10 Home Remedies for Itchy Scalp You Need to Try for Long-Lasting Relief

Whether you battle a dry, itchy scalp every winter or you’re new to that persistent itch, you’ll likely be in search of rapid relief. A dry scalp isn’t just uncomfortable. It can also cause flaking, pesky dandruff. 

Several different skin conditions can cause a dry, itchy scalp, including:

• Seborrheic dermatitis 

• Scalp ringworm

• Scalp psoriasis

• Scalp eczema

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Knowing the exact cause of your dry scalp can help you get the right treatment for long-lasting relief. But even the best treatment can take time to kick in. In the meantime, you can keep yourself comfortable with these medicated shampoos and home remedies for itchy-scalp relief.

1. Selenium sulfide

Selenium sulfide is a compound that slows down how quickly your body sheds skin cells. People with dandruff and other skin conditions shed skin cells more rapidly, leading to flaky dandruff. 

Selenium sulfide also kills a fungus called Malassezia, which lives on the scalp and can cause irritation and flaking of the scalp. 

Many over-the-counter (OTC) dandruff shampoos contain selenium sulfide. You can use these shampoos a few times a week. Just make sure to lather your hair with the shampoo and then let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes before rinsing it off. 

2. Coal tar shampoo

Coal tar also slows down skin cell shedding. As a bonus, it can help exfoliate excess skin cells from your scalp. This stops flaking from building up. It can also ease dryness, irritation, and scalp itching. 

It can be a helpful additional treatment for any scalp-irritating condition, including eczema and psoriasis. Simply wet your hair and apply the shampoo. Wait 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing it off. 

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Have a flakey scalp? From hair products to stress, learn about the most common causes of dandruff.  

• Getting rid of dandruff: Four people share their tips on what worked to treat their dry and itchy scalp. 

• Scalp psoriasis vs. dandruff: Learn how to tell the difference between these two common conditions (with pictures).

But be aware: Coal tar can discolor light-colored hair. And it may make skin more sensitive to the sun. Try to avoid getting any of the shampoo on your face or other sensitive areas. 

3. Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a popular exfoliant that’s available OTC. Most people are familiar with its use in acne treatment. But fewer are aware that it can help ease a dry and itchy scalp. 

Salicylic acid softens scaling skin, making it easier to remove when you brush or use a scalp massager. Many clarifying hair products contain salicylic acids, including shampoos and rinseable serums and treatments. 

4. Ketoconazole

Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication that helps prevent Malassezia from growing. It’s commonly used as a shampoo to treat dandruff because it can help reduce flaking and itching. 

Ketoconazole shampoo is available in OTC and prescription strengths. To use, lather and massage shampoo into the scalp. Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing it off. If you want, you can use regular shampoo after that. Use ketoconazole shampoo daily until your dandruff improves. After you have reached a good result, continue using it once or twice a week for maintenance. In some people, ketoconazole may cause dryness or more itching. 

5. Zinc pyrithione

Zinc pyrithione (ZPT) is a common ingredient in different OTC dandruff shampoos. It helps with some infections, including Malassezia. It may also help normalize how skin cells grow, and how much oil is produced. 

To use ZPT shampoo, lather and massage the shampoo into the scalp and leave on for a few minutes before washing it off. It can be used up to five times per week until symptoms improve. Then, reduce use to a few times a week for maintenance. Some people may experience dryness, burning, or itching. 

6. Olive oil

Olive oil is a popular home remedy for a dry, itchy scalp. There’s evidence it may help loosen and remove scaling skin. This is true for all liquid oils. Traditionally, dermatologists have recommended mineral oil for dandruff treatment. 

But here’s something to know about olive oil — it’s sometimes used to grow the fungus Malassezia in laboratory settings. So, there’s a chance that olive oil may actually promote Malassezia growth and worsen dandruff. You can still give it a try. But consider using an alternative oil, like mineral oil.

Simply apply oil to your scalp and let it sit for 20 minutes (or even longer for thicker scales). Then wash your hair with your regular or medicated shampoo. When you towel off and brush your hair, you should notice that the scales come off more easily, and that your scalp feels smoother and less irritated.

7. Colloidal oatmeal

Oats contain avenanthramides, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help soothe irritated skin. In addition, oatmeal moisturizes the skin and improves the health of the skin barrier. This makes it a great home remedy for itchy-scalp relief. 

You can try a premade oatmeal hair mask or make your own: 

• Add 3 tbsp of plain oats to half a cup of milk. 

• Mix them together to form a paste. 

• Stir in a tablespoon of your favorite hair oil. 

• Whichever type of mask you go with, just make sure you leave it on your scalp for about 30 minutes before rinsing it off. This gives the oatmeal time to hydrate and nourish your scalp. 

8. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has some well-studied health benefits. And there’s evidence that diluted apple cider vinegar can slow the growth of Malassezia, at least in a lab setting. 

Less Malassezia usually means less itchiness and flaking. However, there’s debate over whether people should use apple cider vinegar for scalp irritation. A small study showed that people using apple cider vinegar soaks often experienced mild skin irritation that improved once they stopped using vinegar. So, it’s possible that apple cider vinegar may actually worsen scalp irritation. 

You can give apple cider vinegar rinses a try. But if you notice your symptoms are worse, stop using them right away. Premade apple cider hair rinses are available, but they are easy to make at home:

• Always dilute apple cider vinegar before applying it to your skin (including your scalp). 

• To dilute, mix 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar with 12 oz of distilled water. 

• Apply the rinse to your scalp for 2 to 3 minutes before rinsing off. 

9. Lemongrass oil

Lemongrass oil seems to be able to slow down and even stop Malassezia growth. In one study, people with dandruff were asked to apply a tonic with lemongrass oil to their scalp twice per day. After 2 weeks, they had noticeable improvement in scalp symptoms.

You can buy hair oils made with lemongrass. Remember, though: Don’t apply lemongrass essential oil directly to your scalp or skin. Essential oils need to be diluted in a carrier oil first, like olive, almond, or coconut oil. In the study above, participants used 5% or 10% lemongrass oil. So make sure to dilute essential oils accordingly. 

10. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil found in many skin and hair products. It may be helpful for people with dry, flaking, and itchy scalps. One study showed that people who used a tea tree oil shampoo had improvement of their symptoms after 4 weeks. 

Remember, if you’re making your own products, never apply tea tree essential oil directly to your skin. Always dilute it in a carrier oil first before adding it to shampoos or other skin products. You can also buy premade hair products with tea tree oil. 

Can diet help or worsen an itchy scalp?

It’s possible what you eat can affect scalp health, too. In fact, a Western diet may increase your risk of a dry, itchy scalp, said Dr. Maria Robinson, a board-certified dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and GoodRx contributor. She points to a recent study, which showed that a diet high in fat and sugar and low in fruits and vegetables was linked to a higher risk of seborrheic dermatitis in women. 

Probiotics may help with dandruff and its redness and flaking, she said. “More research needs to be done looking at this,” she said, “but you can incorporate probiotics into your diet either with supplements or foods like sauerkraut and yogurt.” 

Either way, a whole-foods diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is “good for your overall health and may help improve dandruff,” she said.

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Written by:

Christine Giordano, MD

Christine Giordano, MD, is board-certified in general internal medicine. She received her medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and completed residency at Thomas Jefferson University.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. An experienced and dedicated pulmonologist and hospitalist, she spent a decade practicing and teaching clinical medicine at academic hospitals throughout London before transitioning to a career in health education and health technology.

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