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Scratching Your Head but Not for Ideas? 12 Ways to Stop an Itchy Scalp
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Are you getting funny looks from people because you are scratching your head over and over in public? It’s embarrassing, isn’t it? Although most people think that a scratchy head is due to poor hygiene, that usually isn’t the case.
The most common causes of an itchy scalp are due to skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and fungal infections. Sometimes it’s due to external problems such as hair styling products, weather, stress, and dandruff.
If you are tired of having the itchy scratchies, we have 12 terrific ways you can naturally stop the itch, as well as those annoying stares in public.
1. Sesame Seed Oil
Warm 1 tablespoon of sesame seed oil in a small bowl. Pour over your head and massage into your scalp for a minute or two. Wrap your head in a towel and allow the oil to work for 10 or 15 minutes, then shampoo as usual. Repeat 2 or 3 times each week until your symptoms subside.
2. Tea Tree Oil
This oil has powerful anti-inflammation, antifungal, and antibacterial compounds that you will definitely feel working but can work wonders on an itchy scalp. You can add 10 to 20 drops of tea tree oil to one half cup of shampoo and allow it to sit on your head for a minute or two while you shower. Shampoo daily until you notice an improvement in the condition of your scalp, then once a week after that to keep the problem at bay.
3. Mayonnaise
This is a time tested method of improving the condition of both the hair and scalp. Mix about ½ a cup of mayonnaise with a tablespoon of olive oil and apply this mixture directly to the scalp. Massage in well for a minute or two, and then shampoo as you normally would.
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4. Jojoba Oil
This is a natural moisturizing treatment that is very similar in nature to our own skin oil, which makes it a super hydrating and rejuvenating way to deal with an itchy scalp. You can warm some jojoba oil and massage it into your scalp before you shampoo or massage some of this healing oil into your scalp before bed and leave it on overnight. Both methods appear to work well for many people.
5. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice will help your itchy scalp because it contains natural antiseptic compounds. If your itchy scalp is due to dandruff, this method works really well.
If you have dandruff, apply the juice of one lemon to your scalp and leave on for 5 to 10 minutes, then shampoo as you normally would.
If you do not have dandruff, dilute the juice of one lemon in one cup of water and apply it to your scalp in the shower. Let it sit for a minute before you shampoo as you normally would.
Repeat each day until your symptoms disappear. Read more about uses of lemon juice for skin care.
6. Witch Hazel
This is a natural astringent that can help those with an itchy scalp. If you believe your itchy scalp is due to over-styling, hair coloring, or regular blow drying, this option might work for you. Mix one part of witch hazel with two parts of water. Pour this over your scalp and massage in for a minute or two, then wash your hair as you normally would.
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7. Baking Soda
This is another good method for those who have dandruff. Warm a couple tablespoons of olive oil and massage it into the scalp, then make a paste with baking soda and a little water. Apply the baking soda paste to your scalp and rub it in well. Allow this mixture to sit for 10 minutes, and then shampoo your hair as you normally would. Only use this method once a week to avoid drying out your hair or scalp.
8. Bananas and Avocados
A mixture of bananas and avocados is a great way to not only treat an itchy scalp, but to condition your hair at the same time. Both bananas and avocados have moisturizing and nourishing compounds that will help to reduce dandruff, inflammation, and flaky skin.
Mash two ripe bananas and one ripe avocado together. Apply this mixture to both your hair and scalp. Allow to sit for 30 minutes, and then wash your hair as you normally would.
9. Bay Leaves
For this method, wash your hair first. Now boil two cups of water and 1.5 teaspoons of crushed, dried bay leaves to the boiling water. Allow this mixture to steep for 30 minutes, strain, and when it has cooled, massage into your scalp. Allow this to sit on your scalp for 30 to 45 minutes, then rinse with plain water. Do not wash your hair afterwards.
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10. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar will balance out the pH level of your skin, as well as kill yeast and viruses that can cause an itchy scalp. Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water and place this in a spray bottle. Spray enough of this mixture to wet your scalp but avoid your face and eyes. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then shampoo as you normally would. Repeat this once or twice a week until your symptoms improve.
11. Coconut Oil
This is another great way to condition your hair and scalp at the same time. Coconut oil is full of antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-fungal compounds that should kill off whatever problem is causing your itchy scalp. If your scalp simply tends to be dry, coconut oil can help with that also. Melt about a ¼ cup of coconut oil and rub it into your scalp and hair. Allow to sit for a minimum of 10 minutes. You can leave it on for an hour, or even overnight if you like. Shampoo as you normally would afterwards.
Once your scalp improves, melt some coconut oil and add it to your regular shampoo to use each day. Find out more uses for coconut oil.
SEE ALSO: 15 of the Best Herbs Ever for Eczema Relief
12. Aloe Vera Gel
The gel from this plant has super moisturizing compounds which can really help stop itching and dryness. You can purchase this gel at most health food and natural stores, or simply break a leaf off that plant you probably have in your kitchen. Squeeze out the gel and massage it directly onto your scalp. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes, and then wash your hair as you normally do.
Everyone’s body is different and not everything works for everyone. If one of these methods doesn’t work for you, try another one. You are sure to find one that works perfectly for your scalp.
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