Scratching our head in public is certainly very embarrassing for anyone. Many people relate to an itchy scalp with bad hygiene, but that is not true always. Whilst skin conditions such as psoriasis, fungal infections, eczema and seborrheic dermatitis are the most common and the most severe causes of an itchy scalp. Other factors such as weather, hair products, stress, lice infestation and dandruff can also lead to itchiness of the scalp. The main symptoms for any of the above mentioned skin conditions are hair loss and red eruptions on the scalp. Other symptoms include scaling, redness, burning sensation of the scalp, cracking of the skin and discoloration of the scalp. In many cases, you will have to visit a dermatologist, if the itching is acute as many of these conditions are not treatable with over-the-counter drugs. However, there are many home remedies, which can help resolve the problem of an itchy scalp.
Home Remedies for Itchy Scalp
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties and is widely used in innumerable home remedies. In a bowl, mix ¼ cups of apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of water. Dab a cotton ball in the mixture and apply directly on the scalp or pour it into a spray bottle and spray evenly all over your head. Now gently massage your head for 10 minutes and then wrap your hair in a towel. After 15 minutes, remove the towel and wash your hair.
2. Lemon Juice
This remedy is very effective for those who are looking for a solution for their dandruff problem. Cut a lemon into half and squeeze the juice. Apply directly on the scalp.
3. Yogurt/Fresh Curd
People with a dry scalp can mix 4 tablespoons of curd with the juice of 1 lemon to make a mask. Apply evenly on the scalp and hair. Leave it on for 45 minutes and then wash off with lukewarm water.
4. Mayonnaise
Mix some olive oil, mayonnaise and broccoli purée in a bowl and apply directly on the scalp. Massage the scalp for a few minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water.
5. Baking Soda
Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with a teaspoon of water and keep it aside. Now apply a few drops of olive oil on your scalp and massage it for 10 minutes. Apply the baking soda paste on the scalp and let it stay for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
6. Sesame Seed Oil
Take about 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small metal bowl and heat it on the gas. If it becomes too hot, let it cool down. Using your fingertips, apply the oil directly on the scalp and massage gently for 15 minutes. Now take a hot towel and wrap it up around your head. After 10 minutes, remove the towel but do not wash your hair till the next morning. Keep doing this at least 2 to 3 times in a week until the itchiness subsides.
7. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil helps hydrate your scalp and at the same time make your hair shine. Apply some jojoba oil on the scalp and massage it for 5 to 6 minutes. Keep it overnight and then wash it off with a mild shampoo the following day. Do this once in a week.
8. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a three-in-one remedy for itchy scalp, as it has antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Take ½ cup of baby shampoo and add 20 drops of tea tree oil to it. Wash your hair with this mix every day until the itchiness subsides.
Alternatively, you can mix 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil with 3 drops of tea tree oil. Apply it on the scalp, using your hands. Massage your scalp for 5 minutes and then wash it off with shampoo.
9. Coconut Oil
Shampoo your hair and let them dry. Then massage the scalp with coconut oil. Let it sit for half an hour and then wash your hair again with shampoo. Make sure you use a shampoo that is fragrance-free. Repeat this process three times in a week to get relief from an itchy scalp.
10. Rosemary Oil
Apply a mixture of rosemary oil, jojoba oil, carrot oil and sage oil on your scalp. Soak a towel in hot water, wring it and wrap around your head. Remove the towel after 15 to 20 minutes. Leave the oil on for the whole night and wash your hair the next day.
11. Peppermint Oil
Add two drops of peppermint oil to a cup of water and apply on the scalp. Now gently massage the scalp for a few minutes.
12. Bananas and Avocado
Bananas help remove flakes of dandruff from the head and nourish the scalp. Mash two ripe bananas with one ripe avocado and apply the mask onto the scalp and hair. Allow it to stay for at least half an hour and then rinse off thoroughly. Do this at regular intervals to rejuvenate your hair.
13. Banana and Honey Mask
Honey is a natural moisturizer and antibiotic agent. To make a mask, mash a banana and add 1 teaspoon of honey and a few drops of onion juice. Mix well and then apply it on your scalp. After 20 minutes, rinse it off and shampoo your hair.
14. Strawberry Mask
Strawberries contain vitamin C which helps balance the pH of your scalp. To make a mask, blend together some strawberries, 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of honey. Apply on the scalp and keep it for 15 minutes. Then rinse it off.
15. Oatmeal Mask
In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of oats, 1 tablespoon of fresh milk and 1 tablespoon of almond oil or olive oil. Remove all the knots from your hair and then apply the mask on the entire scalp and hair. Shampoo your hair after 20 to 30 minutes.
16. Juniper Berry
Boil two cups of water and add ½ a cup of crushed juniper berries to it. Once the mixture is cool enough, apply on the scalp. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse it off.
17. Chamomile Tea
Make some chamomile tea and allow it to cool. Dab a cotton ball in the tea and apply on the scalp. After keeping it for some time, rinse off.
18. Camphor
Mix 20 grams of coconut oil and 5 grams of camphor. Once the camphor has dissolved, apply the oil on the scalp. Wait for 30 minutes and then wash it off.
Herbal Remedies to Get Rid of Itchy Scalp
19. Bay Leaves
Boil 2 cups of water and add 1½ teaspoon of crushed bay leaves to it. Let the mixture steep for half an hour. Strain the liquid and massage the mixture into the scalp. Leave it on for half an hour and then rinse it off. Make sure you wash your hair before you try this remedy.
20. Fenugreek Seeds
Soak a tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in some warm water, overnight. In the morning, make a paste by combining the seeds with some lemon juice. Apply the paste on the scalp and allow it to sit for an hour.
21. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel reduces inflammation of the scalp. You can easily buy Hazel oil from your local herbal shop or chemist. Mix one tablespoon of the oil with two tablespoons of water. Apply this mixture on your scalp using your hands. Now massage the oil into the scalp for 10 minutes. Rinse it off after 10 minutes.
22. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera helps fight the bacteria that cause itchiness of the scalp. It has cooling properties that help control the burning sensation you feel on the scalp due to scratching. Aloe vera gel is available in many herbal shops. Alternatively, you can cut an aloe leaf and extract out its gel. Apply it directly on the scalp, massaging gently.
23. Margosa Oil
Massage your scalp with margosa oil. Its antibacterial properties heal and soothe the itchy scalp.
24. Ylang-Ylang
Ylang-ylang fights off dandruff, thereby helping you get rid of itchy scalp.
Do’s
Wash and condition your hair at least twice a week.
Change your shampoo after every 2 weeks.
Let your hair dry naturally after every wash.
Comb your hair two times a day to distribute the natural oils evenly.
Always use conditioner after every wash.
Drink 8 glasses of water every day.
Taking vitamin E supplements helps keep the skin hydrated.
Look for lice and lice eggs in your hair.
Eat foods that are rich in vitamin A, B and C, as well as zinc and fatty acids.
Wash your pillow cover and bed sheets once a week.
Oil your hair very often.
Don’ts
Do not use hot water to wash your hair.
Avoid using alcohol-based hair products as they dry the scalp.
Do not scratch your head, no matter how much strong the itch-urge is.
Do not color your hair or try any hair treatment, if you have an itchy scalp.
Do not tie wet hair.
Do not use shampoos that contain sodium laureth sulfate.
Source: homeremedy.com
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