Imagine digging nails into your hair and scratching like a flea-infested pest! Gross! Isn’t it? Although we hate an itchy scalp, factors like weather changes, dandruff or certain hair care products can make us experience this annoying condition. Before you get tempted to scratch your head again, we recommend you to try out some of the best home remedies for itchy scalp.
These methods use simple everyday ingredients to treat the root cause of an itchy scalp and lessen the severity. Unlike medicated products, they do not damage your roots or strands!
So, why wait? Try out these natural remedies for itchy scalp and bid goodbye to embarrassment!
What Causes Itchy Scalp?
Itchy Scalp, also called Scalp Pruritus is a common complaint in many people. It is a condition in which the scalp experiences unbearable itching sensation and lesions in some cases (1).
Here are some of the main causes of this distressing problem:
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: It is a skin condition that causes red, flaky patches on your skin and is triggered by yeast overgrowth, stress, seasonal changes and hormonal imbalance.
- Dandruff: This is a condition that affects the scalp with itchy, white or yellowish flakes due to fungal infection.
- Head Lice: Lice bites can cause allergic reactions on the skin, leading to severe itching and scalp bumps.
- Fungal Infections: Fungal infections like ringworm or Tinea Capitis, cause bald patches on scalp which turn flaky and itchy.
- Stress: Emotions like Stress or anxiety can lead to a flareup of these scalp problems and aggravate itchiness.
- Hair products: Certain chemicals present in dyes, shampoos, conditioners or other hair care products can trigger allergic reactions on the scalp, leading to itchy skin.
Other Factors:
- Auto-Immune Diseases.
- Diabetes.
- Viral infections like Herpes, Shingles.
- Skin problems like Psoriasis, Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema).
Top 10 Home Remedies For Itchy Scalp:
Itchy scalp can be easily cured at home using many DIY natural treatments. These methods offer quick relief from itchiness and irritation and unlike medicated products, they do not pose any side effects. Read along to learn about each of them in detail:
1. Coconut Oil:
Did you know the humble coconut oil is a wonderful natural treatment for itchy scalp? Coconut oil has excellent moisturizing properties which not only soften your mane but also promote good scalp health. A study shows that coconut oil can act as a protective barrier on the scalp to prevent dryness (2). Also, Lauric acid present in this oil fights fungal infections like dandruff, eczema etc. which trigger itchiness on the scalp.
Here’s how to use coconut oil to treat an itchy scalp.
Ingredients:
- Coconut Oil – 2 tbsp
- Bowl
How to Prepare and Use?
- Take some coconut oil in a bowl.
- Warm it slightly.
- Now use a cotton ball or simply dip your fingers into it.
- Partition your hair and apply the oil directly on the scalp.
- Massage for 5 to 10 mins.
- Leave it overnight.
- Wash it off next morning with a mild shampoo.
Frequency of Use: Thrice a week for best results.
Precautions: If you have an oily or greasy scalp, add a few drops of lemon juice to coconut oil.
2. Tea Tree Oil:
Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from a plant called Melaleuca Alternifolia, which is native to Australia. This powerful oil is known for offering a myriad of benefits to health, hair and skin. A study also shows that tea tree oil is particularly effective in treating itching caused due to Seborrheic Dermatitis (3). The anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties of this oil can fight infection-causing microbes to keep itching at bay! This is why tea tree oil is regarded as one of the best home remedies for dandruff and itchy scalp.
Ingredients:
- Tea Tree Oil – Few Drops.
- Carrier Oil (Coconut, Olive) – 2 Tbsp.
- Bowl
How to Prepare and Use?
- Add a few drops of tea tree oil to the carrier oil.
- Apply the mixture directly on the scalp.
- Massage for a couple of minutes.
- Leave for 30 mins to 1 hour.
- Wash it off thoroughly with a mild shampoo.
Frequency of Use: You can use this treatment twice or thrice a week.
