The two major causes of the itchy scalp – dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis – can be more than just irritating. In fact, they can also cause permanent damage to the hair follicles, leading to loss of hair and irreversible baldness. In addition, the inflammation they cause can have long-term, systemic effects.
Of course, there are a number of products available for the treatment of such conditions at drug stores and beauty salons everywhere. However, these products are typically harsher than those with such conditions can handle, leading to further issues with itching, inflammation, and scalp irritation.
Fortunately, there’s a better alternative to treating your dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. With all-natural treatments, you can treat the issue at hand while preventing further damage.
1. Salicylic Scalp Peel
For a scalp plagued by the build-up of dead skin, oil, and chemical products, this peel provides a fresh start. To begin, apply coconut oil to it and allow to sit for 30 minutes. Then, using a pipette or dropper, apply salicylic acid to the trouble areas. Leave for 10 minutes, and then rinse with lukewarm water. Peel the remaining salicylic acid gently, and repeat every 2-3 days in particularly troublesome areas.
2. Sea Salt, Lemon Juice, and Olive Oil Scalp Scrub
While abrasiveness may seem an odd choice for the treatment of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, the salt, lemon, and olive oil combination can have a cleansing and moisturizing effect on the scalp. All you need is 2 TBSP of sea salt, 1-2 TBSP of lemon juice, and 1-2 TBSP of olive oil. Combine the ingredients, and stir well. Apply the scrub to wet, pre-washed hair, massaging into the scalp. Pay special attention to particularly flaky areas. Then, rinse and shampoo.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar and Peppermint Oil Shampoo
After the peel, it’s important to thoroughly it clean and open up the pores for stimulation of new hair growth. To create this simple homemade shampoo, combine 1 cup of apple cider vinegar with ¼ cup of jojoba oil and 10 drops of peppermint essential oil. Massage the mixture into a wet scalp, and leave for at least 3 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm to cold water.
4. Jojoba and Tea Tree Scalp Oil
As both dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis can be attributed to fungal overgrowth, tea tree oil is an excellent treatment to have in your arsenal. To start, combine ¼ cup of jojoba oil with 5 drops of tea tree oil. Apply to the scalp, and allow to sit for at least 15 minutes. You’ll notice a tingling sensation, which means the oil is working to clean the pores and remove any buildup. Rinse in cold water, and repeat the application every day for up to two weeks.
5. Avocado, Honey, and Olive Oil Hair Mask
Masks are a great way to add some moisture back into your scalp, and simultaneously soothe the itch and inflammation. For this mask, combine 1 ripe avocado (mashed) with 2 TBSP each of honey and olive oil. Start applying the mask to the roots, working your way down to the tips. After you’re sure it is completely and thoroughly covered, leave in for 45 minutes. Rinse the mask from your scalp, and finish with an apple cider vinegar and baking soda rinse (2 TBSP of apple cider vinegar to 1 TSP of baking soda) to remove the excess. Perform once per week.
6. Baking Soda Hair Rinse
While cleansing shampoos are necessary a few times per week, sometimes it’s best to give your hair and scalp a break. For that, a baking soda hair rinse is just what you need. Mix 1 TBSP of baking soda with 1 cup of water. Shake well, and then gently pour over hair, paying special attention to the scalp and hair roots. This will remove excess oils, dirt, and dead skin build up and give your scalp a chance to breathe.
While dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis can be particularly bothersome, the treatment of such conditions is also important to ensure a healthy scalp and hair growth. However, sometimes treatment can cause harsher side effects than the condition itself, which is why we should look to natural methods whenever possible. So, if you’re ready to use all-natural ingredients to care for your scalp and soothe the itching and soreness associated with dandruff, then the six above recipes will get you started.