We have all experienced an itchy scalp at least once in our lives. It can be caused by several factors, including any changes in the weather. Regardless of the cause, an itchy scalp is not only annoying and frustrating but also quite painful.

Left untreated, an itchy scalp can become a serious hurdle in our day-to-day lives and may also lead to serious skin problems such as fungal infections. However, unless it turns into a severe skin infection, an itchy scalp is something you can easily fix at home with simple yet effective remedies. 

In this article, we'll understand what causes an itchy scalp and then look at some simple home remedies for itchy scalp that you can try immediately.

Table of Contents: 

• Itchy Scalp: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
• Symptoms of an Itchy Scalp
• Common Causes of Itchy Scalp: Dandruff, Seborrheic Dermatitis, and More
• Top 5 Home Remedies for Itchy Scalp: Natural and Easy-to-Find Solutions
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Coconut Oil
• Tea Tree Oil
• Onion Extracts
• Peppermint Oil

Itchy Scalp: Causes, Symptoms, and diagnosis

An itchy scalp is a common issue that can lead to annoying symptoms like constant scratching and discomfort. It's also known as scalp pruritus. 

It may occasionally be accompanied by visible symptoms like flaking skin or scabbing. Sometimes you may only experience an itchy scalp without any visible symptoms. 

Even though an itchy scalp usually doesn't mean anything serious, it can be a sign of a more serious problem. If your condition doesn't improve with the home remedies given here or it worsens, you should visit a doctor, who will determine if you have another health condition.

Symptoms of an Itchy Scalp

The scalp may feel tingly or painful when itchy. Several symptoms can go along with an itchy scalp: 

• Bald spots
• Rough skin
• Skin irritation 
• Minor fever
• Pus-filled blisters
• Redness
• Patches or scales on the scalp
• Swelling of the scalp
• Scalp sores

Common Causes of Itchy Scalp: Dandruff, Seborrheic Dermatitis, and More

Dandruff, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, is the most typical cause of an itchy scalp. 

This kind of dermatitis frequently affects the scalp and face because they contain sebaceous or oil-secreting glands. Inflammation of the glands can cause the following symptoms: 

• Itching
• Scabbing 
• Red skin
• White or yellow scales

Sometimes a sensitive scalp may be the only cause of itchiness on the scalp. 

Top 5 Home Remedies for Itchy Scalp: Natural and Easy-to-Find Solutions

Now that you know what an itchy scalp, its causes, and its symptoms are, you can try out the following home remedies for itchy scalp.

• Apple Cider Vinegar

The antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal qualities of apple cider vinegar are well known. It can aid in reducing itchiness brought on by dry skin. To treat dandruff and an itchy scalp, try using diluted apple cider vinegar in warm water as a rinse after shampooing.

Alternatively, you can simply choose an all-natural Apple Cider Vinegar shampoo to wash your hair. You can follow it up with the WOW Skin Science Coconut & Avocado Natural Hair Conditioner to leave your hair soft and smooth.

• Coconut Oil

The innumerable benefits of coconut oil for hair and skin conditions are very popular. Using 100% organic coconut oil can help relieve an itchy scalp, too, in addition to all the other benefits. 

It contains lauric acid, a type of saturated fat that has antifungal properties. This is what helps relieve itchiness caused by skin conditions.

You can use coconut oil by warming it a little and applying it all over your scalp. Then, massage it into the scalp for at least 5 minutes so that it's fully absorbed into your skin. You can either leave it on overnight or wash it off after a couple of hours with a mild cleansing shampoo.

• Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has been touted for its antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal properties for decades. It has anti-inflammatory properties as well. Tea tree oil should be applied sparingly or diluted before use as it can irritate the skin. 

Tea tree oil can assist in reducing or eliminating itching brought on by head lice, dandruff, and seborrheic dermatitis. Try to add 10 to 20 drops of the oil to a mild shampoo or massage your scalp with a mixture of the tea tree and olive oils. 

Keep in mind that tea tree oil must never be ingested.

As a simpler alternative, you can use a Green Tea and Tea Tree Shampoo and Conditioner to relieve an itchy scalp. 

• Onion Extracts

Sulfur is abundant in onion extracts, which reduces hair fall and rejuvenates hair follicles. They lessen itching and hydrate your hair. The antimicrobial qualities of onions help to keep your scalp environment healthy and clean and reduce inflammation.

Since squeezing out onion juice or oil to get these benefits can be a task, you can try the WOW Skin Science Red Onion Black Seed Oil shampoo instead.

• Peppermint Oil

The soothing properties of peppermint oil may help to lessen dandruff and soothe an itchy scalp. Before shampooing, try combining it with another oil, like olive oil, and gently massage it into the scalp. Additionally, you can rinse your hair with peppermint tea after shampooing.

An itchy scalp is uncomfortable and, in worse cases, can interfere with your life. It may also lead to other problems like dandruff or tension bumps. If left untreated, it may give rise to fungal infections. Using the simple home remedies for itchy scalp mentioned in this article can help you relieve itchiness and alleviate pain and discomfort of the scalp.