The Best ways to Get rid of an Itchy Scalp Naturally!
16-05-2018 | Posted By: Chhavi | 12637 View(s)
Do you often find yourself scratching your scalp? An itchy scalp can be embarrassing and can even cause hair loss. Some of the most common causes of an itchy scalp are dandruff, poor hair care, poor diet, viral infections, sebaceous cysts and dry scalp. If you have an itchy scalp, you can easily treat it without spending a lot of money.
Some Common Causes of the Itchy Scalp:
-Stress or anxiety
-Diabetes
-Allergic Reactions
-Head Lice
-Fungal infections like tinea capitis and ringworm
-Atopic dermatitis
-Psoriasis and other autoimmune disorders
Come summer and there pops up this issue of Itchy Scalp which can become an embarrassment in public if not taken care of properly. The problem is aggravated by increased perspiration during the summer months. Itchy Scalp is a problem faced by a lot of people and at times finding the right solution becomes a big problem. However, the key to getting rid of it is to go back to the basics and ensure the following:
Healthy Diet:
Diet is the key. An imbalance of Vitamins can trigger this problem so it is very important to ensure proper intake of Vitamin A, B, C and iron in your diet.Have plenty of fresh Fruits and salads and avoid junk food. Green vegetables during meals can also do the trick
Keep Hydrated:
Ensure that your body is properly hydrated at all times by having at least 8-10 glasses of water especially during Summer Time. This will fulfill the amount of water required by your body to maintain its shine and glow.
The Right Shampoo to avoid Itchy Scalp :
Avoid using Shampoo which have high chemical contents and fall back on natural products like Ayurvedic or Herbal shampoo which have a high level of natural ingredients which are soft on the scalp and also have an enriching effect on the scalp. Alternatively use shampoos with mild effect like Baby Johnson shampoo which does not have very many chemicals in it and does not damage the scalp.
Shower:
Do not wash your scalp with hot water as it removes all the moisture and can leave the hair dull and dry. Use cold water only to rinse and wash to the maximum possible extent or at best use lukewarm water if hot water cannot be avoided at all.
Wear the Right Clothes :
Wear Cotton Clothes or clothes which reflect Sunrays so as to keep you cool during summer time.This helps to minimise perspiration and keep the effects of itchy scalp under control.
Apart from the above taking care of small things like using a clean towel after Hair wash and keeping the comb clean can also help.There are many natural remedies which can work wonders in eliminating the itchiness. Here are top 12 ways to get rid of an itchy scalp.
What are the Best Ways to Get Rid of an Itchy Scalp?
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Take apple cider vinegar (ACV) and water and mix both of them in equal amounts. Apply this mixture to your scalp using cotton balls. Rinse it off with normal water after a few minutes. Repeat this one to two times a week.
Apple cider vinegar has strong anti-inflammation properties that help kill the virus and yeast that cause itchy scalp. Plus, it balances the pH levels of the scalp and helps relieve itchiness. The malic acid present in apple cider vinegar helps remove dead cells from the scalp.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one product which has been in use since ages and has a wonderful effect on the scalp and helps immensely to get rid of itchy scalp through its moisturizing action.Applying coconut oil to hair is one of the best ways to get rid of an itchy scalp. Take two teaspoons of virgin coconut oil and heat the oil. Apply this warm oil on the scalp. Massage your scalp for a few minutes. Rinse it off after an hour. Do this twice a week.
Coconut oil keeps the scalp moisturised which helps fight dryness and hence it is one of the best ways to get relief from an itchy scalp.
3. Lemon Juice
Lemon is said to be very good for the hair. Applying Lemon juice to the scalp can do wonders.Take two to three tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice and apply the juice all over your scalp using a cotton ball. Rinse it off thoroughly with water after 10 minutes. Apply this one to two times a week.
You can also mix freshly squeezed lemon juice with yoghurt and apply it all over your scalp. Keep it on your scalp for a few minutes and then wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
Lemon juice has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that help deal with dandruff and dry scalp issues.
4. Baking Soda
Mix baking soda with enough water and apply it on your scalp. Rinse it off properly with water after 10 minutes. Try this remedy once or twice a month to get rid of an itchy scalp.
