10 Ways to Moisturize Your Scalp Using Natural Ingredients

By
Joanna Parkman
Joanna Parkman
Joanna Parkman
Writer
  • Duke University, Sewanee: The University of the South

Joanna is an environmental protection specialist, science writer, and clean beauty writer. Her focuses are floodplain management, coastal resilience, environmental justice, nature-based solutions, and clean beauty DIY recipes.

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Published December 13, 2021
woman's hands add drops of coconut oil to hands for a diy hair mask

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

There is no beautiful, shiny hair without strong roots and a healthy scalp—an often-neglected component in your hair care routine.

Moisturizing your scalp is very easy. A DIY moisturizer is also better for the planet than store-bought products made with questionable or even hazardous ingredients. Plus, you probably already have everything you need for a DIY recipe right at home.

Take a look at our 10 recipes for homemade oil treatments, hair masks, and serums to help you cleanse, soothe, hydrate, restore, and rejuvenate your scalp in no time.

1
of 10

Nourishing Castor Oil and Aloe Blend

Castor oil with beans on wooden surface
Amawasri / Getty Images

This simple home serum relies on the hydrating powers of aloe vera and nutrient-dense castor oil to cleanse and restore your scalp. 

Steps

  1. Combine 1 tablespoon of castor oil with 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel.
  2. Add five drops of tea tree oil.
  3. Apply to your dry scalp and leave in for 30 minutes.
  4. Shampoo and rinse hair as usual. 

This application can be used one to four times per week.

2
of 10

Overnight Coconut Oil Mask

Coconut Oil

Jayk7 / Getty Images

Coconut oil remains a longtime hair care favorite, and for good reason. This recipe takes advantage of the ingredient’s deep hydration benefits to target your scalp.

Steps

  1. Mix 5 tablespoons of liquid coconut oil with 5 drops each of rosemary and peppermint essential oils. (If your coconut oil is in solid form, warm it over the stove or in the microwave to melt before adding essential oils).
  2. Massage the mixture into your scalp—and all over hair from roots to tips, if you desire. 
  3. If you have long hair, put it up in a bun. Wrap your hair in a towel or put on a shower cap.
  4. Leave the hair mask on for several hours or, ideally, overnight as you sleep. 
  5. Wash and rinse hair as usual.
3
of 10

Deep Conditioning Treatment

Greek yogurt (sour cream or kefir), raw egg and olive oil - ingredients for preparing diy face and hair masks, scrubs and moisturizers. Homemade beauty treatments recipe. Top view, copy space

Kazmulka / Getty Images

For an infusion of rich, hydrating ingredients, try this hair mask with egg, olive oil, and olive oil. 

Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon coconut milk

Steps

  1. Combine your egg, olive oil, honey, lime juice, and coconut milk in a bowl.
  2. Mix ingredients until thoroughly combined. 
  3. If the mixture is too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons of water.
  4. Apply to scalp and hair, from roots to tips. 
  5. Put on a shower cap or wrap a towel around your head. Leave on for 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how much time you have.
  6. After removing the shower cap or towel, shampoo and rinse.
4
of 10

Oatmeal Avocado Scalp Mask

Fresh avocado puree in a small clay bowl. Guacamole, homemade face mask, natural beauty treatment and spa recipe. Top view, copy space.

Kazmulka / Getty Images

If you have a free half-hour, consider making this soothing scalp mask. With just oatmeal and avocado as ingredients, you’ll be surprised by how hydrated your scalp and hair feel after application. 

Steps

  1. Cook 1/2 cup of oatmeal and let cool.
  2. Add 1/2 an avocado, mashed, and mix until blended. 
  3. Wet your hair with warm water and gently towel dry it until damp.
  4. Apply the mask to your scalp and massage.
  5. Wrap your hair with a towel or put on a shower cap, and let the mask set for 20 minutes.
  6. Shampoo and rinse out.
5
of 10

Exfoliating Brown Sugar Scalp Scrub

Wooden shovel in brown sugar
Westend61 / Getty Images

This simple exfoliating sugar scrub can help improve circulation and hydration to keep your hair follicles in balance.

