2. Reaction To Hair Products
Your scalp may itch or develop a rash if you have an allergic reaction to an ingredient in your shampoo, conditioner, or any other hair product. You can determine the exact product that is causing the allergic reaction and replace it with one that suits your skin. Even improper hair washing can make your scalp itch. If you do not rinse your hair thoroughly after shampooing or conditioning, the resultant product buildup can lead to itching.
3. Head Lice
Head lice are another cause of an itchy scalp (2). If you believe that the reason behind your scalp itch is head lice, try to examine your scalp to see for signs of head lice.
4. Scalp Psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis can fill your scalp with itchy, scaly patches also called plaques (3). It also may cause dandruff-like flaking and a dry scalp.
5. Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitisi XAlso known as eczema, a common skin condition that causes inflammation, itchiness, and dryness causes your skin to become inflamed and itchy (4). It also can irritate your scalp if it spreads.
6. Stress
Anxiety and stress might also cause scalp itching. If you are going through a major life event that is causing you stress and anxiety, you might suffer from an itching scalp (5). If the itching is due to chronic inflammatory conditions like psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitisi XAlso referred to as seborrheic eczema, a common skin condition that causes inflammation, scaly patches, and dandruff on the scalp , and pityriasis amiantaceai XA scalp disorder that causes excessive scaling and inflammation, which can also lead to hair loss and balding , stress may cause flare-ups and itching. A few natural remedies may help treat an itchy scalp. The best treatment for itch associated with chronic inflammatory conditions is Cade oil, a type of tar derived from the Juniper tree. It is a fantastic antipruritic (anti-itch) and antimitotic (it slows down cell division, reducing scale buildup) agent. You may use it and scroll down to check out other natural remedies to soothe an itchy scalp.
Natural Remedies To Stop An Itchy Scalp At Night
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties (6), (7). Hence, using apple cider vinegar may help reduce scalp itching. You Will Need
Apple cider vinegar Water Spray bottle
What You Have To Do
Fill half the spray bottle with apple cider vinegar and the remaining half with water. Mix well and store. Use the mixture whenever your scalp itches.
Note: Do a patch test on your skin to check if ACV is causing burns.
2. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint has a cooling effect on the skin (8). This property might help reduce the itch. You Will Need
Peppermint essential oil, 2 drops Carrier oil, 5 drops
What You Have To Do
Mix 2 drops of peppermint oil and 5 drops of carrier oil. Massage the mixture into your hair. Wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner after 20 minutes.
3. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil helps eliminate head lice and may relieve the associated itching (9). You Will Need
Lavender essential oil, 2 drops Carrier oil, 5 drops
What You Have To Do
Mix 2 drops of lavender essential oil and 5 drops of carrier oil in the palm of your hand. Massage the mixture into your hair and scalp. Wash your hair with a shampoo and a conditioner after 20 to 30 minutes.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has an anti-inflammatory effect (10). It may help ease scalp itching or irritation. The oil may also help treat the itching caused by dandruff or head lice (11). Tea tree oil repels head lice and does not treat them. You may use it as a preventive measure. You Will Need
Tea tree oil, 5 to 10 drops Carrier oil, 10 drops
What You Have To Do
Mix the tea tree oil with the carrier oil. Massage it into your hair. Wash your hair after some time. Alternatively, you can also use shampoos and other hair products containing tea tree oil.
5. Meditation
Research suggests that meditation can reduce anxiety and stress (12). It may also help relieve the associated scalp itching. Should you wash your hair if it’s itchy? Yes, you can wash your hair if your scalp feels itchy. Using ingredients like apple cider vinegar can effectively manage the itchiness on the scalp. But if your hair is dry, washing it too often may aggravate the itchiness. Does coconut oil help itchy scalp? Yes, coconut oil can help soothe an itchy scalp. It has hydrating and moisturizing properties that can manage the dryness and itchiness of the scalp. You can massage coconut oil into your scalp 1-2 hours before washing your hair.