Itchy scalp is very irritating. It persuades you to scratch the scalp and results in hair fall.
Few causes for itchy scalp include:
- Dandruff
- Scalp infection
- Dry scalp
- Psoriasis
- Lack of hair care
- Itchy scalp may also be due to lice and other reasons such as excessive sweating.
To find out the cause behind itchy scalp, it is advised to check the texture of your scalp carefully. Once you know the cause better start with home remedies for itchy scalp.
Home Remedies to Get Rid Itchy Scalp
- Lemon Juice – Lemon juice has antimicrobial properties due to the presence of phytochemicals. It has an anti-inflammatory effect. Being acidic, it prevents the growth of microbes.
What to do
Apply lemon juice over your scalp. Use a cotton ball for this purpose. After 5 to 10 minutes, rinse it off with water.
Repeat this at least two times in a week.
*Do not repeat this more than twice in a week. Lemon juice, when applied frequently on scalp and hair, can lighten the hair colour.
2. Baking Soda – Baking soda is not just antibacterial but also antifungal. It prevents the growth of microbes that causes infection and itchiness. In addition, baking soda neutralizes the scalp PH.
What to do
Add 2-3 baking soda to a sufficient amount of water to make a thin paste.
Apply the paste to your scalp and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. This is followed by rinsing it off. Repeat this at least two times a week.
3. Onion Juice – Onion juice is rich in antioxidants that reduce inflammation and is good for scalp health. Also, onion possesses antimicrobial properties that treat and prevent skin infection.
What to do
Take a medium-size onion. Peel, grate and squeeze out its juice. With the help of a cotton ball apply onion Juice all over your scalp. Leave it for at least half an hour and then shampoo as usual.
Repeat this at least once in a week.
4. Aloe Vera – Aloe Vera has antimicrobial properties that treat dandruff and infection and prevent itchy scalp. Aloe vera is a natural moisturizer and soothes scalp skin.
What to do
Extract fresh aloe vera gel and apply it to your scalp directly. After 20 minutes, rinse it off with warm water. Repeat this at least two times in a week.
5. Neem oil – Antimicrobial properties of neem oil alleviate infection and itchiness.
What to do
As neem oil is potent oil, you should not use it without diluting. Add 7 to 8 drops of neem oil to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Mix well and apply the oil mixture to your scalp. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes and then shampoo your hair as usual.
6. Coconut oil – Coconut oil, one of the simplest and readily available home remedy for itchy scalp.
Coconut oil moisturizes the scalp and being antibacterial, it treats the infection.
What to do
Massage your scalp with coconut oil 2 times in a week. Leave it overnight and then shampoo as usual in the morning.
Note: – You may also use olive oil to massage your scalp.
7. Apple cider vinegar – Apple cider vinegar is a natural astringent. It contains malic acid that is antifungal and antibacterial. It removes dead skin cells and cleanses the scalp. In addition, apple cider vinegar balance the scalp pH.
What to do
Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to 4 tablespoons of water. Mix well, apply the solution all over your scalp, and massage for 5 minutes. This is followed by rinsing your scalp and hair with plain warm water. Repeat this two times in a week.
How to Prevent Itchy Scalp
To prevent itchy scalp, the first thing you need to do is to use a gentle mild and organic shampoo. Also, avoid conditioners, styling cream or gels that contain waxy substances that stick to your hair and cannot be washed out completely and leads to scalp build up.
Other tips to prevent itchy scalp include:
- Avoid washing your hair with hot water as hot water removes required moisture making your scalp dry and itchy. You can use cold water or lukewarm water to wash your hair.
- Drink at least 8 to 9 glasses of water.
- Take diet rich in iron, zinc, vitamin C and vitamin B.
- Avoid washing your hair repeatedly as its strips of the natural oils and makes your scalp dry.
- Never share your hairbrush and combs with others.
- Limit the use of hair styling products, hot iron and blow dryer to prevent further damage to scalp and hair.
- Discontinue the use of the new hair care product if it starts causing the problem.
We advise you to consult a dermatologist if home remedies to get rid of itchy scalp do not work for you. Your dermatologist will help you to find out the root cause and will suggest an appropriate treatment.