If you have an itchy scalp and are tired of scratching and feel like the world is ending then do not worry, because it’s very common. And there is a wide range of reasons that can cause your scalp to itch.
The Two Most Common Causes Are:
- Dry Scalp: When your scalp is too dry and has not been moisturized then the dry skin starts peeling off causing dandruff which makes you scratch.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: It’s a condition where your immune system cannot fight naturally accusing fungi in your hair called Malassezia Globosa which gets your skin inflamed and makes it look red in patches, this results in excessive scratching sensation and also cause dandruff. Some reasons for Seborrheic Dermatitis are stress, hormonal activity, diabetes, head lice, etc.
Some Other Reasons For Itchy Scalp & Hair Could Be As Follows:
- Reaction to a skincare product
- Hives
- Scabies
- Scalp Ringworm
- Scalp psoriasis
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Nerve Problem
- Skin Cancer
Some itchy scalp conditions like Skin Cancer, Nerve problem, etc. require medical attention and should be seen by a doctor for special care as there could be a risk if you try to manage it yourself. But for others, you can try some regular home remedies for Itchy scalp that have proven to be very effective.
Just imagine yourself with an itchy scalp, scratching your head all day. Is it not irritating and embarrassing? Fret not, there are plenty of home remedies that help treat itchy scalp. They help improve the health of your scalp, and consequently, your hair. In this article, we will discuss 14 easy and effective ways to reduce the itching of your scalp naturally at home. Keep scrolling to find them out.
Home Remedies For An Itchy Scalp
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
How To Use?
- Dilute ¼ cup of ACV in 1 cup of water.
- Apply this mixture to the scalp.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes and rinse.
- You can do this twice a week for the best results.
Why Does This Work?
Anecdotal evidence suggests this mixture relieves an itchy scalp and inflammation. ACV has antifungal activity. It can help reduce scalp buildup and dandruff that may cause an itchy scalp. ACV has been found to exhibit some antifungal activity .
Quick Tip
Depending on your hair type, use ACV once a week for oily hair, once a month for dry hair, and once every two weeks for normal hair.
2. Organic Coconut Oil
How To Use?
- Warm the coconut oil and gently massage it on your scalp.
- You can leave it on for 20-30 minutes or overnight.
- Try this once a week before you shampoo.
Why Does This Work?
Coconut oil is a good moisturizer and is thought to soothe an itchy scalp.
It also has antibacterial and emollient properties (3). It is an effective remedy to treat lice infestation as well (4).
3. Tea Tree Oil
Over-the-counter shampoos that contain tea tree oil may be good for the scalp. People use it for the itchy symptoms of psoriasis and dandruff. Tea tree oil may fight lice, too.
Tea tree oil may help because it’s a natural antiseptic, antibiotic, and antifungal. But, be careful. Some people are allergic to this oil.
Here’s how you do it: A little goes a long way. Use an eyedropper to add 8-10 drops of tea tree oil to 12 ounces of shampoo. Use only a small amount to wash and rinse your hair as usual.
4. Lemongrass Oil
This essential oil is a natural astringent, which means it can reduce bleeding from minor cuts as well as make skin less oily. It’s also an antiseptic. You’ll find it in some soaps, deodorants, shampoos, and lotions. Lemongrass may also ease the itch caused by dandruff flakes. A lab mix of lemongrass oil and hair tonic relieved itchy scalp in a recent study.
Here’s how you do it: Add two drops of lemongrass oil to one tablespoon of your regular shampoo. Gently wash and rinse your hair and scalp as usual.
5. Mineral Oil or Olive Oil
These household items relieve your itchy scalp because they soften and loosen scales caused by dandruff and eczema. Simply massage the oil into your scalp and leave it alone for about an hour. Then wash your hair.
6. Baking Soda
How To Use?
- Make a paste with baking soda (2-3 tablespoons) and water.
- Apply this paste to the scalp and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse.
- Repeat once every two weeks.
Why Does This Work?
Baking soda has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties (7), (8). It kills the harmful microbes on the scalp that cause infection, itchiness, and hair fall
7. Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil can help to relieve itching.
Peppermint oil contains a high concentration of a natural substance called menthol. Menthol has a cooling effect on the skin, and it may be particularly helpful in relieving itching caused by skin allergies.
One study from 2012Trusted Source looked at the effects of peppermint oil suspended in sesame oil on itchiness in pregnant women. Used twice daily for 2 weeks, the essential oil reduced itchiness compared with a placebo.
As with other essential oils, people should not apply undiluted peppermint oil directly to the skin. Instead, try adding a couple of drops of the oil to shampoo and lathering it into the scalp before rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water.
8. Aloe Vera
How To Use?
- Remove the gel from the aloe vera leaf and apply it directly to the scalp. You can use store-bought gel if you do not have access to the aloe vera plant.
- Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water to ensure the gel is washed off easily.
- Do this once or twice a week
Why Does This Work?
