ITCHY SCALP HOME REMEDIES

Scalp pruritus, also known as itchy scalp, is a common condition and can affect anyone from babies to elderly. There’s a wide range of reasons for an itchy scalp, with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis being the most common ones. 

While dandruff can be caused by scalp that’s too dry, oily hair, or a variety of other skin conditions, seborrheic dermatitis is most often a result of stress, seasonal changes, fluctuating hormones, or an overgrowth of yeast on the skin.

Other common causes of itchy scalp include:

• autoimmune disorders, such as psoriasis
• fungal infections, such as tinea capitis, or ringworm
• allergic reaction to a product such as hair dye
• eczema
• atopic dermatitis
• head lice
• stress or anxiety
• diabetes
• herpes zoster, or shingles

Most of the above conditions require some sort of medical treatment. So please see your doctor if your itchy scalp causes painful blisters and sores, and interferes with your sleep and daily activities.

Below, we will discuss easy home remedies for an itchy scalp that does NOT require medical treatment.

1. Organic coconut oil

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a saturated fat with antimicrobial properties that helps soothe an itchy scalp. Coconut oil is also great for the rest of your hair, so apply a generous amount from roots to ends, leaving for at least one hour, or overnight. Wash off with shampoo. 

2. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties, and can help reduce itching caused by dry skin or product buildup. However, because of the acidic nature of ACV, always dilute a half tablespoon of vinegar to every 8 ounces of water. Use it as a rinse after shampooing to alleviate dandruff and an itchy scalp.

3. Calendula (marigold) flower

Because of various vitamins and minerals found in Calendula flower, a rinse made with calendula petals has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and wound healing properties, and helps fight dry, itchy scalp, and dandruff. To prepare, take two tbsp dry calendula flowers and add one litre of boiling water. Let it brew for 30min, then filter the flowers out and rinse your scalp and hair AFTER shampoo. Don’t use more than twice a week - everything is good in moderation.

4. Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil may be effective at reducing dandruff and soothing the scalp, calming down itch. Try diluting it with another oil, such as olive oil, and massaging it into the scalp before shampooing. You can also use peppermint tea as a rinse after shampooing.

5. Tea tree oil

An essential oil available at health food stores, tea tree oil has antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and antiseptic properties. It also has anti-inflammatory effects. Tea tree oil can be irritating to the skin, so it’s important to use it sparingly or dilute it prior to use.

Try adding 10 to 20 drops of tea tree oil to a gentle shampoo or mix it with olive oil and massage it directly into your scalp. Tea tree oil can help reduce or eliminate itching associated with dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and head lice. Tea tree oil should never be ingested.

In the next post, we will give some awesome DIY hair mask recipes, that will leave your hair and scalp feeling fresh and healthy.

Stay tuned!