Home Remedies for Itchy Scalp

Do you often have to scratch your itchy scalp? This can be embarrassing in public, and cause a lot of discomfort and even hair loss.

Some of the most common causes are dandruff, dry scalp, sebaceous cysts, excessive anxiety, poor hair care, fungus and viral infections, and poor diet.

There are many ways you can treat an itchy scalp without spending a lot of money. You can use some common kitchen ingredients to treat itchy scalp.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for an itchy scalp.

1. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil, with its powerful natural antifungal, anti-inflammation and antibacterial properties, can be used to treat itchy scalp. You can use tea tree oil in various ways, for instance:

• You can add 10 to 20 drops of tea tree oil to one-half cup of baby shampoo and use it daily until the condition of your scalp improves.
• Another option is to dilute two or three drops of tea tree oil in one tablespoon of vegetable oil and massage the mixture onto your scalp. With regular use, this remedy will heal a dry, itchy scalp within a week or two.

2. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice will help treat an itchy and dry scalp because of its antiseptic properties. It is particularly useful when dealing with dandruff.

• You can simply apply fresh lemon juice thoroughly on the scalp. Leave it on for five minutes and then shampoo your hair. If you do not have dandruff, dilute the lemon juice in water.
• Alternately, you can mix lemon juice with yogurt and apply it on your scalp for a few minutes before washing your hair with a mild shampoo. Repeat at least daily until itchiness and dryness disappears.

3. Baking Soda

Another readily available ingredient that can relieve an itchy scalp is baking soda. It helps relieve itching by exfoliating the scalp and controlling dandruff caused by overactive fungi.

• Make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it directly onto your scalp. For best results, rub some olive oil on your scalp before applying the baking soda paste.
• Allow it to soak into your scalp for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse well with water.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has powerful anti-inflammation properties that help kill the yeast and virus that can cause itchy scalp. Also, apple cider vinegar balances the pH levels of the scalp, which may help relieve itching and dryness.

• Rinse your hair and scalp with water and allow it to dry.
• Mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Apply this mixture directly onto your scalp with the help of cotton balls. Spray it on your scalp.
• After few minutes, shampoo with normal water.

Follow this remedy once or twice a week.

5. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel contains moisturizing properties, which may relieve excessive dryness and itching. If fresh aloe vera gel is not available, you can purchase the gel.

• Spread some fresh aloe vera gel onto your scalp using your fingers.
• Allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes and then wash your hair with a mild shampoo.

6. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil creates a barrier that helps keep skin moisturized and hence it is an effective way to treat an itchy scalp.

• Rub a little coconut oil onto the scalp after washing your hair your scalp when it is clean. Leave it on for at least half an hour and then wash it out with a perfume-free shampoo. Follow this simple remedy three times a week.
• Another option is to gently heat coconut oil so that it melts, add it to your shampoo before washing your hair.

7. Bananas

If you like to eat bananas, you will be happy to know that it can also be used to treat an itchy scalp. Bananas will treat your itchy scalp while also conditioning your hair. The nourishing and moisturizing properties in bananas will also reduce flakes, dandruff and inflammation.

• Simply mash two bananas and mix them together with one ripe avocado.
• Apply this mixture to your scalp (and your hair if you want).
• Allow it to sit for half an hour and then rinse thoroughly.

8. Sesame Seed Oil

Sesame oil is highly nourishing, healing and lubricating, making it an effective treatment for a dry scalp and give you relief from itchiness.

• Heat some sesame oil to warm it slightly.
• Massage your scalp with the warm oil before going to bed each night. For best results, massage the scalp with your fingertips for at least 10 minutes, wrap your head in a hot towel and leave it on for about 10 minutes before going to bed. When this oil remains on the scalp all night, it provides optimum moisturizing.
• Shampoo and rinse your scalp and hair thoroughly in the morning. Continue this treatment as long as necessary.

9. Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel is a natural astringent that can help relieve itchy scalp. This herb is beneficial when you have an itchy scalp due to hair coloring and daily blow drying.

• Mix one part witch hazel with two parts water.
• Pour the mixture onto your scalp and massage thoroughly. Let it sit for a few minutes.
• Wash and rinse your hair and scalp thoroughly.

10. Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is a great natural moisturizing treatment to relieve a dry and itchy scalp. The molecular structure of jojoba oil is closest to that of our own natural oil or sebum, which makes it a very effective rejuvenating and hydrating treatment.

• Massage a small amount of jojoba oil onto your scalp for a few minutes before going to bed. Leave it on overnight.
• In the morning, wash your hair with a mild shampoo.

Repeat this remedy once a week.

For best results with any of these remedies, follow them without fail for some time to completely treat the problem.