Itchy Scalp Home Remedies – Ayurvedic & Natural

We all have experienced an itchy scalp at least once, which can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Even though many products are available that promise quick results, many contain harsh chemicals that may damage your hair in the long run.

Still, you can find scalp itch relief home remedies made with common kitchen ingredients. These natural methods can help reduce itchiness, soothe your scalp, and boost overall hair health. In this article, we have covered some easy and effective Itchy Scalp Home Remedies.

What Causes an Itchy Scalp?

The reasons behind an itchy scalp are given below:

Contact Dermatitis or Allergic Reaction

Sometimes, an itchy scalp can be the result of contact dermatitis, which happens when your immune system reacts to something that comes in contact with your skin. This reaction may not be immediately evident and may occur only after the substance has built up on your skin over time.

Some of the common causes of allergic reactions include ingredients in shampoos, conditioners, hair dyes, or even pollution. Also, in some cases, people with health issues like asthma may be more sensitive and prone to such allergic reactions.

Dandruff

Dandruff is one of the most common reasons for an itchy scalp, and the good news is that it’s usually easy to treat. It often happens because of a type of yeast called Malassezia, which can grow on most people’s skin.

There are many home remedies for dandruff available that can help manage dandruff and reduce itchiness, making it easier to keep your scalp healthy and comfortable.

Head Lice

Most of us would have dealt with head lice at some point in our lives. Lice spread mainly through direct head-to-head contact. They feed on blood from your scalp, and the itching happens when your skin reacts to their saliva.

Product Buildup

When you use too many hair products, especially those with silicones, it can lead to product buildup on your scalp. If you do not wash away these products properly, they can pile up over time. This buildup will trap dirt and allergens, and it becomes difficult for your scalp to get rid of dead skin cells. As a result, your scalp may become itchy, irritated, or even inflamed. So, always be careful with the products you use and stick to a regular, clean hair care routine.

Ringworm

Ringworm, also called Tinea Capitis, is caused by a fungus called Trichophyton rubrum. This fungal infection appears as round, ring-shaped patches on the scalp. It is contagious and can spread easily through direct head-to-head contact. You should seek medical help if you notice signs of ringworm on your scalp.

Dry Scalp

Dry scalp is a common issue that happens when the sebaceous glands on your scalp don’t produce enough natural oil (sebum). When your scalp lacks moisture, it becomes more sensitive and can easily get irritated or inflamed by allergens. So, it is essential to keep your scalp well-hydrated to protect it. By using simple natural remedies and traditional oil massages, you can treat dry scalp and keep it healthy.

Best Ayurvedic Itchy Scalp Home Remedies

You need not rely on costly treatments to get relief from an itchy scalp. Instead, you can try simple, natural solutions based on Ayurveda to calm the irritation, lower inflammation, and improve scalp health. Below are some Ayurvedic remedies for itchy scalp that you can try at home for quick relief.

Banana

Bananas are packed with nutrients like vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. A banana hair mask can help moisturise your scalp, reduce itchiness, and make your hair softer, shinier, and easier to manage.

Ingredients:

• ripe bananas – 2
• coconut oil
• coconut milk

Directions:

• To the mashed bananas, add the coconut oil and coconut milk, then mix everything well.
• Divide your hair into sections and apply the banana hair mask from the roots to the tips.
• After 30 minutes, wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo and water.

How Often to Use:

Use this banana hair mask twice a week to help soothe an itchy scalp and improve your hair’s texture and shine.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is one of the best remedies for itchy scalp that can relieve scalp irritation and keep your scalp healthy. It possesses powerful antimicrobial properties, which help fight off bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Also, it helps moisturise the scalp and can support healthy hair growth.

Ingredients:

• A few drops of tea tree oil
• A suitable carrier oil

Directions:

• Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with your chosen carrier oil.
• Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and gently apply it to your scalp.
• Leave it for at least 2 hours or overnight before rinsing out.

How Often to Use:

Use this treatment twice a week for faster results. Once you notice improvement in your scalp condition, you can reduce the frequency to once a week for maintenance.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a popular remedy that can relieve an itchy scalp, heal minor cuts, and reduce irritation. The natural enzymes and fatty acids in aloe vera gel can help treat dandruff, reduce inflammation, and moisturise your hair and scalp.

Ingredients:

• Fresh aloe vera leaf

Directions:

• Scoop out fresh aloe vera gel into a bowl.
• Using your fingertips, gently apply the gel all over your scalp.
• Wait 15 to 20 minutes, and rinse it off using cold or lukewarm water.

