TIPS AND TRICKS TO DEAL WITH ITCHY SCALP

Just like our skin and lips, our scalp too needs our attention during the harsh winter months. Having an itchy scalp is not only embarrassing, to scratch in public, but also painful as constantly scratching the scalp can form wounds. And, that eventually might also turn into infections and an unhealthy scalp.

There can be many causes for an itchy scalp:

• When oily hair is not washed frequently enough causes itching.
• Very dry scalp becomes flaky.
• Dandruff.
• Use of chemical filled commercial products.

Therefore, in order to have a clean and healthy scalp, we can take recourse to some easy and simple ways.

Clean pillow covers and hair combs/brushes.

It is very important to use clean pillow covers as dirty ones might transfer dirt and infections to your scalp and also your face. And, you might face the problem of acne and itchy scalp. Make sure you wash them every 2-3 days.

Same with your combs and brushes. Make sure you wash them every time you have a hair wash or at least once a week. You should not let dirt and bacteria touch your freshly washed hair.

Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is very important as it shows up on the outside. Make sure you drink a lot of water, even during winter. And importantly, drink only warm water as your body needs warm fluids and not cold. The pitta is fire, so feed it with warm fluids.

Apply Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is an excellent remedy for dandruff and dry, itchy scalp. Apply pure Aloe Vera directly on your scalp and leave it for 15-20 minutes before washing off. This will keep your scalp moisturised and prevent dandruff.

Regular scalp massages

Often, we ignore oiling our hair, but if you want to get rid of the itchiness then make sure you give your scalp regular massages. Read on to know how.

• Daily massages with argan oil.

Argan oil is very light non sticky oil. Take a pump or two and massage directly onto your scalp. Do not be scared, you won’t have limp hair. The oil will get quickly absorbed as your scalp is dry.

Use Coconut oil

COLD-PRESSED VIRGIN COCONUT OIL

Virgin coconut oil (I use from the brand Maxcare) is a star when it comes to moisturising the scalp and hair. It has many antibacterial and antifungal properties that will help clear dandruff and treat dry and itchy scalp. Indulge in a coconut oil hair mask 1-2 times a week to nourish your dry scalp and give your scalp a good massage. Here is how:

• Warm up 1-2 tsp virgin coconut oil and gently massage your scalp for 5 minutes.
• Leave it for  1 hour
• Cover your head with a warm towel (dip the towel in warm water, wring out the water) and let it sit for another 15 minutes.
• Shampoo and condition as usual.

       (p.s. You may skip the hot towel treatment.)

Use Essential oils

Essential oils can also soothe, cool, reduce inflammation and relieve you from the itchiness on your scalp and also prevent infection. Essential oils are very concentrated, so make sure to dilute them with some carrier oils (for example: coconut oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, argan oil and so on). Following are the few essential oils I use:

Rosemary essential oil

• It reduces redness, inflammation of scalp.
• Increases blood circulation.
• Soothes itchiness.
• Protects from bacterial and fungal infections.

Tea Tree essential oil

• It has strong antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-fungal agent.
• Soothes dry, itchy scalp

SOME OIL RECIPES

• Coconut oil + 4-5 drops of tea tree oil
• Coconut oil + 4-5 drops of rosemary essential oil
• Argan oil + 4-5 drops Tea Tree oil/ Rosemary Essential Oil.

 Massage the oil onto the scalp for about 5 minutes and leave it for 1 hour. Wash it off           with shampoo and conditioner as usual.

       

Apply Lemon

Use lemon to clean your scalp. It has anti bacterial properties which will help fight against the itchiness.

First oil your hair with coconut oil and keeps it like that for some time, then, massage a slice of lemon on your scalp. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then wash it off as usual.

NOTE:

• Do not over wash your hair. Over washing will make hair dry and strip off its natural oils.
• All these methods are to be practiced regularly and the results can be seen only after a few times. Itchy scalp won’t be gone all of a sudden.

Before you push the BACK button…

Do let me know if this post was helpful to you. I look forward to your feedback. The links to all my social media accounts are on the sidebar at the top. Do drop a ‘hi’!

Thanks for stopping by.

Xoxo.