oil. You can use your fingertips to knead the scalp in circular motions.
The verdict: Are hair masks good for dry scalp?
Applying a homemade hair mask for dry hair and scalp can be a great way to restore moisture to your head. You can apply a hair mask once every week until you see positive results, and you can use any of the combinations introduced above.
After treating your hair with a mask, make sure you stop using harmful products in your hair and switch to a hair dryer like the Laifen Swift that prevents your hair and scalp from drying out.
