There are many possible causes for an itchy scalp. It can be the result of a skin condition. If associated with dandruff, it may indicate eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, or fungus, but other more uncommon skin conditions have similar symptoms.
An itchy scalp with or without dandruff can also indicate sensitivity or allergy to one or more of the chemicals commonly used in shampoos. This can be problematic because it can take a lot of experimenting and testing until you find (if you find…) a shampoo that will not irritate your scalp.
Besides an embarrassing desire to scratch your head even at times when it’s not appropriate, an itchy scalp can bring a lot of discomfort and even lead to complications such as skin infections.
While they may not cure your underlying condition (if any), a few simple home remedies can effectively alleviate an itchy scalp.
Baking soda
Baking soda has antibacterial properties but also helps exfoliate the scalp and eliminate dandruff. Mix two teaspoons of baking soda with water until a thin paste is formed. This remedy is more effective if you first rub some olive oil on your scalp before applying the baking soda paste.
Leave it on for 10-15 minutes then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a popular remedy for scalp ailments, and it works because it balances the pH of your scalp plus, it is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that soothes irritated, itchy skin. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Apply it to your scalp and hair. You can use a spray bottle to make it easier. Wrap your head in a towel and let it soak for 15 minutes. Then wash your hair with shampoo, like you normally do. You can use this remedy 1-2 times a week.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice is another one of those things people use for a lot of things. However, the mild antibacterial properties of lemon juice can soothe an itchy scalp really fast. If you don’t have dandruff add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon juice to one cup of water and use it to rinse your scalp. If you have dandruff, you can apply lemon juice directly on your scalp, leave it on for about 5 minutes, and shampoo your hair, following your usual routine.
This is a very effective remedy for itchy scalp, but lemon juice lightens dark hair so you might not want to use it for this reason. Also, lemon juice is not recommended to be applied on broken skin.
Tea tree oil
Some people think natural remedies are not as powerful as drugs, but in the case of tea tree oil, that’s certainly not true. It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties, and it’s widely used for various conditions, from acne to oral hygiene, itchy scalp, and dandruff.
To relieve your itchy scalp, you can add 10-20 drops of tea tree oil to ½ cup of baby shampoo or another mild shampoo and use it daily to wash your hair.
You might not want to wash your hair so often if your scalp is also dry. In this case, add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and massage it onto your scalp. Leave it on for 10-20 minutes, then shampoo your hair.
Aloe Vera
You’ve probably seen a lot of cosmetic products with Aloe Vera on their label. That’s because Aloe Vera gel is a powerful moisturizer that also calms skin irritations and promotes healing.
If you have an Aloe Vera plant, you can take a fresh leaf, peel it, and get the gel from inside. You can also buy Aloe Vera gel, but make sure you choose an organic, high-quality brand. Rub some Aloe Vera gel onto your scalp and leave it on up to 1 ½ hours. Then you can wash your hair with shampoo.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the healthiest oils. It’s great for cooking, but also for your skin and scalp. It’s a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that also keeps the skin moisturized. You can rub coconut oil onto your scalp and leave it on for ½-1 hour. Then wash your hair with a mild shampoo. If you don’t have time for this rather lengthy routine, you can add coconut oil into your shampoo and wash your hair with it directly.
Rosemary Water
Rosemary water is truly an amazing remedy for hair and scalp problems. It helps regulate sebum production, it promotes blood circulation at the surface of the skin, and it soothes skin irritations. Rosemary water is great at relieving an itchy scalp but also as a natural remedy for dandruff.
You can apply undiluted Rosemary water on your clean scalp and massage it for a few minutes. There is no need to rinse it off. You can do this every time after you wash your hair.
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