Home Remedies for a Dry Itchy Scalp

There are a host of home remedies for a dry itchy scalp that can put to bed all your scalp issues.

Assuming that there are no serious underlying medical issues, these remedies are effective at providing relief for your itchy problem.

NaHaZo talks all things home remedies for a dry itchy scalp, and more, such as:-

*Pssst, check out The Ultimate Guide to Natural Hair and Dry Scalp to get the 411 on how to manage dry scalp issues when you are in your Natural Hair journey. 

1. 1. Why is my scalp so itchy?

The reason for an itchy scalp is because of the loss of its moisture and natural oil.

When this happens, the scalp becomes dry, itchy and begins to flake.

2. Flaky Itchy Scalp in winter

It is not uncommon for naturals to experience a particularly dry, itchy and flaky scalp in winter. In some naturals, they find that their dry scalp issues are seasonal and only show up during the colder months.

This is mostly due to the drier, colder weather drawing moisture from the scalp, causing it to dry out – thus making the condition worse.

To better manage this condition, be aware of how the change in seasons affects your scalp (and hair). This will allow you to be better prepared to avoid an uncomfortable itchy winter.

Some other common reasons for an itchy scalp are:-

1. Using too much shampoo which strips the scalp of its natural oil;
2. Eczema, a skin condition that causes dry, flaky skin throughout the body;
3. Dehydration which shows up in a dry, itchy scalp;
4. Psoriasis, a skin condition characterised by dry, itchy patches of skin and
5. Hot, dry climates when exposure to the sun causes loss of hair’s natural moisture.

For winter hair tips, read our insights on the Top 10 Protective Styling Tips for Winter. 

3. Home Remedies for a Dry Flaky Scalp

When treating a dry itchy scalp at home, the common treatments used are hair oils, hair masks, DIY shampoos/ scalp cleansers, as well as DIY hair spritzes.

We will discuss each of these remedies in-depth, including how to prepare them, and their application.

3.1 Tea Tree and Coconut oil

Tea tree oil helps reduce dryness of the scalp, while coconut oil is an effective moisturiser. In this way, these two oils are a good blend for treating dry scalp issues.

Method

• Take X1 tablespoon of coconut oil and put in a bowl;
• Add a few drops of tea tree oil to it;
• Mix it thoroughly.

Application

Section your hair and apply it to your scalp. Massage the oil blend into your scalp for 10 – 15 minutes, and depending on how your scalp reacts to prolonged oil application, you can either wash it out of leave it in your hair.

2. Sweet Almond Oil and Olive Oil Blend

Sweet Almond oil is very moisturising and it also seals and helps minimise hair loss and hair breakage. Olive oil, on the other hand, is an effective carrier oil, and helps to smooth hair, as well as hydrate strands.

These two oils are a perfect blend when treating an itchy, dry scalp.

Method

• Pour X1 tablespoon of olive oil in a bowl.
• Add X1 tablespoon of Sweet Almond oil and mix properly. 

The mixture is now ready for use. 

Application

Using an applicator bottle, apply this mixture directly to your scalp and massage. You can also dab some cotton wool into this oil blend, and gently apply directly to your scalp.

Make sure you massage this blend into your scalp for at least 15 minutes.

NaHaZo tip:  In winter you can put the oil blend in a glass bowl and then put on gently simmering water and heat it up slightly. This not only opens your pores, but allows the oil to penetrate your scalp easily.

Apply this oil 2 – 3 times a week to see and feel a visible difference and improvement in your scalp.

3. Slightly heated Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has hydrating properties and is a good oil to introduce into your regime to soothe an itchy scalp.

This is an easy treatment to do, as it is a one ingredient regime.

Application

Warm the coconut oil over some simmering water and set aside. Then section your hair, and apply thoroughly throughout your scalp, massaging for at least 10 – 15 minutes. You do not have to wash it out and can style your hair as required.

