A flaky scalp means that it is time for conditioning care for the hair and scalp. Dandruff is not necessarily a threat to hair health, but it can potentially inhibit hair growth by clogging hair follicles. Flaky skin is also a cosmetic nuisance. I tend to notice flakiness when I skip a day of shampooing. This can cause a buildup of skin cells and oil which can inhibit the growth of beautiful, healthy hair.
Whether the result of dry skin or oily skin, it is easy to reduce the flaking and itchiness with a nourishing, balancing olive oil treatment. Warm oil will treat both the hair and the scalp. Olive oil conditions and moisturizes. Add essential oils such as rosemary and lavender for a more dynamic therapeutic effect. Rosemary is naturally stimulating, helping to boost circulation. It also has astringent properties, which makes it great for toning the skin and reducing oily skin or dryness. Aside from having a lovely, calming aroma, lavender helps to normalize the skin, while also protecting the scalp from a bacterial or fungal infection.
To make this homemade treatment follow the following steps:
- Pour five to six tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil into a sealable plastic bag and add three drops each of rosemary and lavender essential oil.
- Seal the bag shut and then set it in a bowl of very hot water to gently heat the oils.
- Let the treatment warm while wetting hair.
- Comb the rosemary and lavender olive oil through hair with your fingertips, distributing evenly from roots to tips.
- Gently massage the scalp to increase circulation and to loosen dead skin cells.
- Cover the head with a towel and let the treatment condition for another ten minutes.
- Rinse hair and shampoo and condition as normal.
Use once a month as a conditioning boost.
