If you’re literally pulling your hair out because your scalp is chronically irritated and dry, there are answers without turning to medicated shampoos. Turns out there are items around your house you can use to take care of the problem yourself.
There are a number of health reasons that your scalp is dry and itchy, from eczema to an unhealthy diet, according to WebMD. Regardless of the cause, there is relief available without medical help. Here are six DIY home solutions for itchy, dry scalp…
Sesame Seed Oil
According to LiveStrong, one of the easiest ways to soothe a scalp is by using sesame seed oil, which is relatively inexpensive and available at most grocery stores.
The online source explains that you should massage some warmed sesame oil into your scalp before you go to bed. However, before you hit the hay, massage the affected area for about 10-minutes and then leave it on (wrapping your hair in a hot towel) for another 10-minutes, adds the site.
Lemon Juice
While the thought of pouring lemon juice on your irritated scalp may seem counterintuitive, experts recommend it as a way to combat itchiness (avoid lemon juice if there’s broken skin on your scalp, unless you don’t mind some stinging).
According to Reader’s Digest, you should massage 2-tablespoons of lemon juice into your scalp and then rinse with water, followed by a rinse of 1-tablespoon of lemon juice into 1-cup of water. Apparently the acidity of the lemons will balance the chemistry of your scalp, which also helps control dandruff.
Salt
Again, not something you’d probably consider rubbing on your head when your scalp is dry. However, Reader’s Digest also lists salt as a way to fight off annoying scalp symptoms.
The source recommends pouring table salt directly onto your scalp, working it through your hair with your fingers. It notes the abrasiveness of the salt will help renew your scalp and remove dead skin, and you can finish the job with a proper shampoo.
Aloe Vera
This is a natural plant-based remedy, and although it is found in some shampoos, you can also grow your own aloe at home, notes LiveStrong.
You can use the gel that grows inside the leaves to soothe your burning scalp because it has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help provide longer-term relief, notes the source. The cooling effects of aloe can help relieve any burning or itchiness.
Baking Soda
The Mother Nature Network (MNN) notes that most people have some baking soda hanging around their home for other purposes, but it can also be an effective agent when it comes to keeping itchy scalp at bay.
Baking soda has an alkaline nature (opposite of acidic) to help balance the chemistry on top of your head. The source explains you make a paste using water and baking soda and rub it into your scalp, letting it sit for 15-minutes or so before rinsing out.
Coconut Oil
This is another item that many people will likely have in their home, thanks to its many uses from cooking to skin care. The Mother Nature Network also offers this natural remedy up as a great way to easily get relief from angry scalp.
You simply massage some of the oil into your scalp, let it sit for “a while”, and then rinse it out, according to the source. The site warns that your hair may be a bit oily following this procedure, but it will also smell delicious.