Precautions: Never use undiluted tea tree oil directly on the scalp. You must mix it with a carrier oil before applying it on the body.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple cider Vinegar or ACV offers instant relief from itchy scalp. The acidic nature of this ingredient balances the pH of your scalp to control abnormalities like dandruff, excess sebum etc. By dissolving itchy flakes, ACV can put an end to scalp irritation. Here’s an easy method to try Apple Cider Vinegar for treating itching in head:
Ingredients:
- Apple Cider Vinegar – 2 tbsp.
- Warm water – 1-2 Mugs.
How to Prepare and Use?
- Mix ACV and Water well.
- Shampoo your hair as usual.
- Rinse well with water.
- As a final rinse, use ACV solution.
- Do not rinse with water.
Frequency of Use: Use this twice a week to speed up the results.
Precautions: If you have lesions or cuts on the scalp, ACV can cause severe burns.
4. Aloe Vera:
Aloe vera is widely known for its beauty-enhancing properties. But, not many know that it is one of the best home remedies for dry hair and itchy scalp. Of the many studies conducted on the benefits of this ingredient, one research shows that Aloe vera contains many fatty acids which can reduce scalp inflammation and treat dryness (4). That’s not all! It leaves a cooling sensation on a scratchy, wounded scalp to make you feel better in no time.
Ingredients:
- Aloe vera Stem – 1.
- Lemon Juice/ Coconut Oil – Optional.
How to Prepare and Use?
- Slit the Aloe vera stem in the middle.
- Scrape off the gel with a spoon.
- Blend it well to remove any lumps.
- Add coconut oil for dry scalp and lemon juice for the oily scalp (Optional Step).
- Apply this mixture all over the scalp.
- Leave it for an hour.
- Wash off with warm water.
Frequency of Use: This treatment can be done once or twice a week.
Precautions: Store-bought gel also works for this treatment, but make sure it is organic and free of chemicals.
5. Peppermint Oil:
Peppermint oil is a popular home remedy for itchy scalp and hair loss. The high amounts of menthol present in this oil can control itchiness on the head and give you temporary relief. Also, it soaks up excess sebum on the scalp, fights fungal infections and reduces the inflammation on the skin. Here’s how you can use Peppermint oil to treat an irritated scalp condition:
Ingredients:
- Peppermint Oil – 4 to 5 drops.
- Carrier Oil like coconut – 3-4 tbsp.
How to Prepare and Use?
- Dilute peppermint oil in a carrier oil of your choice.
- Apply the mixture all over the scalp.
- Massage for 2-3 minutes.
- Leave it overnight.
- Wash your hair in the morning with a mild cleanser.
Frequency of Use: Depending on the severity of the condition, you can use this treatment once or twice a week.
Precautions: You can also add peppermint oil in your shampoo and use it to get quick relief from itchy scalp.
6. Onion Juice:
It might sound surprising, but Onion juice can turn out to a best itchy scalp hair loss remedy. If you can ignore the pungent odour of this ingredient, the benefits you reap out of it are too good to describe. Onion juice contains Sulphur which is an essential nutrient for healthy hair growth. According to a study, applying onion juice topically on the scalp can work as a wonderful therapy for treating hair loss caused by problems like alopecia areata (5).
Here’s how to try out this juice on your hair:
Ingredients:
- Raw Red Onion – 1 Big.
How to Prepare and Use?
- Chop onion into large pieces.
- Put them in a blender with some water.
- Blend well to get a paste.
- Strain the mixture to extract juice.
- Apply the juice on scalp covering all areas.
- Leave on for 10-15 minutes.
- Wash with water.
Frequency of Use: Start with once a week. If the treatment suits you, you can increase the frequency.
Precautions: Onion juice can leave a rotten smell on your hair. So, make sure you don’t leave any residue on hair or scalp.
7. Baking Soda:
Many people use Baking soda as a home remedy for oily itchy scalp. The reason? Baking Soda is alkaline in nature which can balance the pH of your scalp and keep the sebum production in check. A study shows that psoriasis patients who suffered from itchy scalps have experienced great relief after trying baking soda baths (6). Also, the abrasive nature of this ingredient can buff away itchy flakes and leave your scalp clean and even textured.
