Get Rid of Scalp Conditions Naturally

A glossary of scalp ailments and nature’s way to treat them

Here’s a list of the most common scalp conditions that inevitably have a knock-on effect on your hair.

• Dandruff is a common condition and one that can be easily treated either with specially formulated shampoos or with natural rinses, such as vinegar. See our latest post on dandruff for a more in-depth look at the condition.
• Seborrhoea is the result of an excessively oily scalp and hair. This can be due to hygiene factors or hormonal imbalances. Usually a specialized shampoo and a healthy (as in fresh food) diet can put your hair and scalp back on track.
• Psoriasis can appear on the scalp as well as on the body. It is characterized by itchy and tender skin with flaky scales. Consult your dermatologist if you develop this condition, as you’ll need to treat it with targeted products. Hold off on your regular hair care routine during treatment, at least when it comes to styling and cleansing products.
  Seawater is known to be good for psoriasis sufferers, but remember that it should be rinsed out out your hair afterwards.
• Eczema can be at the root of scalp irritation and even soreness, and is another condition that merits a visit to the dermatologist. The upside is that it appears less on the scalp than on other parts of the body, but the downside is that there is no cure. Natural remedies known to be effective include the application of coconut oil and small doses of sunbathing.
• Contact Dermatitis is due to an allergic reaction from a product, colorant or straightener. The obvious solution is to root out the source of irritation and stop using that product. See your doctor is you are having repeat cases of contact dermatitis and can’t identify the culprit!
• Allergies to hair colorants can burn the scalp, which in turn creates dryness and even dandruff. Claudie’s tip: If you have an adverse reaction to a colorant, dissolve a pinch of sea salt in a cup of lukewarm water and rinse.