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Best Home Remedies for Dandruff and Itchy Scalp at Home
Those shiny white flakes falling on your shoulders every time you run your hands through your hair can be very embarrassing. What is more frustrating and uncomfortable is the urge to keep scratching your scalp continuously. Most of us have been there. Dandruff with an itchy scalp is an unpleasant combination that can worsen the condition. If you are someone with the same pain point and looking for natural solutions, do not worry. This article will provide you with some home remedies for dandruff and itchy scalp. Try these DIY hair masks for dandruff and itchy scalp at your convenience, and you will be surprised. Before that, let us first try to understand what dandruff and an itchy scalp are and what causes them.
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What Is Dandruff And What Causes It?
Dandruff is a condition where dead skin cells build on your scalp and form clusters. Eventually, these accumulated white flakes fall off your scalp and settle on your hair. Several factors contribute to the formation of dandruff. Let us learn what the common triggers are:
What Is Itchy Scalp And What Causes It?
As the name suggests, an itchy scalp means your scalp itches, and you will have the constant urge to scratch your scalp. There are several causes why you have an itching scalp. These include:
- Dandruff
- Dry skin
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Allergic reactions to haircare products
- Fungal infections
- Scalp Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Head lice
- Underlying medical conditions
Top Home Remedies for Dandruff And Itchy Scalp
Dealing with dandruff and itchy scalp can be irritating. There are several natural remedies you can try at home that can help soothe your scalp and reduce dandruff. Here are some tried-and-tested home remedies for dandruff and itchy scalp.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Why it works: Apple Cider Vinegar [3] is acidic in nature and helps balance the pH levels of your scalp. This further helps soothe irritation and reduce dandruff.
How to use it: Dilute ACV with equal parts of water and spray this over your hair immediately after shampooing. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then rinse it off.
Pro Tip/Caution: You can also add a few tablespoons of ACV to your shampoo or mix it with essential oils and apply it directly to your hair.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Why it works: Tea tree oil [4] is known for its antifungal, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help deal with fungal growth on your scalp. Furthermore, this helps reduce dandruff.
How to use it: Dilute tea tree oil with a few drops of essential oils and apply it to your hair. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then rinse it off. You can also add it to your shampoo.
Pro Tip/Caution: Never use tea tree oil directly. Always dilute it with coconut oil or jojoba oil.
3. Coconut Oil
Why it works: Coconut oil is one of the best home remedies for dandruff and itchy scalp. It is an excellent moisturiser that helps deal with your scalp dryness and dandruff. Its antifungal properties help tackle the fungal growth responsible for causing dandruff.
How to use it: Take a few tablespoons of coconut oil and gently massage it into your scalp. Leave it for 30 minutes or overnight, and wash your hair thoroughly with a shampoo.
Pro Tip/Caution: Warm the coconut oil before massaging it into your scalp.
4. Aloe Vera
Why it works: Known for its moisturising abilities, you can use aloe vera as a dandruff and itchy scalp treatment at home to calm your itchy scalp. The antifungal, antibacterial [5] and anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera help soothe inflammation and irritation and reduce flakiness.
How to use it: You can apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to your scalp and hair. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes and then rinse it off.
Pro Tip/Caution: Use only fresh aloe vera gel taken directly from the plant.
5. Baking Soda
Why it works: You can also use baking soda as a dandruff and itchy scalp treatment at home. It acts as an exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells from your scalp, which reduces itching and scaling.
How to use it: Mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with enough water to form a paste. Apply this paste to your wet hair and gently massage for about 1 to 2 minutes. Rinse it off with water.
Pro Tip/Caution: Do not shampoo your hair immediately after applying the baking soda paste.
6. Lemon Juice
Why it works: Lemon juice is one of the best home remedies for dandruff and itchy scalp. Its acidic nature helps balance the pH levels of your scalp, which further helps soothe irritation and reduce dandruff.
How to use it: You can apply fresh lemon juice directly to your scalp and massage it. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes and then rinse it off with cool water.
Pro Tip/Caution: You can also mix an adequate amount of lemon juice with 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil and use it. Be cautious when applying lemon juice, especially if you have sensitive skin, as it can cause irritation.
7. Olive Oil
Why it works: Olive oil acts as a natural moisturiser for your dry and itchy scalp. Its moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties [6] help nourish your scalp, reduce flakiness and dandruff.
How to use it: Take a few tablespoons of olive oil and gently massage it into your scalp. Leave it for 30 minutes and wash your hair thoroughly with a shampoo.
Pro Tip/Caution: Warm the olive oil before massaging it into your scalp.
8. Fenugreek Seeds
Why it works: Fenugreek seeds [7] are a rich source of antioxidants and proteins that help calm your irritated scalp and prevent dandruff. This is the best home remedy for dandruff and itchy scalp.
How to use it: Take 2 tablespoons of soaked fenugreek seeds and grind them into a paste. Apply this paste to your scalp and let it sit for 30 minutes. Wash your hair.