You can do this at least twice a week. Or you can even use it as an overnight pre-poo treatment – and cleanse your scalp the next day or leave it in your hair.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV helps to restore the scalp’s PH level and its acidic content helps to treat itchiness.

ACV is therefore a great DIY hair spritz add-on to any natural’s regime and is a firm NaHaZo favourite. The preferred ACV rinse to use is the raw, unfiltered version.

Method.

• Put one tablespoon of ACV in a bowl.
• Add X2 tablespoons of water to it and mix.

Application

Using a ball of cotton wool, dab the mixture onto your scalp, pressing lightly and then rub it in a circular motion. Leave this in your scalp for 30 to 45 minutes, before rinsing off.

Alternatively, after cleansing your hair in the shower, you can pour the mixture all over your scalp / spritz it generously. Then massage your scalp, leave on for 5 minutes and rinse it off.

5. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera is a nourishing and soothing gel that is known for its anti-inflammatory properties that relieve an itchy, flaky scalp.

NaHaZo Tip: You can make your own DIY Aloe Vera gel or you can use a store-bought product. However, make sure that it is 100% gel and not containing any alcohol or chemicals which will further dry your hair out. Alternatively, to err on the side of caution, rather grow your own aloe plants or purchase it from the store to treat your scalp issues.

Method

1. Cut the plant lengthwise and run it over your scalp, applying the gel generously to your head.
2. Massage onto your scalp for at least 10 minutes and then wash it out.

This treatment is effective at relieving any scalp inflammation and depending on the severity of your condition, you can use it 1 – 3 times a week.

6. Bananas

Bananas pack a healthy punch, not only for your body, but for your hair as well. It contains heathy minerals, amino acids, and anti-oxidants that help nourish and moisturise your scalp.

Method

• Take X2 ripe bananas and mash them until they form a smooth paste.
• Then add olive oil into the mixture and stir it thoroughly.

Your mask is ready to use.

Application

Apply this onto your scalp and hair and leave it for 15-20 minutes. You can massage it lightly and then wash it out.

Use this at least once a week to sort out any scalp irritation issues

7. Avocados

Avocados are a hair super food and has numerous benefits for healthy hair, including its fatty acids which helps moisturise scalp.

Method

• Blend a ripe avocado in a blender until it forms a smooth paste. You can also smash it with a fork.
• Add a few drops of coconut oil and mix it together.

Application

Apply this paste onto your scalp and on your hair and massage it gently for 5 – 10 minutes. Leave it on your head for 20 minutes and then wash your scalp.

Repeat this treatment 1 – 2 times a week to get a clean shiny, itch-free scalp.

8. Camomile Tea

Camomile tea is loaded with anti-oxidants that are known to promote healthy scalp and hair. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe any scalp irritation.

Method

• Boil X2 cups of water and then add the 2 tea bags to it. Let the tea bag soak into the water.
• Set it aside to cool. When it has cooled, transfer it to an empty applicator bottle.

You can refrigerate to store.

Application.

Spray generously all over your scalp, concentrating on the areas where you are experiencing a lot of itchiness and dry flakes. Do not rinse off and leave it on your scalp.

To get maximum results, this treatment can be used as a hair spritz every second day.

8. Fenugreek Seeds and Yoghurt Hair Mask

Fenugreek seed and yoghurt hair mask is a big game changer for bringing relief from itchy scalp and dandruff.

Fenugreek seeds help stimulate blood circulation, which helps to rejuvenate the scalp. Yoghurt, on the other hand, is a natural hair conditioner and these two products used together are a powerful tool for scalp and hair health.

Method

• Take X1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds and put into a bowl and soak them in water overnight.
• Mash/ blend the swollen seeds into a fine paste and add Greek yoghurt to it (not runny).
• Blend the mixture until you have a smooth, medium paste (not too thick.)

Optional: You can add an egg to the mixture if you would like to include a protein treatment to your mask.

