An itchy scalp may be irritating for anyone, especially during the hot summers. Instead of trying a host of market products and professional treatments, use these regular and popular home remedies to eliminate the itchiness from your scalp. Before opting for these home remedies, make sure you check the cause of this itchiness. Notice your scalp texture carefully. Dry skin on the scalp or infections such as dandruff and psoriasis can cause an itchy scalp. The itching and scratching can also result in excess hair fall.
Home Remedies For Itchy Scalp
Let us look at the simple home remedies for itchy scalp and dandruff that work wonders in eliminating the itchiness.
No More Itchy Scalp With These Remedies
- Coconut Oil
- Tea Tree Oil
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Olive Oil
- Lemon Juice
- Witch Hazel
- Aloe Vera
- Peppermint Oil
- Listerine
- Argan Oil
- Onion Juice
- Neem Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Eucalyptus & Lavender Oils
- Chamomile Spray
1. Coconut Oil For Itchy Scalp
You Will Need
A few teaspoons of virgin coconut oil
What You Have To Do
- Lightly heat the oil and apply on the scalp and all over your hair.
- Massage the scalp for a couple of minutes so that the oil is absorbed easily.
Adding a few drops of vitamin E oil to this also helps in providing moisture to a dry and damaged scalp.
How Often You Should Do This
Oil your hair twice a week.
Why This Works
The drier your scalp, the itchier it is. So, keep your scalp moisturized. Oiling your hair twice a week with coconut oil followed by a gentle, relaxing massage will help in balancing the moisture (1). Coconut oil will also help in treating the infection that is causing the itchiness (2).
2. Tea Tree Oil For Itchy Scalp
You Will Need
5-10 drops of tea tree oil
What You Have To Do
- Take the oil in your palms and apply it directly on the scalp.
- Massage it in for a few minutes. Let it work on your scalp overnight.
- Rinse your hair in the morning.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this twice or thrice a week.
Why This Works
Tea tree oil moisturizes and nourishes the scalp and eliminates the dryness. It contains terpenes, which are antibacterial and antifungal in nature. These will treat the scalp infection (3).
3. Apple Cider Vinegar For Itchy Scalp
You Will Need
- 1 part apple cider vinegar
- 4 parts water
What You Have To Do
Mix the apple cider vinegar with water and massage this mixture on the scalp to cure the itching considerably.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this twice a week.
Why This Works
ACV cleanses the scalp and acts as an astringent. The malic acid present in it has antibacterial and antifungal properties, and will also remove all the dead cells from the scalp that have accumulated and are causing itchiness (4, 5). ACV also rebalances the pH of the scalp (6).
4. Baking Soda For Itchy Scalp
You Will Need
- 2-3 tablespoons baking soda
- Water
What You Have To Do
- Make a paste with baking soda and water.
- Apply this paste on the scalp and let leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, rinse it off.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this again after a few days, if required.
Why This Works
Baking soda is not only an antibacterial but also an antifungal agent (7, 8). It kills the harmful microbes on the scalp that are causing the infection, itchiness, and hair fall. It also neutralizes the pH of the scalp and soothes the skin (9).
5. Olive Oil For Itchy Scalp
You Will Need
Virgin olive oil
What You Have To Do
- Warm up the oil and massage onto the scalp and hair.
- Leave it on overnight. Rinse your hair as usual in the morning.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this twice a week for healthy scalp and hair.
Why This Works
Two major components found in olive oil, namely oleocanthal and oleuropein, have anti-inflammatory and skin protectant properties (10, 11). They will heal the inflammation on the scalp and give relief from the itchiness.
6. Lemon Juice For Itchy Scalp
You Will Need
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Cotton ball
What You Have To Do
- Apply lemon juice all over your scalp with the cotton ball.
- Leave it on for five to 10 minutes and then rinse with water.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this no more than twice a week.
