When scalp loses its natural moisture, it becomes dry, flaky, and itchy. It’s usually caused by a lack of natural oils on the scalp, which occurs because of a variety of different factors. White or grayish flakes can appear and eventually fall onto shoulders, which feel uncomfortable and embarrassing. Fortunately, dry scalp can be managed easily with proper vegan hair products designed to moisturize and be gentle.
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Dry & Irritated Scalp: The Causes
Dry scalp can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Weather conditions: Dry, cold weather or low humidity can cause the scalp to lose moisture, leading to dryness and itching
- Overwashing: Washing your hair too frequently can strip the scalp of its natural oils, leading to dryness
- Harsh hair products: Dyes, shampoos, conditioners, and styling products that contain harsh chemicals, such as sulfates, can irritate the scalp and cause dryness
- Skin conditions: Conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis can cause dryness and itching on the scalp
- Age: As we age, our skin produces less oil, resulting in a dry scalp
- Poor diet: A diet low in essential fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals may contribute to scalp’s dryness
- Stress: Stress can affect the body’s hormonal balance and lead to changes in the skin
- Certain medications: Some medications can cause dryness of the skin
Soothing Dry Scalp, The Vegan Way
Vegan hair products for dry scalp are hair care products that are made without any animal-derived ingredients and are designed to help soothe and hydrate dry and irritated scalps. There are a variety of vegan hair products that can be used to address dry scalp concerns, including shampoos, conditioners and hair oils.
Vegan Ingredients for Dry Scalp
Some of the key ingredients found in vegan hair products for dry scalp include natural oils such as coconut oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil. These oils are rich in nutrients and can help to hydrate and nourish the scalp, reducing dryness and irritation.
Other ingredients commonly found in vegan hair products for dry scalp include aloe vera, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe the scalp, and tea tree oil, which has antifungal properties that can help to prevent dandruff and other scalp issues.
Avoid Chemicals
When selecting vegan hair products for dry scalp, it’s important to look for products that are gentle and non-irritating. Harsh chemicals and fragrances can further aggravate dry scalp conditions, so it’s best to choose products that are free from these ingredients.
Overall, vegan hair products for dry scalp can be a great choice for individuals who are looking for a natural and eco-friendly solution to their scalp concerns. These products are typically made with high-quality, nourishing ingredients that can help to improve scalp health and promote healthy hair growth.
Best Vegan Shampoos for Dry Scalp
When choosing a vegan shampoo for dry scalp, it is important to look for one that is free of harsh chemicals and sulfates, which can further strip the scalp of its natural oils. The best vegan shampoos to treat dry scalp are typically made with natural ingredients, such as plant extracts, essential oils, and vitamins, that are gentle on the scalp and help to restore its natural moisture balance. After cleansing your hair, don’t forget a vegan conditioner designed for dry scalp.
Japanese Moist Shampoo | Apricot & Jasmine
Botanist
- Moisturizes while cleansing, leaving hair impressively smooth and glossy
- Olive leaf extract hydrates hair and white birch water helps retain moisture
- No parabens, silicone, sulfates, phthalates or artificial colors
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- 16.5 fl oz / 490 mL
Fragrance-Free Shampoo for Dry & Sensitive Scalp
Tree to Tub
- Helps balance scalp pH with neutralizing ingredients
- Contains argan oil, soapberry, aloe vera, chamomile and olive
- No sulfates, parabens, or fragrance
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- 8.5 fl oz / 250 mL
Coconut Oil & Ylang Ylang Shampoo for Split Ends & Dry Hair
Love Beauty And Planet
- Repairs damaged strands and help prevent split ends
- 93% naturally derived
- No parabens, silicone, sulfates, dye or phthalates
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- 32.3 fl oz / 955 mL
Best Vegan Conditioners for Dry Scalp
When choosing a vegan conditioner for dry scalp, choose one that is free of silicones, which can further dry out the scalp and hair. Vegan conditioners contain plant extracts, essential oils, and vitamins to nourish the scalp. They help to restore scalp’s natural moisture balance. And more importantly, they are gentle. After shampoo, apply a vegan conditioner to the hair, and try to avoid putting too much on the scalp, as it can weigh down the hair and cause further dryness and irritation.
Moisturizing Plant-Based Conditioner with Organic Calendula
Babo Botanicals
- Formulated to nourish and protect the scalp
- Suitable for kids and babies
- Clinically tested under dermatological control
- No parabens, phthalates or icky chemicals
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- 6 fl oz / 180 mL
Dry Scalp Nourishing Conditioner
Jupiter
- With probiotics (to support a balanced scalp microbiome) and vitamin E (helps to improve the appearance of dry skin through its antioxidant properties)
- Contains oat Kernel (supports the scalp’s moisture barrier)
- All-natural fragrance formulated with mint, vanilla, rosemary, sage, tangerine and lavender essential oils
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- 9.5 fl oz / 280 mL
beard
Moisturizing Conditioner for Dry Hair & Dry Scalp
Tree To Tub
- Made with argan oil and organic coconut oil to deliver deeper, restorative moisture to all hair types
- Calms sensitive skin
- Adds bounce & gloss to damaged hair
- No sulfates or artificial fragance
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- 8.5 fl oz / 250 mL
Best Vegan Oils & Serums for Dry Scalp
Coconut, argan, tea tree, rosemary or jojoba oils all have wonderful properties to nourish, hydrate and protect the scalp from dryness and irritations. When using any of these vegan hair oils, apply them properly to ensure that they fully penetrate the scalp and provide the best benefits. This means massaging the oil into the scalp and leaving it on for several hours or overnight before washing it out with a gentle shampoo. Last but not least, always go for lightweight oil and avoid using too much, as it can make hair greasy and weigh it down.
Raw Extra-Virgin Organic Coconut Oil
Garden of Life
- Keeps hair healthy and moisturized
- 100% unrefined organic coconut oil
- Not hydrogenated, bleached, or deodorized
- Non-GMO, USDA Organic certified
- Gluten-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- 29 fl oz / 857 mL
100% Pure Argan Oil for Hair
Mother Nature Organics
- Helps to grow longer and thicker hair
- 100% pure and chemical-free, no derivatives, diluents, synthetics or pesticides
- Certified organic by USDA
- Non-GMO
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- 4 fl oz / 120 mL
100% Pure Organic Jojoba Oil
Cliganic
- Helps to reduce grease, adds shine, and protects against split ends
- Helps to reduce flakes and itchiness caused by a dry scalp
- 100% pure, single-ingredient product (jojoba), no synthetic additives
- USDA organic certified
- Vegan, cruelty free
- 16 fl oz / 480 mL
Dry Scalp Prevention
Here are some tips on how to prevent dry scalp:
- Wash your hair less frequently: Overwashing your hair can strip the scalp of its natural oils, so try to wash your hair every other day or every few days, depending on your hair type and activity level
- Avoid hot water: Hot water can dry out the scalp and hair, so try to wash your hair with lukewarm water instead
- Avoid using heat styling tools: Heat styling tools, such as hair dryers, curling irons, and straighteners, can further dry out the scalp and hair, so try to limit your use of these tools or use them on a lower heat setting
- Protect your scalp from the sun: If you spend a lot of time in the sun, wear a hat or use a leave-in conditioner with SPF to protect your scalp from UV rays
- Eat a healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids can help to promote healthy hair and scalp
- Manage stress: Stress can affect the body’s hormonal balance and lead to changes in the skin, including the scalp, so try to manage stress through exercise, meditation, or other relaxation techniques