Pro Tip/Caution: Soak the fenugreek seeds overnight.
9. Neem Oil
Why it works: Neem oil contains antifungal properties [8] that can help combat the dandruff-causing fungus and reduce dandruff.
How to use it: Take a few tablespoons of neem oil and gently massage it into your scalp. Leave it for 30 minutes and wash your hair thoroughly with a shampoo.
Pro Tip/Caution: Repeat this twice for the best results.
NOTE:
Always do a patch test before trying any of these home remedies for dandruff and itchy scalp.
DIY Hair Masks For Dandruff And Itchy Scalp
Now that you know the ingredients that help treat your dandruff and soothe irritation, let us make some DIY hair masks for dandruff and itchy scalp using those.
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Yoghurt, Lemon, and Honey Mask
Ingredients:
Yoghurt – ½ cup
Lemon Juice – 1 tablespoon
Honey – 2 tablespoons
Instructions:
Take half a cup of curd into a bowl.
Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of honey to it.
Mix them thoroughly to form a thick paste.
Apply this paste to your scalp and hair and gently massage for a few minutes.
Make sure you dampen your scalp and hair before applying.
Leave it for 20-30 minutes.
Rinse it off with lukewarm water, followed by a shampoo and conditioner.
Repeat it once or twice weekly for best results.
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Aloe Vera and Tea Tree Oil Mask
Ingredients:
Aloe vera – 2 tablespoons
Tea tree oil – 5 drops
Instructions:
Take 2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel into a bowl. You can also use a store-bought one.
Add 5 drops of tea tree oil to it.
Mix them thoroughly to form a nice paste.
Apply this paste to your scalp as a mask and ensure it is fully covered.
Leave it for 20-30 minutes.
Rinse it off with lukewarm water, followed by a mild shampoo.
Repeat it once a week for the best results.
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Fenugreek and Yoghurt Mask
Ingredients:
Fenugreek seeds – 2 tablespoons
Yoghurt – 3 tablespoons
Instructions:
Soak 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds overnight in some water.
In the morning, grind them into a fine paste.
Take a bowl with 3 tablespoons of fresh yoghurt and add this paste to it.
Mix them thoroughly until you get a nice consistency.
Apply this mixture to your scalp and from the roots to the ends of your hair.
Leave it for 30-45 minutes.
Rinse it off with lukewarm water, followed by a mild shampoo.
Repeat it once a week for the best results.
Tips For Preventing Future Dandruff And Itchy Scalp
Here are some preventive measures you need to take to keep the dandruff and itchy scalp at bay. Following these tips regularly will help you with an irritation and dandruff-free scalp.
- Wash your hair 2 to 3 times a week using a mild shampoo to keep your scalp clean. Make sure you are not overwashing or overshampooing.
- While it is common to have that urge to scratch your scalp, avoid doing it. Scratching your itchy scalp can worsen your condition and lead to hair fall.
- Make sure the haircare products (shampoos and conditioners) you are using are free from chemicals. Use only with natural ingredients, as it will help avoid irritation.
- If you have a dry scalp, use a moisturising shampoo that nourishes and moisturises your scalp.
- Always stay hydrated by drinking enough water. This keeps your skin and scalp moisturised.
- Practice stress management to reduce stress that can trigger dandruff flare-ups.
When To See A Doctor?
It is time to seek professional help if the above home remedies for dandruff and itchy scalp are ineffective. Some conditions require medical intervention to be treated These are clear indications that you need professional treatment. Consult an expert immediately who will recommend an effective solution for your condition.
- If you notice persistent dandruff that does not go away.
- If there is severe redness or inflammation on your scalp
- If you observe swelling or painful sores on your scalp
- If you notice clumps of hair falling out every time you brush or wash your hair.
Takeaway
Dandruff and itchy scalp can be a painful combination. You don’t have to live with it. With basic ingredients available in your kitchen, you can combat those persistent flakes and itchiness on your scalp. If, despite trying these home remedies for dandruff and itchy scalp, you notice little to no results, it is time to seek a professional. At Oliva, we have specialised dermato-trichologists who evaluate your scalp condition to diagnose the root cause and recommend an appropriate treatment. Book an appointment today for a personalised consultation with our expert at your nearest Oliva Clinics!
Home Remedies for Dandruff and Itchy Scalp - Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
You must use the home remedies consistently for 2–4 weeks to notice a visible improvement in your scalp health and dandruff reduction.
Generally, yes. However, some ingredients like lemon, vinegar, or oils may cause irritation to sensitive or oily scalps. Hence, it is always best to do a patch test first.
Yes. Nutritional deficiency can affect your scalp health, leading to dandruff. Always consume a diet rich in zinc, B vitamins, and healthy fats.
Whether you can leave the home remedies or DIY masks overnight or not depends on the remedy and ingredients you are using. Mild ingredients like aloe vera or yoghurt are safe overnight. However, ingredients with acidic or oily nature should be rinsed within 30–60 minutes after application to avoid scalp irritation.
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