Do you feel bumps on your scalp when combing your hair? Does the slightest of touch cause you pain and discomfort? You are suffering from Scalp acne! However, unlike the acne caused on your skin, pimples on the scalp are caused to a condition called Folliculitis. This is basically an infection of your hair follicles due to bacteria, which causes a breakout. They look and feel like normal acne, but are exclusively caused on the scalp. In this article, we shall learn some home remedies to deal with painful pimples on the scalp, along with tips to prevent them.
What Causes Pimples On Head Scalp?
Pimples, also called Zits, are a sign of scalp infections. They are caused due to the same logic as that of a regular pimple – blockage of sebaceous glands due to bacteria or sebum. Let us look at some of the common factors of pimples on the scalp under hair:
- In-grown hair.
- Clogging of oil glands.
- Production of excess sebum.
- Bacterial or yeast infections.
- Not washing hair for long.
- Product build-ups of shampoos, serums and other hair creams.
- Sweating while the hair is covered.
How to Get Rid Of Pimples On Scalp Using Home Remedies?
Although a common problem, having pimples on the scalp is the last thing you want! Before rushing to a doctor and trying medicated products that have side effects, you can try these safe and natural home remedies. These proven methods are found to be quite effective in dealing with scalp acne.
Let us learn how to cure pimples on the scalp using everyday ingredients, in detail:
1. Coconut Oil for Scalp Pimples:
Coconut oil is one of the proven remedies to deal with pimples on head scalp. It contains Lauric Acid which can effectively kill bacteria on your scalp. Coconut oil also hydrates your scalp and increase moisture. However, it might not work well for those who have very oily, greasy scalp. This is why experts recommend adding a few drops of lemon juice or tea tree oil to balance it.
Ingredients:
- Coconut Oil – 2 tbsp.
- Tea tree oil – 3-4 drops.
- Cotton ball.
- Time to Prepare: 2 minutes.
Preparation Method:
- Slightly warm the coconut oil in a cup.
- Add a few drops of tea tree oil to this mixture.
How to Apply:
- Apply this mixture directly on the scalp.
- Cover the affected areas well.
- Leave on for 30-40 minutes.
- Wash well with a mild shampoo.
How Often Should I do This? Twice or thrice a week.
Precautions: There are no known side effects of this method.
2. Aloe Vera for Scalp Acne:
Aloe vera is a widely used ingredient for treating scalp acne. It offers instant healing and soothing relief from redness and irritation. The anti-inflammatory properties of Aloe vera can bring down the bumps on your scalp and gently heal it. It also makes your hair smooth and shiny, thanks to its moisturising properties. Here’s how to remove scalp pimples with aloe vera:
Ingredients:
- Aloe vera gel – ½ Cup.
- Time to Prepare: 2 minutes.
Preparation Method:
- Extract aloe vera gel from a stem.
- Blend it well to form a smooth paste.
How to Apply:
- Apply the gel directly on the scalp.
- Cover the affected areas well.
- Leave on for 30-40 minutes.
- Wash well with a mild shampoo.
How Often Should I do This? Every alternate day.
Precautions: Always use homemade aloe vera gel to reap maximum benefits.
3. Tea Tree Oil for Scalp Pimples:
Tea tree oil is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties to get relief from acne. It is a sure shot remedy to treat many other scalp problems, including dandruff. Along with using it in your regular oil massages, you can also use it in your shampoo to gently cleanse your hair, while treating acne at the same time. Here’s how to get rid of pimples on your scalp using tea tree oil:
Ingredients:
- Tea Tree Oil – 3-4 drops.
- Shampoo – 1 cap.
- Time to Prepare: 2 minutes.
Preparation Method:
- Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo.
How to Apply:
- Wet hair and apply shampoo.
- Lather well and massage with fingers.
- Wash thoroughly with water.
- Follow it with a conditioner.
How Often Should I do This? Every alternate day.
Precautions: Tea tree oil can dry out hair. It is better to use a creamy conditioner.
4. Baking Soda for Scalp Pimples Treatment:
Baking soda is another known remedy to control scalp acne. It works by absorbing excess sebum on your scalp to lower the chances of blocks in the pores. Being a natural disinfectant, it can eliminate bacteria from your scalp and also remove any product build-ups. Follow these steps to know how to remove pimples from scalp:
Ingredients:
- Baking Soda – 1 tbsp.
- Water – 1 cup.
- Time to Prepare: 2 minutes.
Preparation Method:
- Add baking soda to water.
- Mix well to form a runny solution.
How to Apply:
- Apply this solution on your scalp.
- Leave it for 10 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Follow it with a conditioner.
How Often Should I do This? Twice a week.
Precautions: This remedy can cause severe dryness. So, do not skip your conditioner.
5. Fenugreek for Scalp:
The benefits of fenugreek seeds to our hair are quite known to Indian women. Fenugreek seeds are loaded with anti-inflammatory properties, which can bring down your scalp acne and redness. Regular usage of this remedy can also lower your chances of future breakouts, along with making your hair shiny and soft. Here’s how to get rid of pimples on the head scalp using Fenugreek:
Ingredients:
- Soaked Fenugreek seeds – ½ Cup.
- Water.
- Time to Prepare: 5 minutes + Overnight Soak.
Preparation Method:
- Make a smooth paste out of fenugreek seeds by adding little water.
How to Apply:
- Apply the paste on your scalp.
- Leave it for an hour.
- Wash it thoroughly with water and shampoo.
How Often Should I do This? Twice a week.
