Dry Scalp Mask {Dandruff,Hair loss}

Itchy and irritated scalp, dandruff, losing hair – these are problems that both women and men face regularly. I’ve experience this since I was a teenager. 

I want to share my tried and true mask that helps to clear the root cause of a dry scalp: My Aloe Vera Acv Scalp Mask! This antibacterial/antifungal herbal masks helps to fight the bacteria and fungus that causes scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, dandruff and the like. A bonus is that it makes you hair smooth, stimulates hair growth and reduces the irritation and inflammation. 

Why This Mask Helps with Scalp Issues

Instructions & How to’s

  • Aloe vera plant, leaf, or organic aloe gel 
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (ACV)**
  • 1 tbsp cold pressed hemp/avocado/olive oil (optional)
  • water
  • 2-3 tbsp Bhringraj oil (optional) 

Cut the Aloe Vera in two halves, scrape the gel off the leaf. You should be left with a lumpy translucent gel. In a high speed blender, place the gel and apple cider vinegar and blend. Option to add oil if your scalp is extremely dry.  Pour the mixture into a mason jar. 

After wetting your hair in the shower, pat dry and brush your hair. It’s easier to soak the mask onto wet hair as the pores are open. Massage the mask into your scalp, separating your hair in sections, making sure its spread throughout the scalp. Remove any excess liquid from hair, brush it and tie it up into a bun. Let it sit for as long as you can. I sometimes leave it over night. Wash your hair normally after. 

Note: If your scalp is really itchy and inflamed I’d suggest washing your hair with non toxic shampoos and conditioners. You can get one that is fragrant free and add some peppermint or tea tree oil (which have cooling, and extra antibacterial properties). 

**apple cider vinegar has a pungent smell, so I suggest doing this mask when you’re home for a couple of hours. I usually put on the mask when my hair is dirty, a few hours before going to sleep.

How Does It Work?

The scalp (hair shaft) is part of the outermost layer of the skin. The hair shaft and skin are both composed of tightly joined scales (dead skin) that are lined with a protective film known as the ‘acid mantle’.

The acid mantle is a slightly acidic film that separates your skin from the outside environment. It is a protective film composed of oils, amino acids and microflora that help to keep the hair moist and protect the skin from bacterial and fungal growths. 

The acidic mantle also known as the hydro-lipid film usually has a pH of 4.5-5, which ensures our scalp is protected from the growth of pathogens. The use of certain chemical shampoos and hair products can alkalize the delicate pH of our skin and disrupt the balance of acid mantle, making it more susceptible to skin disorders like acne, atopic dermatitis as well as scalp conditions like candida, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis. 

The ACV miracle. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) helps to balance the pH of your scalp which creates an unfavorable environment for the growth of fungi and bacteria (like Malassezia species) which often associated with scalp conditions. ACV also exfoliates and cleanses the build-up of dead cells and dirt, helps to shed dead skin (dandruff) and makes your hair smooth. 

Aloe vera is a miracle plant with a number of health benefits for the skin and hair. It contains over 200 active components including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, polysaccharides, and fatty acids that contribute to a heathy scalp. It contains skin-healing properties that help to reduce itching, inflammation, redness and scaling which often occurs in scalp dermatitis and psoriasis. 

Cold-Pressed Oil works to hydrate the dry scalp. Using a good quality oil like avocado, olive or hemp oil will be beneficial because of the anti-inflammatory compounds. I do not recommend using hydrogenated oils (Cottonseed, Canola, Vegetable Oils) because contain poly-unsaturated fats that have been processed heavily and are damaging for your cell membranes. 

Bhringraj oil. Bhringraj also known as Eclipta alba or Eclipta prostata, is an ancient remedy in Ayurveda used for centuries to treat hair loss. A 2008 rat study showed Bhringraj was more effective than the leading hair loss medication minoxidil in increasing hair follicle growth. Bhringraj is also shown to have antifungal and antimicrobial properties that help to reduce dandruff associated with scalp conditions. 

Sources:

Yagnik, D., Serafin, V., & J Shah, A. (2018). Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression. Scientific reports, 8(1), 1732. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-18618-x

Lee, K. H., Choi, D., Jeong, S. I., Kim, S. J., Lee, C. H., Seo, H. S., & Jeong, H. S. (2019). Eclipta prostrata promotes the induction of anagen, sustains the anagen phase through regulation of FGF-7 and FGF-5. Pharmaceutical biology, 57(1), 105–111. https://doi.org/10.1080/13880209.2018.1561729

Surjushe, A., Vasani, R., & Saple, D. G. (2008). Aloe vera: a short review. Indian journal of dermatology, 53(4), 163–166. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.44785

Pandey, M.K. & Singh, G.N. & Sharma, Rachna & Lata, S.. (2011). Antibacterial activity of Eclipta alba (L.) hassk. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science. 1. 104-107.