15 Powerful (And Simple) Home Remedies for Itchy Scalp

You need to see a dermatologist if the itchy scalp:

• Has lasted for more than a week.
• Includes inflammation, pain, or blisters.
• The itching gets so intense that it interferes with daily functions like sleep and work.

Itchy Scalp Home Remedies for Lasting Relief

There are various types of home remedies that can be effective for itchy scalp. But do keep in mind that these remedies are most effective for flaky dry scalp that is mild or in the initial stages. If your condition is severe and home remedies have failed to control the symptoms, it’s time to see a medical professional.
Here are some popular itchy scalp and dandruff home remedies that you can try:

Apple cider vinegar:

Apple cider is a popular home remedy because of its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. With consistent use, it can kill any infection and reduce itching that is caused by dry skin.

How to Prepare?

Dilute the apple cider solution in warm water.

How to Use?

Use the diluted mixture as a rinse after shampooing for relief from itchy scalp. It will also help alleviate dandruff.

Dosage:

Mix the vinegar and water, 1:4 to 1:8 is the recommended ratio, and use it three times a week.

Organic coconut oil:

This oil is naturally extracted from mature coconuts. It has lauric acid that is known for its antibacterial properties. This provides a soothing effect on an itchy scalp. It can also help reduce eczema symptoms. However, you may want to avoid this oil if you have an oily scalp or dandruff because it can aggravate these conditions for some people.

How to Prepare?

Organic coconut oil is available at any grocery store.

How to Use?

Massage warm coconut oil into your scalp, and keep it on for twenty minutes. Rinse off the mask with warm water. Shampoo and condition with mild hair products.

Dosage:

Heat and apply two to three tablespoons, massage the warm oil into your scalp. Do this once or twice a week.

Peppermint tea:

Peppermint is a great ingredient that is effective at reducing itchy scalp dandruff and bumps on the scalp that itch.

How to Use?

You can use it by making a peppermint tea and using it to rinse your scalp, after applying the shampoo.

Dosage

You steep one or two bags of peppermint tea into lukewarm water and use the water to rinse your hair. Do this once or twice a week.

Tea tree oil:

This is one of the most popular itchy scalp and dandruff home remedies. It’s effective because of the anti-septic, anti-bacterial, and antifungal properties. The anti-inflammatory effects are also a bonus against dandruff and dry scalp. You can purchase tea tree essential oils at any food store.

How to Use?

Add 10 drops of tea tree oil to a gentle clarifying shampoo (that is best suited for itchy scalp), and massage it into your scalp. You can also mix it with coconut oil, gently massage it into your scalp directly, keep it on for fifteen minutes, and then wash it off with warm water.

Dosage:

You can use tea tree oil once or twice a week, and add ten to twenty drops to hair products like shampoos and oils.

Zinc pyrithione shampoo:

Many studies have found that Zinc pyrithione shampoo is effective in treating a dry scalp. People who have itchy scalps have experienced a significant decrease in histamine levels- which contribute to the itch intensity. The shampoos are available at any drugstore or retail outlets.
Note that the composition and quality of Zinc pyrithione shampoo varies from one brand to another. So, you should ideally consult your doctor to know which brand is best suited for you.

Dosage:

The number of times you need to use it will depend on your scalp condition. While some people may need to use it frequently to get immediate relief, others may use it twice or thrice a week. This shampoo will help people who have an itchy scalp that is caused due to allergies.

Salicylic acid:

Shampoos that have salicylic acid are great at treating itchy scalp that is caused by psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help with exfoliation, which is highly effective in treating itchy patches caused by psoriasis.

Dosage:

Shampoos containing salicylic acid should be used according to the severity of your flaky dry scalp. Some people may need to use it every day to gain relief from itchiness; others may have to use it twice or thrice a week because the condition is less severe.

Ketoconazole shampoo:

Ketoconazole shampoo is an anti-fungal shampoo and it’s effective at treating yeast infections that occur on the scalp. It is usually available on prescription. It is also found as an active ingredient in several mainstream shampoos.

Dosage:

Since it helps reduce dandruff and itchy scalp, they can require different usage techniques. This means you will either have to use it everyday or every other day. Don’t use it on broken or swollen skin. Consult your doctor on the exact dosage.

Selenium sulfide:

This is an anti-infective medication that is used to treat dermatitis. It works by reducing the rapid growth of yeast on the scalp. You can get it as a shampoo or a scalp lotion.

Dosage:

The recommended dosage is twice weekly for the first two weeks, and then tapering off to once a week for a month. Ensure that you purchase it on prescription. If the irritation persists even after using the shampoo, discontinue it immediately.

Meditation:

Stress and anxiety are mental triggers that worsen scalp itchiness. Here, meditation can provide great relief because it helps reduce stress levels and anxiety episodes. Meditation provides a coping mechanism and a sense of control.
You can take thirty minutes out of your day, every day, to just relax and meditate. Try doing it in the morning, just before you start with your daily routine. It will prepare you to take on tasks in a proactive way and teach you to handle stressful episodes calmly.

Lemongrass oil:

This essential oil is very popular for itchy scalp treatment because of its natural astringent properties. It reduces bleeding from minor cuts and reduces oil production in the scalp. You will find it in many shampoos and oils as well.

Dosage:

Add two drops of lemongrass oil to one tablespoon of your regular shampoo. Massage it into your scalp for two to three minutes. Gently wash off the shampoo and oil mixture with lukewarm water. Do this twice or thrice a week for relief from itchy scalp.

Mineral oils:

Mineral oils make for a great home remedy treatment for the itchy scalp. Thanks to their rich properties, they help loosen psoriasis scales that are caused due to dandruff and eczema.

Dosage:

You will have to massage the oil into your scalp and leave it there for an hour. Then rinse it off with a mild clarifying shampoo and warm water. But, it’s suggested that people with oily scalp should avoid these oils because it can increase dandruff and aggravate itchy scalp as well.

Eating a healthy diet:

This includes eating a diet that is rich in zinc, vitamin B, and healthy fats. These foods are known to prevent dandruff and dry scalp skin.

Maintaining good personal hygiene:

You must keep your hair clean by using a gentle shampoo every other day. This will help you avoid an oily scalp. Also, you should try cutting back on hair styling products because they can cause dandruff flare-ups.

Baking soda:

Baking soda is a powerful disinfectant because it removes excess oils on your scalp. It washes off extra grease that triggers dandruff flare-ups. It’s a natural antiseptic that helps balance pH levels too.

How to use it?

Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with water. Continue mixing until you have a paste-like consistency. Part your hair in sections and apply a few drops of oil before applying the baking soda paste. Let the mix stay on for 10 minutes and then rinse it out thoroughly

Dosage:

Repeat this process regularly, once or twice a week until the itchiness resolves.

Banana and avocado:

This scalp treatment is soothing and moisturizing. It’s great at reducing dry flakes and swelling.

How to use it?

Mash two bananas and one avocado. Apply it to the dry patches on your scalp. Leave it on for thirty minutes and rinse with cold water. Repeat this process twice or thrice a week, till the itching reduces and goes away completely.
Although these home remedies will help resolve most cases of itchy scalp, there may be the persistent cases that need the attention of a dermatologist. Seek a consultation if your itchy scalp problems are getting worse in-spite of a hair care regimen as it could signify an underlying condition.