An itchy scalp is a very common condition that affects most of us at some point in our lives. The good news is that there are many effective home remedies for itchy scalp that can help combat itching and give relief.
Let us understand more about itchy scalp and how to deal with it naturally, shall we?
Understanding Itchy Scalp
An itchy scalp, otherwise known as scalp pruritus, is a common scalp issue that’s triggered due to various factors, including dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or even oily hair or a dry or irritated scalp.
Other reasons could be an underlying autoimmune disorder, skin or scalp conditions like psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, lice, allergic reaction to styling products like hair color, eczema, shingles, herpes zoster, fungal infections like ringworm, stress, or even diabetes.
While home remedies for itchy scalp usually work, and there’s relief within a day or two, there are times when the condition persists. If an itchy scalp affects your sleep and causes sleep disruption, lasts for more than a week, or causes blisters, pain, and swelling, it’s time to seek medical attention.
Benefits of Home Remedies
Using natural home remedies for scalp itch is one way to deal with the issue through natural means. The ingredients are usually already available in your home, and it’s easy to prepare or use these recipes.
Do give these remedies a try and see how they work for you.
Top Home Remedies for Itchy Scalp
1. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloenin found in aloe vera leaf is one of the best remedies for itchy scalp, scalp dryness, irritation, inflammation, etc. Want to know how to use this remedy?
What You’ll Need
Aloe Vera Leaf – 1 (or) 2
Process
Cut open the aloe vera leaf and scoop out the gel with a spoon.
Run it in your blender for a few seconds to get a frothy and easy-to-apply gel.
Done!
How To Use
Apply the aloe vera gel to your scalp by dividing your hair into smaller sections.
Apply along the divisions and massage to spread evenly.
Let it sit for a good 20 minutes before washing it off.
You can also use this as a leave-in or leave it overnight and wash it off in the morning.
Notes
You can add other ingredients to improve the recipe.
ACV a spoon is a good addition.
You can also add essential oils to the gel to combat hair and scalp issues faster.
The best part about this remedy is that it can be used even for sensitive skin and scalp.
2. Tea Tree Oil
While tea tree oil can be used on your skin or scalp directly, diluting it with carrier oils, shampoo or conditioner, or honey before applying it on your scalp is good. Tea tree oil is known to combat dandruff, so if your itchy scalp stems from dandruff or related issues, do give this a try.
What You’ll Need
Tea Tree Oil – 7 Drops
Coconut Oil – 2 Tbsps.
Process
In a mixing bowl, combine the tea tree oil and coconut oil.
Mix well.
Done!
How To Use
Massage the oils gently onto your scalp, making sure to cover everywhere – it’s a good idea to divide your scalp into sections and apply on the sections to make sure every nook and corner of your scalp is covered.
You can wrap your head with a warm wet towel or just cover your head with a shower and wait for at least 25 minutes before washing off.
Notes
Do a patch test to ensure it’s not irritating your scalp; if yes, you can dilute it further before applying.
3. Coconut Oil
Rich in anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, coconut oil is one of the best remedies for an itchy scalp.
What You’ll Need
Coconut Oil – 1/4 Cup
Process
Warm up the coconut oil till it’s warm and hot to the touch but not scalding hot.
Done!
How To Use
Gently massage the warm coconut oil onto your scalp.
Apply the excess oil from your hands on your hair.
Wrap your head with a shower cap or a warm towel.
Let it sit for 25 minutes before washing it off.
Notes
You can add other carrier oils and make a blend of oils for this recipe.
You can also add essential oils to this recipe.
If you have a dry scalp, this oil massage can help with the same.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can restore the scalp’s natural pH levels that are altered due to chemicals. It also clarifies the scalp and keeps hair soft and shiny.
What You’ll Need
Apple cider vinegar – 1/2 Cup
Water – 2 Cups
Process
Mixing water and apple cider to combine.
How To Use
Pour or spritz the ACV mixture on your hair and scalp liberally.
Let it sit for a couple of minutes before rinsing off.
Notes
You can also add some aloe juice for added nourishment to combat an itchy scalp and treat dandruff.
Acv also removes dead skin cells from the scalp and keeps the scalp clear.
5. Baking Soda
You can use baking soda in different ways to keep your scalp clean and restore your scalp’s pH levels. This also combats scalp itching, scalp irritation, and other scalp issues.
What You’ll Need
Baking Soda – 2 Tbsps.
Water – as needed
Process
Apply a paste of water on your scalp, massaging gently as you go.
Apply this paste after washing your hair.
Wait for 7 – 15 minutes before washing off.
How To Use
You can also mix this with your shampoo and use it instead.
Notes
However, baking soda is extremely drying and can be counterproductive if used very frequently. Use it once every two weeks.
Additional Tips for Scalp Health
Don’t wash your head more than twice or thrice a week.
Use a mild and natural shampoo and prepare your products whenever possible. Using harsh and damaging chemicals can cause irritation and itching of your scalp.
Try to reduce styling tools and air dry your hair whenever possible.
Keep your scalp free from microbial infestations through natural remedies.
Brushing your hair can help keep the scalp clear but don’t do it 100 times. Do it a few times every day to promote a healthy scalp and circulation to the scalp.
Clarifying the scalp can also reduce scalp buildup, keep your scalp clean, and improve hair and scalp health.
Treat issues like dandruff with remedies that have antibacterial and antifungal properties before opting for commercial products.
Maintaining proper health and hygiene measures like changing your pillow and bed covers regularly.
Get adequate rest. Aim for 7 – 8 hours of rest every night.
If you’re stressed or anxious, work on managing your stress levels, as they can be a causative factor too.
Consult a specialist if any scalp issues persist after using home remedies for more than a few days.
When to Consult a Professional
It’s good to try DIY home remedies for itchy scalp and wait for results for a few days. Suppose a problem persists for a week or longer. In that case, if the problem increases while you’re using home remedies or experiencing an allergic reaction, or if you’re dealing with unbearable pain, inflammation, or swelling, it’s important to consult a professional immediately.
Conclusion
You can try many home remedies for itchy scalp, and they all work effectively against numerous hair and scalp issues. It is important to choose the right remedy and be consistent in your efforts to combat a dry and itchy scalp.
It’s always better to use natural itchy scalp remedies before opting for commercial products. All these remedies are natural and can be prepared at home easily. Please try them and wait for a few days before you can see visible results, though there should be no allergic reactions or increase in a problem during this time.
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Feel free to write to us with any questions, concerns, or feedback. We love hearing from you. Let us know how the itchy scalp remedy options here work for you.