How Often to Use:

Use this remedy once or twice a week.

Yoghurt and Egg

This yoghurt and egg hair mask can help soothe an itchy scalp, reduce dryness, and improve your overall hair health. Both yoghurt and egg are full of protein, which can help strengthen and nourish your hair from root to tip.

Ingredients:

• Egg- 1

Curd (plain yoghurt)- 3 to 4 tablespoons

• A few drops of lemon juice

Directions:

• Crack open the egg into a bowl and beat it well.
• Add the curd, lemon juice, and mix everything until smooth.
• Apply the mask all over your scalp and hair using a brush or your fingers.
• After 1 hour, wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo and water.

How Often to Use:

Use this mask two times a week.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe dryness and nourish the scalp. It works well for all hair types and won’t make your scalp feel greasy. It also helps regulate your scalp’s natural oil levels, making it a gentle and reliable choice for everyday use.

Ingredients:

• Jojoba oil- 2 tablespoons

Directions:

• Warm up the jojoba oil slightly.
• Once it’s warm (not hot), apply it to your scalp and hair, starting from the roots to the tips.
• Gently massage it in and leave it on for about 20 minutes.
• Then, rinse it off using shampoo and water.

How Often to Use:

Use this jojoba oil treatment twice a week.

Avocado

Avocados are abundant in nutrients like potassium, biotin, and amino acids that can help nourish the scalp and strengthen hair. They work as a deep conditioner and add natural shine to your hair. Rich in vitamins and healthy fats, an avocado hair mask is one of the excellent home remedies for an itchy scalp.

Ingredients:

• ripe avocado- 1
• Honey- 2 tablespoons
• Olive oil- 2 tablespoons

Directions:

• Scoop out the avocado and put it in a blender.
• Add the honey and olive oil, then blend everything into a smooth paste. Apply the mask to slightly damp hair using your hands, covering the scalp and strands well.
• After 30 minutes, rinse off your hair with shampoo and water.

How Often to Use:

Use this avocado hair mask twice a week.

Baking Soda

If you are looking for an effective itchy scalp cure at home, try using baking soda as it has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help fight infections and reduce itchiness. Also, it can help maintain your scalp’s pH, making it a simple and effective remedy for various scalp issues.

Ingredients:

• baking soda- 2 tablespoons
• Water (as needed)

Directions:

• In a bowl, add baking soda and water to make a thick paste.
• Apply the paste directly to your scalp using your fingertips or a brush
• After 15 minutes. Then, rinse it off with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo.

How Often to Use:

Use this remedy once a week for three weeks.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is made from the essence of peppermint leaves. The menthol in peppermint offers a refreshing scent and has a cooling effect that helps to calm down itchy, irritated skin.

The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of peppermint oil help reduce scalp dryness and itchiness and fight off infections. It can improve blood flow to the scalp, which helps in promoting hair growth.

Ingredients:

• Peppermint oil- ½ teaspoon
• Carrier oil (coconut oil/olive oil/ castor oil)- 1½ teaspoons

Directions:

• Mix the peppermint oil with your chosen carrier oil.
• Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and apply it all over your scalp.
• After 1 hour, wash your hair with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water.

How Often to Use:

Apply this peppermint oil treatment twice a week.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a natural and effective way to moisturise an itchy scalp, which is caused by dryness. It has soothing properties that help reduce irritation and clear away dirt and buildup. Also, its antifungal abilities can help fight infections that cause itchiness. Regular use of coconut oil can reduce dandruff, calm itching, promote hair growth, and leave your scalp smooth and healthy.

Ingredients:

• Coconut oil- 2 tablespoons

Directions:

• Warm coconut oil gently and apply it evenly to your scalp.
• Once applied, massage it in with your fingertips for at least 5 minutes.
• Leave the oil on your hair for a few hours or overnight
• Rinse it out using a mild shampoo and lukewarm water the next morning.

How Often to Use:

For best results, use coconut oil 2 to 3 times a week.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the natural remedies for many hair problems, including dandruff and an itchy scalp.It can support hair growth and improve overall scalp health. ACV contains acetic acid, which helps bring back your hair’s natural shine, while its antimicrobial properties may help fight off the fungi and bacteria that cause scalp infections.

