Sometimes your scalp is on fire and you just know what you’re doing wrong. Today let’s go over some itchy scalp remedies that work. We have already established product buildup is one common cause of itchy scalp, if you missed that post, you may read it here.

The remedy to itchy scalp caused by product build-up is simply to wash your scalp and hair with a [sulfate] shampoo.  But sometimes, you may find that even with a shampoo, your scalp is still itchy and dandruff soon sets in. What are you to do then?

First, let’s understand dandruff. Dandruff is white flaky skin shed from the scalp. Dandruff occurs when shedding is accelerated by naturally occurring fungus called Melassezia.  Melassezia thrives with humidity, sweat, oily skin and buildup. So when you don’t wash your hair, you’re just asking for itchy scalp. This group of fungus causes itchy patches and bumps on the scalp and more serious skin conditions such as: seborrhoeic dermatitis, folliculitis, papillomatosis and more.  If you’re suffering from an infection which affects your whole scalp or the largest part of it, I recommend you see a dermatologist right away; however, if  you’ve got light dandruff, itchy patches/ bumps in isolated parts of your scalp then these remedies will have you feeling fine in no time!

Itchy scalp remedies

These are remedies that have anti-fungal, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, which I use anytime I get itchy scalp, and they work like a charm.

1. Shampoo

If you don’t shampoo often, simply washing your hair will clear up build-up.

2. Mint leaves

Mint has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It’s a great inexpensive DYI itchy scalp remedy. What I do is simply blend mint leaves with a little clean water. I apply the extract to my scalp after shampooing, let it sit for about 10 minutes and rinse it out.

3. Oils with anti-fungal properties

This is most convenient for me. I use essential oils with anti-fungal, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.  Most essential oils (tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus) mixed in a carrier oil will take that itch away, however essential oil on their own can be expensive. Because of this, I use the Moisture Well hair elixir. Many people use it for hair growth (I have my reservations on hair growth products), but I use it for its anti-fungal, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The moisture well hair elixir contains 3 carrier oils: castor oil, coconut, avocado oil; and essential oil like eucalyptus, tea tree, Moringa and rosemary which have the have anti-fungal properties.

4. Anti-fungal cream

This is for the people who are “a little extra”. Most anti-fungal creams contain ketoconazole which will get rid of the fungus that causes itchy scalp. All you have to do is apply a small amount of the anti-fungal cream to itchy patches till they heal.

With these itchy scalp remedies, my good fellows, you’re almost certain to put your itchy days behind you.