Get Rid of an Itchy Scalp

Sometimes, out of the blue, you may feel itching on your scalp. Maybe you changed shampoos, or conditioners, or maybe you didn't do anything at all, and your head just started itching. There are a few things that can cause this—such as dry skin, or product buildup—but it's easy to take care of, and we'll show you how to do it.

Steps

Hair Care

  1. Change your product. Trying a new shampoo and conditioner for two weeks will help remove any build-up that has resulted from constant use of your traditional brand.
    • Another thing you can use if you're broke or don't want to buy another shampoo is get olive oil, mayonnaise and purée of broccoli; mix it together, and rub it on your scalp. Olive oil actually reduces oiliness, mayonnaise hydrates and gets rid of lice and adds luster and shine, while the broccoli can clean deeply. You can also use an egg for nutrients.
  2. Dry your hair thoroughly each day. Damp hair will cause product buildup, and your scalp will be subject to the drying action of evaporation, which in turn can lead to itching. Even worse, mold can grow in hair! You definitely want to prevent that.
  3. Groom your hair. Brush or comb your hair two to three times per day to distribute natural oils, paying special attention to the scalp. Brush gently!
  4. Check your product. Eliminate any hair products that contain alcohol from your hair care regimen. Alcohol is a powerful drying agent, and can easily cause an attack of the itchies.
  5. Use a good conditioner. Your conditioner adds shine but also conditions your hair and adds revitalizing nutrients and fibers. If you don't have a good conditioner, you can use yogurt; it moisturizes and adds antioxidants to your hair that nourishes and reduces redness.

Body Care

  1. Check for sunburn. In the summer, especially the first bright days of summer, it's easy to get a sunburn on your scalp. Just like anyplace else, as your skin heals, it gets itchy. Use an aloe vera shampoo or conditioner to alleviate the itching.
  2. Check for head lice. The itching is due to your skin reacting to the saliva of the lice.[1] Yes, it's gross and disgusting, but they're easy to get rid of. Have somebody check your head for bugs or their eggs—called nits—attached near the base of the hair shaft.
    • Use a medicated shampoo as directed, wash all bedding and clothes you've worn, in very hot water, then dry on hot for at least 20 minutes.
    • Have any non-washable items dry-cleaned (including plush toys).
    • Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture.
    • Soak hair-care products (combs, brushes, scrunchies, barrettes etc.) in rubbing alcohol or medicated shampoo for an hour.
  3. Chill out. Stress plays havoc with a body in general, and it can come into play on your scalp, too. If the itchiness spreads to your neck and face (but there's no rash or other tell-tale signs of another kind of infection), and you have a stressful life, this could be the problem.
  4. Drink at least eight 8 ounce glasses of water every day. You could easily be dehydrated, and your scalp is not a crucial surface that needs water. Talk to your doctor and he or she will tell you how much water you should be drinking for your age and weight.
  5. Consider taking a vitamin E supplement. It contains essential oils that are very healthy for your skin, and help keep it hydrated.
  6. See your doctor. If itching continues unabated, there are some scalp issues that are symptoms of something more serious: shingles, fungal infections like Tinea Amiantacea or Lichen Planopilaris, dermatitis, psoriasis, ringworm, and other problems.[2]

Tips

  • However tempting it is, do not scratch! Scratching will only worsen the problem.
  • Brushing with a clean, soft hairbrush promotes blood flow and spreads natural oils to alleviate this condition also.
  • Be certain to keep your nails very clean, as you may be scratching your scalp in your sleep!
  • Mites which look like specks of dust are a parasite that can cause itch, so vacuum carpets, change the pillow cases often, lightly pre-rinse hair with just a little vinegar or beer and then re-rinse with clean water.
  • Mites may reside in the earlobes also; same treatment.
  • Coconut oil creates a barrier that helps keep skin moisturized and hence it is an effective way to treat an itchy scalp.

Rub a little coconut oil onto the scalp after washing your hair your scalp when it is clean. Leave it on for at least half an hour and then wash it out with a perfume-free shampoo. Follow this simple remedy three times a week. Another option is to gently heat coconut oil so that it melts, add it to your shampoo before washing your hair.

Warnings

  • Wash your sheets and pillows to avoid mites because they are very pesky parasites that spread! Also consider an organic mattress spray.
  • Dry your hair properly.
  • Avoid chemicals in hair.
  • Do not brush your hair repeatedly for a long time, because your hair will become oily.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/common/head_lice.html#
  2. ↑ http://www.primehealthchannel.com/itchy-scalp-causes-treatment-and-home-remedies.html
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