7 remedies for an itchy scalp

You won't believe how easy these remedies are!

KARACHI: Treating an itchy scalp can be as easy as using an anti-dandruff shampoo. But some shampoos contain potentially harmful ingredients and don’t necessarily treat the underlying cause of the dandruff. Most often, dandruff is just dry and dead skin cells. Chemical in shampoos mostly aim to reduce the natural fungus on your scalp or by to slow the process of how skin cells die.

There are however effective home remedies that can treat a dry, itchy scalp. As compiled by boldsky.com, mothernaturenetwork.com and allwomenstalk.com; take the eco-friendly route to soothe what ails you:

 

1. Honey and banana hair mask



A concoction of honey and mashed up bananas is one of the best home remedies for an itchy scalp. This blend is known to help diminish dead skin flakes, dandruff and other skin inflammations. Honey is known for its role as a natural moisturiser and also acts as a natural antibiotic. Add one ripe banana and puree it with honey. Mix a table spoon of onion juice in it. Make a paste, apply, leave it on the scalp for twenty minutes and you won’t be scratching your head again.

 

2. Using hot oil



 

Applying oil is a done deal for Pakistanis around the globe. From almond oil to mustard oil, we have it down but what most of us don’t know is that the oil must be heated before applied. Hot oil is a great antidote for an itchy and parched scalp. It helps the head to retain moisture and reduces the dryness felt on the scalp. For best results, take some olive oil and warm it in the microwave for half a minute. Add a tea spoon of honey. Massage on for a few minutes and shampoo it off the hair.

 

3. Lemon juice



Because of its incredible antiseptic properties, lemon juice can help ease an itchy head. Try applying some lemon juice on your scalp. Use fresh lemon juice to get best results. If the problem is mild, you can dilute it with water first. Leave it on for five to 10 minutes, then rinse it out. You can use this therapy daily. It might lighten up your hair colour a bit so if you’re not looking for some natural highlights, this remedy isn’t for you.

 

4. Baking soda



One of the easiest solutions for an itchy scalp is to make a thick paste with baking soda and water. For best results, massage some olive oil on your scalp before you apply the baking soda and water. Then, make a paste by dissolving baking soda in luke-warm water and apply it to your scalp. Leave the paste on for about 10-15 minutes then wash it all out. Don’t leave the paste on your hair for longer than that.

 

5. Avocado



 

This remedy is great for an itchy scalp but it also does wonders conditioning your hair naturally. Dry scalps will adore the nourishing and moisturising properties of avocado. Simply mash and mix one avocado with two bananas together. Apply it to your scalp and your hair if you want, leave on for half an hour and rinse thoroughly. If you’re looking for a cure that smells like you’ve just been to a Caribbean island, try using this tonight. The avocado treatment can also help make your hair shinier and promote hair growth.

 

6. Do not tie wet hair



 

Many Pakistani women with long hair and ultra busy schedules might be tying up their hair before it is fully dried after a shower. This is detrimental for the hair and the scalp. Damp hair collects dirt and mold that can multiply on damp hair. Therefore, drying and brushing the hair is vital for good health of the hair and scalp.

 

7. Aloe vera



If you’re fortunate enough to have an aloe vera plant nearby, you’ve got a splendid natural remedy you can use for a variety of conditions. Take an aloe vera leaf, cut it open to reveal the fleshy, gel-like substance and apply it directly to your scalp without diluting it with water. You can leave it on your scalp for up to a half-an-hour before you wash and rinse it out, with or without shampoo.