Steps

  1. Combine 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of finely ground oatmeal, and 2 tablespoons of your favorite eco-friendly conditioner in a bowl.
  2. After shampooing your hair, massage a small amount of the conditioner mixture into your scalp, adding more as needed.
  3. Rinse thoroughly to remove the scrub.
6
of 10

Aromatic Scalp Moisturizer

Lavender flowers and Beauty Facial Serum or Smooth and Glow Facial Natural Essential Oil.
Iryna Veklich / Getty Images

For a fragrant twist on your run-of-the-mill scalp moisturizer, this recipe is packed with essential oils to revive your scalp and leave your hair smelling fabulous. 

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon of castor oil
  • 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 3 drops tea tree oil
  • 3 drops lavender oil
  • 3 drops rosemary oil

Steps

  1. Combine castor oil, coconut oil, and olive oil in a small bowl. 
  2. Fill a larger bowl with hot water, and place the small bowl inside to melt the coconut oil.
  3. Once the mixture is entirely liquid, remove the small bowl. It should be warm, not hot.
  4. Add three drops each of tea tree oil, lavender oil, and rosemary oil. 
  5. Pour the liquid onto your scalp and massage well using your fingers. 
  6. Wrap your head with a towel or put on a shower cap, and leave in for about an hour.
  7. Wash your hair with shampoo and rinse; you won't need conditioner.
  8. Repeat this routine one to three times a week for best results.
7
of 10

Scalp Massage Oil

herbal essence. alternative medicine. essential oil dropping from pipette to the bottle

Ronstik / Getty Images

This nourishing scalp serum features hydrating jojoba oil and aromatic essential oils.

Ingredients

  • 10 drops cedarwood oil
  • 5 drops rosemary oil
  • 5 drops lavender oil
  • 5 drops tea tree oil
  • 2.5 ounces jojoba oil
  • 1 ounce castor oil

Steps

  1. Add cedarwood oil, rosemary oil, lavender oil, and tea tree oil to a small, 4-ounce amber glass bottle.
  2. Add jojoba oil and castor oil.
  3. Gently invert the bottle several times to mix ingredients. 
  4. Apply a few drops to your fingers and massage into your scalp daily allowing it to absorb—ideally overnight—before your next hair wash.
8
of 10

Anti-Dandruff Lemon Oil Blend

Lemon Essential Oil In A Bottle Withlemon Essential Oil In A Bottle With Lemon On The Side

Hendra Rakhmat Kurniawan / Getty Images

A dry, flaking scalp is no fun to deal with and can indicate serious irritation. Try out this deep moisturizing blend to help eliminate dandruff and heal your skin.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 4 drops lemon oil
  • 2 drops lavender oil
  • 2 drops peppermint oil

Steps

  1. Combine melted coconut oil, lemon oil, lavender oil, and peppermint oil in a small dropper bottle.
  2. Lightly shake to mix ingredients.
  3.  Massage into your scalp to fully coat and leave on for 15 minutes.
  4. Shampoo and rinse.
9
of 10

Apple Cider Vinegar Mask

Hair conditioner with apple cider vinegar and honey
HeikeRau / Getty Images

For a simple, three-ingredient recipe to soothe your dry scalp, look no further than this apple cider vinegar and honey mask.

Steps

  1. Combine 1.5 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons of honey in a small bowl. 
  2. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil and mix well.
  3. Apply to damp hair and massage along the scalp.
  4. Leave in for 15 minutes before rinsing out.
10
of 10

Dry Scalp Shampoo

Jojoba fruits on the background of a cup with oil and green leaves. Selective focus on the anterior surface of the fruit.
Aleksandr Shulichenko / Getty Images

Substituting your shampoo for one that specifically moisturizes your scalp can be transformative for your skin and hair. This simple recipe also targets dandruff while it hydrates.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup liquid Castile soap
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon glycerine
  • 2 tablespoons jojoba oil
  • 20 drops tea tree oil

Steps

  1. Combine castile soap, water, glycerine, jojoba oil, and tea tree oil in a small bowl.
  2. Mix well and transfer to a small glass container.
  3. Lather and massage into hair and scalp.
  4. Leave in while you soap up, and rinse out after about five minutes.