Why This Works
Lemon juice is a natural antimicrobial because of its acidity and phytochemicals present it. These phytochemicals also have an anti-inflammatory effect when lemon juice is applied on the scalp (12).
Caution
Excessive use of lemon juice can lighten your hair color.
7. Witch Hazel For Itchy Scalp
You Will Need
- 1 part witch hazel oil
- 2 parts water
What You Have To Do
- Mix the two ingredients and apply it on the scalp with your fingers.
- Massage it in for a minute or two. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse.
How Often You Should Do This
Apply this once in every three to four days.
Why This Works
Witch hazel is an astringent and an antibacterial. It reduces the inflammation of the skin on your scalp and treats the infection (13).
8. Aloe Vera For Itchy Scalp
You Will Need
Aloe vera leaf
What You Have To Do
- Remove the gel from the aloe vera leaf and apply it directly on the scalp.
- Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water so that the aloe vera is washed off easily.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this once or twice a week.
Why This Works
Aloe vera gel is a natural moisturizer. This is also the perfect cure for dandruff and an itchy scalp because of its antimicrobial and soothing properties (14).
9. Peppermint Oil For Itchy Scalp
You Will Need
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint oil
- 1 – 1 1/2 teaspoon carrier oil (olive, jojoba or castor oil)
What You Have To Do
- Mix the peppermint oil in the carrier oil of your choice and apply on the scalp.
- Leave it on for a couple of hours before rinsing your hair.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this twice a week, ideally before you are due for your hair wash.
Why This Works
Peppermint oil is used across the world for soothing itchy and inflamed skin. When applied on the scalp, it will have the same effects. An added advantage of using this home remedy is that peppermint oil is also antibacterial and antifungal in nature (15).
Caution
Do not apply peppermint oil directly on the scalp as it can cause soreness. It also does not spread easily by itself.
10. Listerine For Itchy Scalp
You Will Need
- 1/2 cup Listerine mouthwash
- 1/2 cup water
What You Have To Do
- Mix Listerine and water, and apply this to the scalp. Massage for a minute.
- Leave it on for five minutes. Then, rinse thoroughly.
How Often You Should Do This
Use this remedy twice a week.
Why This Works
Listerine is used as a mouthwash because of its antiseptic and antimicrobial nature. It keeps the oral area germ-free. These properties can also be used to relieve scalp itchiness and dandruff (16).
Caution
Listerine should not be used if you have any open lesions on your scalp.
11. Argan Oil For Itchy Scalp
You Will Need
Argan oil
What You Have To Do
- Apply argan oil on the scalp and gently massage for a couple of minutes.
- Leave it on overnight. You can rinse your hair in the morning.
How Often You Should Do This
Use argan oil at least once a week.
Why This Works
The nourishing and moisturizing properties of argan oil have made it a favorite among hair care experts. It is also used for psoriasis treatment (17).
12. Onion Juice For Itchy Scalp
You Will Need
- 1 small onion
- Cotton ball
What You Have To Do
- Peel and grate the onion. Squeeze out the juice and apply on the scalp thoroughly using the cotton ball.
- Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse as usual with shampoo.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this once every week.
Why This Works
The antimicrobial quality of onions will keep the scalp infection-free (18). The antioxidants present will reduce the inflammation and keep the scalp healthy (19).
13. Neem Oil For Itchy Scalp
You Will Need
- 6-8 drops of neem oil
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
What You Have To Do
- Add the neem oil to the coconut oil and mix well.
- Apply this on the scalp and leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse hair with a mild shampoo.
How Often You Should Do This
You can repeat this twice or thrice a week for quick relief from an itchy scalp.
Why This Works
The antimicrobial properties of neem and its extracts have been utilized since centuries. By clearing the infection that is causing the itchiness, neem oil will effectively give you relief from an itchy scalp (20).
14. Jojoba Oil For Itchy Scalp
You Will Need
Jojoba oil
What You Have To Do
- Massage the oil into the scalp and hair.
