Natural treatments for an itchy scalp

Have trouble with irritated, itchy scalp? If you really want to get to the root of the problem, it can be hard to find.

On our scalp, our hair follicles produce an oil called sebum which, in the right amount, makes our hair soft and shiny. Environmental factors, hormonal imbalances, stress, dry skin, vitamin deficiency, product buildup, and more can lead to imbalances that cause the scalp to produce too much sebum.

This can cause buildup of the thick, sticky sebum which can be difficult to remove. And what’s worse is that the fungus Malassezia globosa can feed off of the sebum which then produces oleic acid which then irritates the scalp. Even those who receive treatment for dandruff often find that the effects are only temporary when the underlying imbalances aren’t treated.

So just to recap potential cause of dandruff/irritated scalp:

• Pollution
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Hormonal imbalances
• Dry skin
• Lack of exfoliation
• Allergic reactions to hair and skin products
• Toxins in hair products
• Other skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis
• Diet
• Overgrowth of the yeast-like fungus Malassezia

The tricky part is that it’s very difficult for a hair dresser or a dermatologist to know the exact cause of the problem. If you’re like me, you can go through three different types of Rx shampoos that damage your hair, and the problems still come back. Often one line of treatment is usually effective for only a short period of time as there are usually multiple problems at work simultaneously.

So from my experience, it’s best to approach these problems from multiple directions. If your problem seems severe and chronic, definitely consult with a dermatologist, but ask about these and more additional measures you can take to increase the effectiveness of your treatment and prevent recurrence. And always ask about the safety of even topical medications if pregnant or breastfeeding.

While few research studies have specifically examined the effects of natural remedies for dandruff, many of these remedies have positive anecdotal evidence. Not all home remedies will work for everyone. Anyone with an underlying skin condition, such as eczema or psoriasis, may wish to speak to a doctor before trying a new natural remedy.

Here are some ideas, safe for everyone including pregnant and nursing women, for how to find some relief without causing any additional problems:

1. Eliminate toxic ingredients from your hair products.

You’ve heard the terms–parabens, sulfate, silicones, alcohols. All of these and more are toxic and either suffocate or strip the scalp or the healthy oils it needs. You can identify silicones as many end ‘cone’ (dimethicone, trimethicone), and though are added to make hair softer, they are molecularly heavy and will block the scalp.

Many styling products are also particularly troublesome and are another thing to avoid, such as heavy hold sticky gels, mousses, or hairsprays with a high alcohol content could cause extreme dryness to the scalp.

Check out the Environmental Working Group’s EWG Verified Hair Care and well as my own growing list of natural hair products I recommend.

2. Use a clarifying shampoo or treatment. 

Many experts recommend using a clarifying shampoo at least 1x a month, others suggest more often. I would say, though, that while this is an excellent place to start, any clarifying shampoo will only be optimally effective if used in conjunction with these other remedies.

Many of the clarifying shampoos contain toxic sulfectants, and avoid these like the plague. Instead look for ones with natural ingredients of many of these DIY treatments listed below. My favorites are the Oway Sebum Balance Hair Bath, Oway Frequent Use Hair and Scalp Bath, and Earth’s Nectar Mint Leaves & Tea Tree Shampoo.

3. Try a clarifying treatment.

Some of the ingredients in natural home remedies that I would recommend include apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, tea tree oil, baking soda, and more, but be sure to always dilute! I also recommend applying conditioner to your ends to protect during these treatments that can be drying.

Many people swear by apple cider vinegar rinses with a dilution of 4 parts water to 1-part vinegar. Pour in a squeeze bottle and apply to the scalp. Let sit on scalp for at least 10 minutes.

Alternatively, try a mixture of 3 parts water to 1 part lemon. Allow the mixture to sit on the hair for about 20 minutes, comb it through, and rinse it out when the cleansing process is finished.

Another option I haven’t tried personally is to make a paste made of baking soda, water, conditioner, and a few drops of an essential oil like peppermint, rose, or lavender. Run the mixture through wet detangled hair during your shower and follow it up with a good conditioner.

4. Decrease sugar and yeast in your diet.

Diets high in sugar, processed food, and grains can lead to spikes in insulin, which can stimulate hormone surges that can trigger the output of oil. Reducing refined grains, fried foods, sugary foods, and gluten may lead to a reduction in dandruff.

Also, yeast overgrowth on the scalp can be fed by diets with sweets and yeast-containing foods like beer, bread, and wine, which all encourage fungal growth.

Reduce the sugar in your diet, especially refined grains. Even temporary diet changes such as going Paleo can be a huge help. Apple cider vinegar tablets or drinks can give that extra assist in balancing out yeast levels.

5. Exfoliate your scalp.

Some experts say once a month, others suggest 1-2x a week. There are a few key things that everyone agrees, though:

• Do it gently. 
• Sugars are as effective and more gentle on your hair than scrubs with salt/clay that can pull at your hair and cause breakage. 
• Consider using an oil to exfoliate (more on that next)! Oil removes oil after all!

6. Use a scalp oil

I recently discovered the wonders of scalp oil as both an effective exfoliating tool as well as a wondrous way to moisturize while treating irritation. Look for products free of artificial ingredients and consider using overnight for maximum benefit.

My favorites are Earth’s Nectar Jojoba Tea Tree Scalp Oil and Organic Amalaki Scalp Oil Serum.

7. Consume scalp-healthy foods and supplements.

Some of the top vitamins known to affect scalp and hair health include Biotin (B7), Omega 3 fatty acids, and Zinc.

Food sources of biotin include eggs, yogurt, tomatoes, and carrots. There are also many supplements that include Biotin, including my the one I’ve been taking for all my B-vitamin needs for over four years, the Pure Encapsulations B-Complex.

Salmon may improve hair shininess and scalp moisture levels because is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, a healthy fat that can improve the look and texture of hair. DHA supplements are an excellent source of these vitamins as well.

And just as shampoos made for dandruff contain zinc pyrithione, and there have been some that oral zinc supplements can help to decrease flares. Zinc-rich foods include oysters, crab, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, and even dark chocolate!

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Do you have scalp problems too? Please share things that have worked for you!