Dry weather, harsh chemicals or various conditions, including head lice, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, acne, dandruff, psoriasis or just plain dry scalp, can cause you to have an itchy scalp. Popular scalp products on the market may contain harsh chemicals that can cause allergic reactions or additional damage to skin and hair. Homemade scalp treatments can be tailored to your particular scalp problem using natural, organic ingredients that soothe and condition.
Hot Oil Treatment
Monthly hot oil treatments help condition the scalp and relieve dryness and remove excess sebum and buildup on the scalp that can cause itch. Hot oil treatments also return shine to hair while moisturizing the hair shaft. Jojoba, coconut or grapeseed oils contain essential fatty acids that nourish scalp skin. Jojoba oil is a polyunsaturated liquid wax full of EFAs and alcohol esters that condition and protect the scalp.
Jojoba oil is especially useful as an itchy scalp treatment because it is chemically similar to human sebum, according to Judith Sims in an article published in the April 2001 issue of "CBS Money Watch's Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine." Jojoba oil dissolves excess sebum and sticky buildup from conditioning products. It also accumulates around hair roots to condition and replace lost sebum.
Olive Oil
Spreading olive oil on your scalp as a pre-shampoo treatment can help some itchy scalp conditions. Use warm olive oil to massage onto the scalp. Leave the treatment on for 10 minutes before shampooing.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a popular home remedy that is recommended by the Mayo Clinic as safe to use for reducing symptoms such as itching and scaling in psoriasis. The gel from fresh leaves from an aloe vera plant can be used to make an aloe cream. This cream should be applied several times daily to reduce redness, scaling, inflammation and itching.
Tea Tree Oil
Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis can be treated with tea tree oil. The oil is massaged into the scalp and left there to be absorbed. Unfortunately, although tea tree oil helps alleviate some symptoms, it does not completely get rid of the dermatitis. According to the Mayo Clinic, tea tree oil was found to be more effective than placebo in treating seborrheic dermatitis.
In addition, tea tree oil has been shown to be an effective dandruff remedy. Add tea tree oil to your shampoo or massage a small amount onto the scalp before shampooing. The oil should be used daily to reduce your dandruff.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a Mediterranean herb mostly used as a cooking spice. Traditionally, fenugreek has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including skin conditions such as eczema and fungal infections. Grind fenugreek seeds into a powder and mix with warm water. Take a clean cloth that fits your scalp and soak it in the fenugreek mixture. Apply the saturated cloth to your scalp and leave it on as a poultice.
No studies have been done on fenugreek's topical effectiveness. Pregnant women should not use fenugreek because of its traditional use for inducing childbirth, cautions the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