Ingredients:

• Apple cider vinegar – 1 part
• Water-4 parts
• A few drops of essential oil (optional)

Directions:

• Mix apple cider vinegar with water in a bowl.
• Add a few drops of your essential oil to the mix if you dont like the smell of vinegar.
• After you have shampooed and conditioned your hair, pour this mixture over your scalp.
• Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it off with plain water.

How Often to Use:

Start by using this rinse twice a week. Once you notice improvements on your scalp, reduce the usage to once a week to maintain the results.

Lemongrass Oil

Lemongrass oil comes from lemongrass, a tall plant that grows in parts of Asia, Africa, and Australia. Since the oil has a powerful aroma, it’s best to mix it with a carrier oil before using it on your scalp.

Lemongrass oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. Using this oil regularly can help improve scalp health and reduce common hair problems like itching and flaking.

Ingredients:

• Coconut oil – 1 cup
• Lemongrass oil- 2 to 3 drops

Directions:

• Mix the lemongrass oil with the coconut oil in a bowl.
• Apply this blend to your scalp and massage it with your fingertips.
• Leave it on overnight, and in the morning, wash your hair with shampoo and water.

How Often to Use:

Use this treatment every night before bed for the best results.

Lemon Juice

When lemon, packed with vitamin C, is applied to your scalp, it can relieve itchiness and provide a natural shine to your hair.

Ingredients:

• Fresh lemons- 2

Directions:

• Wash the lemons well and dry them with a clean cloth.
• Squeeze out the juice into a bowl.
• Using a cotton ball, apply the fresh lemon juice to your scalp.
• After 10 minutes, rinse it off with cold water and a mild shampoo.

How Often to Use:

Apply this remedy once a week. With regular use, you should start noticing improvements in 4 to 6 weeks.

Argan Oil

Argan oil, often called “liquid gold,” is full of nutrients like vitamin E and healthy fats, which can help improve hair texture, add moisture, and reduce scalp dryness or itching.

Ingredients:

• Argan Oil

Directions:

• Apply the oil straight from the bottle.
• Gently massage it into your scalp and let it stay overnight.
• Wash your hair the next morning with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water.

How Often to Use:

Use this treatment once a week.

Onion Juice

Onion juice is a natural itchy scalp treatment. Onion juice is rich in antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can help soothe dryness, reduce dandruff, and strengthen weak hair.

Ingredients:

• Onion – 1

Directions:

• Take a fresh, juicy onion (avoid dry ones), peel and grate it.
• Squeeze out the juice using a strainer.
• You can also use the grated pulp directly if you are okay with onion bits.
• Dip a cotton ball into the juice or pulp and gently apply it to your scalp. After 20 minutes, rinse your hair with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo.

How Often to Use

Use this remedy once a week.

Olive Oil

Olive oil, known for its soothing and healing properties, can calm an itchy scalp caused by infections and keep your hair healthy.

Ingredients:

• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons

Directions:

• Warm the oil slightly
• Massage the warm oil into your scalp using your fingertips.
• Leave it on overnight, and the next morning, wash your hair using a mild shampoo and lukewarm water.

How Often to Use

Use this treatment two times a week.

Tips to Prevent an Itchy Scalp

Here are some easy tips to prevent an itchy scalp:

• Wash your hair regularly to remove excess oil and dirt buildup.
• Use warm water instead of hot water to avoid drying out your scalp.
• Choose hair products that are free from strong fragrances and dyes to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
• Avoid close contact with people who have lice. Don’t share items like combs, hats, towels, helmets, or pillowcases.
• Drink plenty of water every day to keep your body and scalp hydrated.
• Eat a balanced diet that includes all important nutrients, especially protein and calcium, which help keep your hair strong.
• Stay away from heat styling tools like curling irons, straighteners, and even blow dryers, as they can damage your hair over time.
• Don’t use hair gels, waxes, or styling creams too often because they can make your hair weak or sticky.
• Take a break from chemical treatments like colouring, straightening, or perming. Doing these too often can harm your hair permanently.
• When trying any new hair product, do a patch test first.

The Bottom Line

An itchy scalp can be both uncomfortable and distracting, but with the right care, you can soothe irritation and restore scalp health naturally.

By following simple habits like keeping your scalp clean, staying hydrated, using gentle hair products, and trying home treatments for itchy scalp like aloe vera, coconut oil, or tea tree oil, you can get relief from an itchy scalp to an extent. However, if the itching persists or worsens, it’s best to consult a dermatologist to rule out any underlying conditions.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Itchy Scalp Home Remedies