Application

This mask can be used on both the scalp and hair, so apply generously from roots to tips. Leave it for 30 – 45 minutes and then cleanse your hair with your normal non-sulphate shampoo.

NaHaZo Tip: In extreme cases, apply once a week to get relief, and when you see improvement, bring it down to X2 a month and then monthly.

You can skip adding egg when you are doing back to back treatments to prevent protein overload.

9. Onion Juice

Onion Juice is known to help manage an itchy scalp due to the fact that it is rich in sulphur, and has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.

Onion juice also helps remove product build-up, leaving a cleaner, fresher scalp.

Method

1. Peel an onion and slice it into small pieces before grinding it into a paste in a blender.
2. Use a cheese cloth / stockings to extract the onion juice from the paste.
3. You can then transfer the juice to applicator bottle.

It is now ready for use.

Application

Apply the distilled onion juice directly to the scalp, massaging it in for at least 10 – 15 minutes.

You can then cover it with a plastic bag and let it sit for 30 – 45 minutes, before rinsing off. Make sure that you cleanse your scalp after use.

10. Oatmeal

Oatmeal for scalp and hair health is one of the best kept natural hair secrets. Its nutrients are effective in soothing an inflamed, itchy scalp and has been successfully used by naturals to relieve a dry, itchy scalp. It also helps restore moisture to the scalp.

Method

• Mix X1 cup of hot water to ½ cup of grounded oatmeal until you get a medium consistency that is semi-runny.
• Use a cheese cloth or a stocking to strain the paste, collecting the milk that it produces.
• Mash ripened banana to a smooth pulp and add a handful of blueberries to the blend and mix in a blender until smooth.
• Add ½ cup of oatmeal milk to it to make a paste, plus X1 cup of water until the mixture is a (not too) runny consistency for easy application.

Application

Section your hair, and apply the mixture to your scalp and then down the length of your hair. For easy application, apply to wet hair and then apply onto scalp, from roots to tips. After application, put on a hair cap and leave for 30 minutes before washing off.

11. ACV and Baking Soda

These two ingredients are great for treating an itchy, flaky scalp as they double as a clarifying cleanser, as well as an exfoliating ingredient. This can be used in the place of shampoo.

Method

• Add X2 tablespoons of baking soda to X2 cups of water, mix well and transfer to an applicator bottle.
• Add X2 tablespoons of ACV to X1 cup of water TO A SEPARATE BOWL, mix well and transfer to a SEPARATE applicator bottle.

Note: Do NOT mix the baking soda and ACV in one applicator bottle. 

Application:

Make sure you apply to damp or wet hair and spritz the baking soda mixture onto your scalp and then massage. Thereafter let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing it with warm water.

After this, follow up with ACV spritz on your scalp and hair. The acidic PH in ACV helps balance out the alkalinity of the baking soda. Let the ACV sit on your scalp for 5 minutes before rinsing it off with COOL water. Using cool water helps close the cuticles and seal in moisture.

4. Precautionary Measures

In order to get the most of your DIY remedies to treat an inflamed, dry itchy scalp, there are certain actions that you should stop doing / limit.

These are:-

🌺Don’t use hot water on your hair;
🌺Don’t use heat on your hair / limit frequency of use;
🌺Don’t wash your hair everyday;
🌺Drink and keep hydrated;
🌺Eat healthy meals; and
🌺Switch to less harsh shampoos, 

Do you suffer from dandruff issues? Our guide on Dandruff and Natural Hair gives a much needed guide to effectively dealing with dandruff issues. 

When it comes to cleansing your scalp, a mild and paraben shampoo is key. You can either use a medicated shampoo to cleanse your scalp or you can get a store-bought moisturising shampoo that is free of parabens and sulphates.

Have you used any of the remedies suggested? If not, what else are your using / have you used to treat your dry, itchy scalp at home? Share your insight in the comments section.

Until then, happy naturaling ladies!