Ingredients:
- Baking Soda –2-3 tbsp
- Water
How to Prepare and Use?
- Make a paste out of baking soda and water.
- Apply it all over the scalp.
- Leave it on for a minute or two.
- Wash off thoroughly with water.
Frequency of Use: Once every fifteen days.
Precautions: Baking soda is not recommended for dry skin or as a regular treatment for itchy scalp.
8. Jojoba Oil:
Jojoba oil is an excellent remedy for treating dry and itchy scalp in winters. It is a wax-like substance that mimics human sebum in the composition. Jojoba oil is rich in moisturizing agents, vitamins and minerals which can prevent scalp dryness and itching. That’s not all! Jojoba oil can also lower the risk of flakiness in dandruff by controlling the overproduction of scalp sebum.
Here’s how you can use this ingredient to get rid of itchiness on the head:
Ingredients:
- Jojoba Oil – 2-3 tbsp.
How to Prepare and Use?
- Slightly warm jojoba oil.
- Apply this mixture all over the scalp.
- Massage well.
- Leave it overnight.
Frequency of Use: Once or twice a week.
Precautions: You can one or two spoons of Jojoba oil to your shampoo for extra conditioning and shine.
[ Also Read: Home Remedies To Get Rid of Lice on Head ]
9. Witch Hazel:
Witch Hazel is a herbal plant that offers numerous medicinal benefits. The liquid extracted by distilling the leaves and twigs of this plant works wonderfully as an anti-itching agent. It has astringent properties which remove excess oil from the scalp without drying out the scalp and alleviate the sensation of itchiness.
Ingredients:
- Witch Hazel Liquid – Few Drops.
- Carrier Oil – 2-3 tbsp.
How to Prepare and Use?
- Dilute Witch Hazel in a carrier oil.
- Mix well.
- Apply it directly on the scalp.
- Massage on the affected areas.
- Leave it for 20 minutes.
- Wash with a mild shampoo.
Frequency of Use: Once or twice a week.
Precautions: Never use a concentrated form of Witch Hazel on the scalp or skin as the tannins present in it can cause burns.
10. Neem Oil:
Neem oil is a prove ayurvedic treatment for itchy scalp and dandruff. This potent oil has an active ingredient called Nimbidin which can treat scalp inflammation and itching. Plus, the anti-fungal properties of this agent inhibits yeast overgrowth on the scalp to prevent dandruff and related problems. Studies also show that Neem oil is very effective in killing head lice and nits in just 5 minutes of application (7).
Ingredients:
- Neem Oil – Few Drops.
- Coconut Oil – 2-3 tbsp.
How to Prepare and Use?
- Mix neem oil with coconut oil.
- Apply the mixture all over your hair and scalp.
- Leave it on for an hour.
- Use a mild shampoo to wash it off thoroughly.
Frequency of Use: Once or twice a week.
Precautions: Stay away from this treatment if you have a sensitive scalp.
[ Read More: Ayurvedic Treatments for Dandruff ]
Additional Tips To Prevent Itchy Scalp:
You don’t want to experience this pesky condition again and again, do you? So, let follow some expert tips to prevent itchy scalp in future:
- Always maintain a good haircare routine. Wash your scalp atleast once or twice a week.
- If you have a habit of washing your hair daily, avoid using shampoo. Instead, use a mild herbal cleanser or plain warm water to do the job. This helps in preventing your hair from drying out.
- Stay away from hot tools like straighteners, blowers etc, which dry and damage your scalp.
- Use gentle, pH balancing haircare products. Also, perform an allergy test before you directly apply any shampoo, dye or serum on your hair.
- Cover your mane with a cloth or cap to avoid damage from pollution and dust
- Lastly, keep calm and manage your stress. This is very important to tackle with scalp issues.
So folks! While scalp itchiness is not a panicky condition, it sure damages our morale and image in public. So, try out these home remedies for the itchy scalp to get instant relief from this annoying problem. If symptoms persist even after multiple attempts, it may be the right time to see a doctor and seek medical advice.