- Leave it on overnight. Rinse with a mild shampoo in the morning.
How Often You Should Do This
Apply jojoba oil twice a week.
Why This Works
Jojoba oil heals and hydrates the scalp, thus alleviating the itchiness. It is very easily absorbed into the skin and makes your hair shiny and soft (21).
15. Eucalyptus & Lavender Oils For Itchy Scalp
You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon lavender oil
- 1 teaspoon eucalyptus oil
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
What You Have To Do
- Mix all the oils and dab this mixture on the affected areas.
- Wait for an hour before washing your hair.
How Often You Should Do This
Apply this once or twice a week.
Why This Works
Soft and silky hair with an itch-free scalp is all yours with this potent serum. This combination of oils is also very relaxing and soothing to your scalp and hair follicles (22). Eucalyptus oil acts as a great natural remedy for dandruff, which is one of the main causes of an itchy scalp (23).
16. Chamomile Spray For Itchy Scalp
You Will Need
- A handful of chamomile flowers
- 2 cups water
What You Have To Do
- Bring the water to a boil and add the chamomile flowers to it. Simmer the stove and allow the mixture to boil until the color changes.
- Now, switch off the stove and allow the chamomile serum to cool down. Filter and fill this serum into a clean spray bottle and refrigerate.
- Whenever your scalp itches, spray this onto your scalp for an instant relief.
How Often You Should Do This
Use this as and when required.
Why This Works
Chamomile has been used since ages to treat inflammation and other hair ailments, and it soothes itchy scalps too (24).
[ Read: Food For Healthy Hair ]
An itchy scalp can be both annoying and embarrassing. But it not something to worry about as it can easily be gotten rid of using simple home remedies. Here a few frequently asked questions regarding an itchy scalp.
FAQs
1. Tips To Prevent Itchy Scalp
- Use a baby shampoo to wash your hair. Baby shampoo is gentle and mild, so it will help in cleaning the scalp without further irritating it.
- Wash your hair with lukewarm or cold water. Hot water removes the moisture, causing the scalp to dry and become itchy.
- Washing the hair repeatedly also strips the scalp of its natural oils and causes dryness.
- Drink at least eight glasses of water to keep your scalp hydrated and consume a diet rich in vitamins B & C, iron, and zinc.
- Limit the use of hairstyling products as well as blow dryers and hot irons as they cause further damage to the hair and the scalp.
- Always use separate combs and brushes, and never exchange it with others.
- If you have started using a new hair care product, check to see if it is the cause of your problem. Discontinue using it as soon as possible.
We often misread a dry and itchy scalp. As a result, we often use shampoos and conditioners, which make our hair drier and more brittle. Thus, instead of indiscriminately applying hair softening shampoos and conditioners, it is best to consult a dermatologist. This will help you understand the root cause of the dryness and adopt treatment methods as suggested by the specialist.
2. What Causes An Itchy Scalp?
An itchy scalp is known in medical terms as pruritus. It is particularly worse in winter and in rooms with central heating because either of these aggravates the condition. Painful red boils around hair follicles are also a result of an itchy scalp, and any long term hair fall can be attributed to these factors (25).
An itchy scalp can be caused due to a number of reasons:
- Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as dandruff, is one of the most common causes of an itchy scalp (25).
- Folliculitis is a condition where the harsh chemicals of shampoos and conditioners damage the roots or the follicles of hair strands. This results in an itchy scalp and whitish pimples that can worsen into red boils. These weaken the roots of the hair and result in hair fall. If left untreated for an even longer period, bald patches can develop on the scalp with no visible hair follicles (26).
- Ringworm of the scalp and psoriasis are two other conditions which lead to an itchy scalp directly. In the former condition, fungal infections damage large swathes of hair and leave the area barren for a long time. In the latter condition, dry skin worsens to damage hair follicles (25).
- A neuropathic itch is observed in the association with diabetes mellitus or a herpes zoster infection (25).