Precautions: Fenugreek paste can be difficult to remove. As an alternative remedy, you can also use fenugreek water rinse to get rid of acne.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar to Cure Scalp Acne:
Apple cider vinegar is acidic in nature, which can balance the pH of your scalp. It can also fight infection-causing bacteria and reduce the intensity of your acne. ACV can also impart a natural shine on your hair, along with boosting the health of your scalp. You can either use it on its own or combine with a shampoo to treat scalp acne. Here’s how to stop pimples on the scalp using ACV:
Ingredients:
- Apple Cider Vinegar – ½ Cup.
- Water – 1.5 Cups.
- Time to Prepare:2 minutes.
Preparation Method:
- Dilute ACV with water.
How to Apply:
- Wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
- Use the ACV solution as a final rinse.
- Leave it to dry.
How Often Should I do This? Twice or Thrice a week.
Precautions: Never use undiluted ACV on your scalp or skin as it can cause stings.
7. Lemon Juice for Scalp Acne:
No acne treatment is complete without the mention of lemon juice. It is a rich source of Vitamin C, which is a natural antioxidant. Lemon juice can absorb the grease and grime on your scalp and make it squeaky clean. It also fights the bacteria that clogs your pores and dries them out, making it a best scalp pimples cure.
Ingredients:
- Lemon Juice – 2 tbsp.
- Water – 1 tbsp.
- Time to Prepare: 2 minutes.
Preparation Method:
- Dilute lemon juice with some water.
How to Apply:
- Apply the juice on your scalp using a cotton ball.
- Leave it for 20-30 minutes.
- Wash it off with plain water.
How Often Should I do This? Twice or Thrice a week.
Precautions: Leaving the lemon juice on hair for long can lighten its natural colour.
8. Yoghurt for Scalp Pimples:
Yoghurt is a natural acne fighter! It is loaded with Zinc, which can reduce the inflammation on your scalp, along with killing the bacteria. Yoghurt also moisturises your scalp and offers soothing relief from itching and burning sensation. It also works well for dry scalp pimples.
Ingredients:
- Plain Yogurt – 2tbsp.
- Time to Prepare: 2 minutes.
Preparation Method:
- Whisk plain curd with an egg beater to make it creamy.
How to Apply:
- Apply yoghurt on your scalp.
- Leave it for 20-30 minutes.
- Wash well with a mild hair cleanser.
How Often Should I do This? Twice or Thrice a week.
Precautions: Yogurt can make your scalp greasy. If you have an extremely oily scalp, avoid this remedy.
9. Neem Leaves for Scalp Pimples:
Neem leaves top the list of anti-microbial agents. It can fight bacteria from the very first application to give you visible results quickly. Neem leaves also absorb excess oil and control its production. They can also deal with a whole of scalp problems which can aggravate acne. Besides, they also strengthen and nourish your hair.
Ingredients:
- Neem Leaves – Handful.
- Water.
- Time to Prepare: 10 minutes.
Preparation Method:
- Soak Neem leaves in water for 5 minutes.
- Now blend them in a grinder to form a smooth paste.
How to Apply:
- Apply this neem paste on your scalp.
- Cover the affected areas well.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Wash thoroughly with water.
How Often Should I do This? Twice or Thrice a week.
Precautions: If you think neem paste mask is too tedious, you can also use neem water as a final rinse to treat acne.
10. Garlic for Scalp Acne:
The benefits of Garlic to skin and hair are numerous. Garlic contains an antibacterial agent called Allicin which instantly kill bacteria and also prevent future attacks. Garlic is also rich in Sulphur, which gives it the pungent smell. Sulphur can stimulate your hair cells and encourage new growth. So, you can enjoy thick and long, acne-free hair with Garlic.
Ingredients:
- Garlic – 9-10 cloves.
- Water.
- Time to Prepare:5 minutes.
Preparation Method:
- Make a paste out of garlic with some water.
How to Apply:
- Apply this paste on your scalp.
- Leave it for 20-30 minutes.
- Wash it with water.
How Often Should I do This? Twice or Thrice a week.
Precautions: The pungent smell of garlic is hard to go away. It is better to use a mild cleanser to remove it.
Additional Tips To Prevent Scalp Acne:
Follow these tips to learn how to prevent pimples on your scalp:
- Wash your hair at least thrice a week to cleanse your scalp well.
- Use a mild shampoo to remove the oil and grime gently.
- Never use a comb or tool to scrape the pimple. It can cause the infection to spread.
- You can opt for a Salicylic acid shampoo to kill bacterial infections.
- Keep your combs and hairbrushes clean.
- Do not experiment too much with hair products. It can not only cause acne but also destroy the health of your scalp.
Now that you have learnt about the ways to deal with pimples on scalp, it’s time to try them at home. These methods are simple, natural and effective. They do not cause any serious side effects, unlike the medicated products. However, if you have stubborn acne that is causing you severe discomfort, it is better to seek the help of a doctor. Do let us know which remedy has worked well for you!
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
1. Can You Get Pimples on Scalp if You don’t Wash Hair Regularly?
The funda behind pimples is the same, whether it is for your skin or scalp. Pimples are caused due to blockage in skin pores, and irregular or no cleansing can aggravate the problem. Washing hair with water and mild cleanser removes the dirt and grime on your scalp and refresh it. It can also unblock the pores and drain the abscess without any intervention.
2. I Have Pimples on My Head and Scalp. Is it a Serious Problem?
No! Scalp acne is not a serious medical condition. It is only caused due to oil gland disorder. You can easily deal with this problem by following the home remedies and tips mentioned in the article. If symptoms still persist, it is better to go to a dermatologist and get a thorough root cause analysis done.
3. Does Having Pimples all Over Scalp Cause Hair Loss?
Pimples are a sign of blocked pores. When the pores are clogged, the hair follicles get infected, leading to temporary hair loss. Unless there are other medical factors involved, these effects do not last long and rarely cause a permanent hair fall. So, there is nothing to worry about it!