Aloe vera gel is a natural moisturizer that soothes an itchy scalp. Its antimicrobial and soothing properties also help treat dandruff and an itchy scalp (9).
9. Lemon Juice
How To Use?
- Dilute 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice in ½ a cup of water.
- Apply this mixture all over your scalp with a cotton ball.
- Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes and then rinse with water.
- You can try this once a week. Keep in mind that regular use of lemon juice can lighten or bleach hair.
Why Does This Work?
Lemon juice is a natural antimicrobial thanks to its acidity and phytochemicalsi . These phytochemicals could have an anti-inflammatory effect on the scalp (10).
10. Peppermint Oil
How To Use?
- Dilute peppermint oil with coconut or jojoba oil and massage onto your scalp.
- Wash after 30-40 minutes.
- You can try this once or twice a week.
Why Does This Work?
Peppermint oil has potent antibacterial properties (11). It is traditionally used for its cooling effect to soothe an itchy scalp.
11. Witch Hazel
How To Use?
- Mix 1 part witch hazel with 2 parts water and apply it to your scalp with your fingers.
- Massage it in for a minute or two. Leave it on for 10 minutes and rinse.
- Apply this once every three to four days.
Why Does This Work?
Witch hazel is an astringenti and an antibacterial. It reduces scalp inflammation and also may treat infections (12).
12. Olive Oil
How To Use?
- Warm the olive oil and massage it onto the scalp and hair.
- Leave it on overnight. Rinse your hair as usual in the morning.
- Do this twice a week for a healthy scalp and hair.
Why Does This Work?
Olive oil contains oleocanthal and oleuropein that possess anti-inflammatory and skin-protectant properties (13) (14). These compounds may heal scalp inflammation and relieve itchiness.
13. Argan Oil
How To Use?
- Apply argan oil to the scalp and gently massage for a couple of minutes.
- Leave it on overnight. You can rinse your hair in the morning.
- Use argan oil at least once a week.
Why Does This Work?
The nourishing and moisturizing properties of argan oil have made it a favorite among hair care experts. It is also used in psoriasis treatment (15).
14.Onion Juice
How To Use?
- Peel and grate one small onion. Squeeze out the juice and apply to the scalp thoroughly with a cotton ball.
- Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse as usual with shampoo.
- Repeat once every week.
Why Does This Work?
The antimicrobial properties of onions may keep the scalp free of infection (16). Onion’s antioxidants may reduce any scalp inflammation and keep it healthy (17).
Note: Onion juice might cause an allergic reaction in some people when applied directly. Hence, do a patch test before using it on your scalp.
15. Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, and Lavender Oils
How To Use?
- Mix a tablespoon each of eucalyptus, lemongrass, lavender, and coconut oils and dab this mixture on the affected areas.
- Wait for an hour before washing your hair.
- Apply this once or twice a week.
Why Does This Work?
The combination of oils relaxes and soothes your scalp and hair follicles.
Lavender oil can kill lice (18). Eucalyptus oil may act against many fungi and fungal infections, including dandruff, which is one main cause for an itchy scalp (19). Lemongrass has anti-dandruff properties (20).
16. Neem Oil
How To Use?
- Add 6-8 drops of neem oil to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and mix well.
- Apply the mixture to the scalp and leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse hair with a mild shampoo.
- You can repeat this twice or thrice a week for quick relief from an itchy scalp.
Why Does This Work?
The antimicrobial properties of neem and its extracts have been utilized for centuries. Neem oil could work by clearing the infection that causes itchiness (21).
What causes an itchy scalp?
The most common causes of scalp itch are dandruff, a type of eczema called seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis.
Dandruff occurs when the skin cells on the scalp shed and replace themselves too quickly. This causes a buildup of dead skin cells, which eventually flake off into the hair, resulting in visible dandruff and an itchy scalp.
In seborrheic dermatitis, the skin around the oil glands becomes inflamed and develops yellowish, oily scales. Seborrheic dermatitis can affect any area of the body that has oil-producing glands, but it is particularly common on the scalp. Certain factors such as stress, hormonal changes, and skin sensitivities can worsen the condition.
Psoriasis is among the most common skin conditions in the United States. Psoriasis causes the skin cells to grow faster than usual, causing a buildup of skin called plaques. It is common on the scalp.
Other possible causes of an itchy scalp include:
- allergies to shampoo ingredients
- hives
- head lice
- scabies
- scalp ringworm
- atopic dermatitis
- nerve problems
- skin cancer
Summary
Scalp itch is a common condition that has many different causes. People can often find relief from scalp itch using natural home remedies.
There are many different varieties of OTC medicated shampoos available from drug stores and online stores.
Persistent itchiness may respond better to OTC shampoos containing antifungal agents.
People should talk to a doctor if scalp itch persists or worsens despite home treatment. A doctor will help identify the underlying cause of scalp itch and may prescribe medications to treat symptoms.