From dandruff and contact dermatitis to increased exposure to dry air, there are many reasons your scalp can feel itchy and irritated. Aside from being uncomfortable, a dry, itchy scalp is embarrassing and something you want eliminate as quickly as possible. Colloidal oatmeal is a finely ground oatmeal and used to soothe dry, itchy skin. Combine natural ingredients and colloidal oatmeal to create your own natural shampoo.
Pour 1 cup oatmeal into a blender or food processor. Grind the oatmeal on a medium setting until it’s transformed into a fine powder. This is an inexpensive option to create your own colloidal oatmeal. If preferred, pre-ground colloidal oatmeal is available at health food stores.
Create a colloidal oatmeal tea by combining the ground oatmeal and 2 cups boiling water in a small bowl. Stir the water until the oatmeal is completely dissolved and allow the mixture to sit for five to 10 minutes. Pour the mixture through a coffee filter or sieve. Pour the liquid into a medium-size bowl and toss out the leftover mush.
Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar to the colloidal oatmeal tea. Stir until well incorporated. If you have color-treated hair, omit the lemon juice.
Add 10 to 20 drops of your favorite essential or fragrance oil to the bowl and stir. Pour the ingredients into an empty shampoo bottle. To use, dampen your hair with lukewarm water and work the product into your scalp. Allow the mixture to remain for two minutes before rinsing it away with warm water.
Tip
Create your homemade colloidal oatmeal with long-cooking oats, not the instant variety.
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Writer Bio
Residing in Chippewa Falls, Wis., Jaimie Zinski has been writing since 2009. Specializing in pop culture, film and television, her work appears on Star Reviews and various other websites. Zinski is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in history at the University of Wisconsin.