The antibacterial and antifungal properties of baking soda kill the harmful microbes that cause infection, hair fall, and itchiness. Plus, it balances the pH of the scalp. This is one of the best ways to get rid of an itchy scalp.
5. Aloe Vera
Take some fresh aloe vera gel and apply it on your scalp. Let the pack stay on your hair for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse your hair with water and a mild shampoo. Repeat this once a week.
Aloe vera acts as a moisturising agent that helps relieve itching and excessive dryness. Aloe vera also has antimicrobial and soothing properties that help cure dandruff and an itchy scalp.
6. Tea Tree Oil
Massaging your scalp with tea tree oil is one of the easiest ways to get rid of an itchy scalp. Take 5 to 10 drops of tea tree oil in your palms and apply it in your scalp. Massage your scalp with the oil for a couple of minutes. Keep it on overnight. Rinse your hair with a mild shampoo in the morning. Repeat this two times a week.
Tea tree has amazing moisturising properties that nourish the scalp and helps get rid of dryness. Plus, it contains terpenes, which has antifungal and antibacterial properties that help treat the scalp infection.
7. Bananas
Take two bananas and mash them properly. Mix them with one ripe avocado. Apply the paste on your scalp. Let the banana hair pack stay on your scalp for about 30 minutes and then rinse it off properly with water. Repeat this once a week. This is one of the easiest ways to get rid of an itchy scalp.
The moisturising and nourishing properties of bananas help condition the hair, reduce flakes and prevents inflammation.
8. Witch Hazel
Mix 1 part witch hazel with 2 parts water. Apply the mixture to your scalp. Use this mixture to massage your scalp. Massage properly for a couple of minutes and then let it stay on your scalp for 10 minutes. Rinse it off with water. Repeat this once a week.
Witch Hazel has astringent, and antibacterial properties that help relieve dryness of the scalp. It also helps in reducing the inflammation of the scalp.
9. Sesame Seed Oil
Heat some sesame oil and massage your scalp with the warm oil using your fingertips for at least 10 minutes. Them wrap your head in a hot towel and let the oil stay on your scalp for 10 minutes before going to bed. Rinse the pack off thoroughly with a mild shampoo next day in the morning. Repeat this once a week.
Sesame seed oil keeps the scalp nourished. It also helps treat dry scalp which in turn helps in getting rid of an itchy scalp.
10. Onion Juice
Take a small onion and peel it. Now, grate the onion and take out its juice. Apply the freshly extracted onion juice on your scalp using a cotton ball. Rinse your hair with shampoo after 20 minutes. Apply this once every week to treat an itchy scalp.
Onion has antimicrobial properties that help in keeping the scalp infection-free. Onions are also enriched with antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and keep the scalp away from itchiness.
11. Neem Oil
Take two tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil and add 6 – 8 drops of neem oil to it. Mix both of the oils properly and apply this on your scalp. Rinse your hair properly using a mild shampoo after 15 minutes. Do this 2 – 3 times a week to get relief from an itchy scalp.
Neem oil possesses antimicrobial properties that treat scalp infection. It also soothes the skin and keeps the scalp nourished.
12. Olive Oil
Take a few drops of warm olive oil and massage it into the scalp and hair. Let it stay overnight. Wash your hair in the morning. Do this two times a week to get a healthy scalp.
Olive oil contains two major components, namely, oleocanthal and oleuropein that exhibit skin protectant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties help heal inflammation and provide quick relief from an itchy scalp.
Additional Tips To Follow:
1. Avoid washing your hair with hot water because it takes away all the moisture from your hair, making the scalp dry and itchy. Use cold or lukewarm water to wash your hair.
2. Do not wash your hair excessively because it can take away the natural oils present in the scalp and cause dryness.
3. Keep yourself well-hydrated.
4. Eat a diet rich in vitamins B & C, zinc, and iron.
5. Do not use hair styling products excessively because they can damage your hair and scalp.
Try these simple ways to get rid of an itchy scalp. If you don’t get relief from an itchy scalp even after trying all the remedies, consult a dermatologist.
