Which itchy scalp home remedies should you be using?

If you are going to sit and scratch your head, you might as well be thinking of how to fix it. It’s such a common situation that most people ignore it and go back to whatever they were doing. Just scratch occasionally and not pay much attention.

But it’s only when that itching becomes more frequent, more intense and more red, that you awaken to the possibility that this might require a head itching solution. And so, you search for various itchy scalp home remedies, wondering which to use. However, it might be prudent to first identify what’s causing the itch.

Some of the common reasons are:

• Dry scalp – When your scalp dries out, it is open to attack from microbes, pathogens and germs. These can make you hunt for an itchy dry scalp treatment.
• Allergic reactions – Maybe you started a new product, a new treatment, or a new medication, not realising that you might be sensitive towards these.
• Dandruff – Born from a naturally occurring fungus and excess oil build-up on the scalp, this is characterised by severe itching, redness and flaking of dead skin cells.
• Inflammation – If your scalp hygiene is poor, there is always potential for acne and inflamed follicles. Those red bumps on your scalp can bring along the itch.
• Sunburn – Unusual but more common than you’d think. When exposed to harmful sunrays, your scalp can become sensitive, dry and in dire need of a solution for itchy hair.

There are other issues like Eczema, Scalp Psoriasis and Lice which can cause an itchy scalp as well, but the more probable reasons are the ones listed above.

How should you deal with an itchy scalp?

Thankfully, this problem has various solutions at your disposal. Some are simple, some might be a little tricky. It all depends on what you want to try and what is easily available to you.

• Aloe vera – This is a widely used method to soothe an itchy scalp. Aloe Vera has fatty acids, enzymes, vitamins and antioxidants, which can reduce your scalp irritation and help regulate the sebum levels. It’s also anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory in nature, which makes it one of the best home remedies for dandruff and itchy scalp. You can apply it directly or create a hair mask from it.
• Lemon juice – The acidic nature of lemons is extremely helpful in clearing out any oil build-up on your scalp, while regulating the pH levels. It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, which can help with your itchy scalp while preventing inflammation. Apply diluted lemon juice or create a hair mask with eggs, curd, or aloe vera.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Instead of tossing it in a salad, you can toss this into your hair. Apple cider vinegar is rich in acids, live cultures and minerals, having a strong anti-inflammatory effect. People use this to treat various issues, especially dandruff. You can create a hair mask with aloe vera, honey, coconut oil or olive oil. It is generally recommended to dilute before applying to your head.
• Tea Tree oil – This essential oil can work wonders on your itchy scalp. It has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, along with a strong moisturising effect. This makes it one of the more potent home remedies for dandruff and itchy scalp. You should always dilute this before applying to your scalp. A quick way is to add a few drops to your shampoo.
• Adequate hair care – One of the easiest home remedies is to use a shampoo that is built to take care of your itch. It is important to wash your hair at least 2-3 times a week, so that you can maintain oil levels and cleanliness.
• Coconut oil – This is a terrific moisturising solution and can be an effective itchy scalp treatment. It is said to soothe any pain and inflammation on the scalp, also having an anti-microbial outcome due to the presence of lauric acid. You can directly apply cold-pressed coconut oil onto your scalp or use it as a carrier oil with another ingredient. It can be mixed with aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, lemon juice, neem, and even eggs.
• Reduce stress and change lifestyle – A simple yet effective home remedy for your itchy scalp is to make adjustments in how you live your life. Stress can cause strife in your hormone secretions and disrupt the amount of oil produced. Learn to reduce your stress through exercise and meditation. Eat healthier with a diet that has more fish, flaxseeds, beans, nuts, eggs, fruits, and leafy vegetables.
• Medicated shampoos – If your troubles feel severe, you can always visit a dermatologist who would suggest medicated shampoos for your scalp itch. Certain products with ketoconazole or salicylic acid might be effective in treating your itching. Always check with a doctor before trying these at home.

An itchy scalp shouldn’t make you worry too much, but you should also be mindful of it. Stop ignoring the signs and find a home remedy that might be right for you, allowing you to get back to your daily routines. You should also supplement home remedies with shampoos like the Head and Shoulders Neem for the best result. This uses ingredients from nature to deep cleanse your pores and provide scalp hygiene, while protecting against dandruff, germs and bacteria.