Q&A - Question and Answer Guides

The first step is to review how frequently you are washing your hair and the shampoo and conditioner.

You need to wash your the hair regularly with a mild and good quality shampoo to remove and prevent the buildup of dirt and oils on the scalp.

However excess washing with harsh chemicals can also dry the scalp and make it feel itchy.

Change your shampoo and conditioner. Choose a shampoo with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Also review the conditioner you are using as it may be irritating the scalp or building up as an oily layer of the scalp.

You may have to compromise to find a shampoo and conditioner that works for both your hair and scalp.

Unfortunately the right combination or shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, rinse and treatment that works for you and does not cause skin irritation and inflammation is a very individual thing.

You may need to try various different combinations until you find one that works for your particular hair and skin type.

The same applies to the following list of remedies as there is no magic cure, and you may need to try several before you find on that suits you.

Tips and Guides for Identify Likely Causes and Best treatment and Prevention Options

1. Though your scalp may feel itchy, resist the temptation to scratch or rub your scalp. This will only aggravate the issues and make it worse.
2. Try to identify the cause of the itchy scalp as this will help you to find an effective remedy.. Develop a checklist of the most likely causes such as the type of shampoo you are using, failure to rinse out the shampoo, washing your hair too frequently or not often enough, failure to wash out the grime and oils that may build up on the scalp. Work through the list one at a time and see what provides relief.
3. Finding the best shampoo that suits you and doesn't dry or irritate the scalp. If your scalp is dry switch to a moisturizing shampoo or a treatment that moisturizes the scalp. If your scalp is oily, choose a shampoo that removing excess oil and dirt. If dandruff is the cause, choose a good quality low-irritant herbal anti-dandruff shampoo that is suited for your hair type and that does not irritate your scalp. If you have lice in your hair, choose a medicated shampoo and other treatments to get rid of the lice.
4. Choose the right type of comb or brush. Choose a good quality, non-irritant comb with widely spaced and thick prongs that will not scratch your scalp. However gentle combing and brushing can stimulate the circulation and relieve dryness and itching.
5. Examine your diet as what you eat can be a significant cause of dry, itchy scalp. Make sure you are getting enough Vitamin A (sweet potatoes, papaya, fruit, vegetables, eggs and carrots), Vitamin B (whole grains, meat, fish, leafy vegetables), Vitamin C (citrus fruits, vegetables, strawberries, kiwi fruits), Essential Fatty Acids (oily fish such tuna, mackerel, salmon, sardines) and Zinc (found in seafood, nuts, leafy green vegetables and poultry).

Home Remedies for Dry and Itchy Scalp

Sesame Seed Oil - Sesame oil may help relieve dryness itchiness of the scalp. Massage a few drops of warmed sesame oil directly into the scalp before bed each night, taking 5-10 minutes to thoroughly working it over the entire are. Wrap your head in a warm dry towel and leave on for about 10-15 minutes before removing the towel and going to bed. Shampoo and thoroughly rinse your scalp and hair in the morning using a mild and non-irritant shampoo. Repeat the treatment every few days until the symptoms disappear and continue once a week to prevent recurrence.

Apple Cider Vinegar - can be used as a rinse to balance the pH levels of the scalp and may help relieve dryness and itching of the scalp. Add 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar to about 1/4 cup of warm water to a spray bottle. Spray the scalp and hair with the solution, making sure the scalp is thoroughly saturated. Wrap your head in a towel and leave the mixture on for 15-30 minute and them wash and rinse as usual. Vinegar can be uses as a regular rinse to get rid of shampoo residues from the hair

Tea Tree Oil - a powerful natural antibacterial and antifungal agent commonly used to treat dandruff and it often helps to reduce itchiness, dryness and flakiness of the scalp. Simply Add 10 to 20 drops tea tree essential oil to 1/2 cup of a mild shampoo, such baby shampoo . There are also over-the-counter tea tree anti-dandruff shampoos you can try. Use the mixture daily until the dryness of the scalp improves. Adding 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and massaging directly into the scalp may also relieve the symptoms.

Lemon Juice - fresh lemon juice may be used to treat a dry or itchy scalp. Do not use lemon juice if the skin on the scalp is broken as this may cause stinging. Massage two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice into the scalp, and then rinse with water. Rinse the hair regularly after washing using a solution of one teaspoon of lemon juice added to one cup of warm water. Lemon juice is acidic and may lighten the hair when used consistently over time.

Lavender oil, avocado oil, eucalyptus oil and chamomile oil - provide an excellent home remedy for Itchy Scalp. Add equal proportions of these oils to some warm water and run into the scalp. Leave on for 10-15 minutes before washing and rinsing your hair and scalp.

Application of olive oil, almond oil, tea tree oil and coconut oil - mixed into a little warm water is a good home remedy for itchy and dry scalp for home treatment.

Peppermint oil - Add 2-4 drops of peppermint oil to a cup of warm water and use it to massage the scalp gently for about 10-15 minutes. Wash and rinse your hair.

Aloe Vera - Apply Aloe Vera gel on the scalp for about 10-20 minutes. Rub into the scalp before washing and rinsing the hair.

Don't Use bar soaps to wash your hair and scalp - Most bar soaps should be avoided as they often cause severe drying of the skin ad irritation. Glycerin soaps and homemade soaps are natural moisturizers, but these should be only used once a week to thoroughly clean your scalp and remove oils that may build-up causing itchy scalp. Homemade shampoos and  homemade conditioners are generally more gentle and can be tailored to you specific requirements. 

Baking Soda - Make a thin paste by dissolving baking soda powder in water and apply it directly to the scalp. Leave on for 10-15 minutes before washing and rinsing your hair and scalp.Try rubbing a little olive oil into the scalp before this treatment.

Avocado and Banana - Mix a ripe avocado with two ripe bananas. Rub it into your scalp, cover your head with a dry towel and leave it on your hair for 20-30 minutes, before rinsing off.

Regular Vinegar Rinse - Vinegar is acidic and it helps to get rid of any shampoo residues and helps to restore the hair's normal slightly acid pH. Apple cider vinegar is preferred but you can use white vinegar as well. To prepare the vinegar rinse - add 1-2 tablespoons or vinegar to 2-3 cups of warm water. Use this as an extra rinse after you have shampooed your hair and rinsed it out. Some people don't like the smell, but is disappears very quickly and you can rinse it out with water. Some people use stronger solutions such as 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water or even one-to-one mixtures. Find the best vinegar rinse recipe for your hair.