How to Prevent Dandruff and Itchy Scalp with Natural DIY Treatments

There are several big name commercial treatments for itchy scalp and dandruff, but most of them are made with harsh chemicals that are harmful to the environment and your health. It is understandable that folks who suffer from itchy scalp or dandruff would be willing to try just about anything to make the itching go away and to avoid embarrassing flakes in their hair or on their clothes. But before you reach for that expensive dandruff shampoo or that chemical-laden scalp treatment, check out these natural, do-it-yourself itchy scalp and dandruff treatments that are inexpensive and much eco-friendlier.

You don't need to purchase expensive specialty shampoos and scalp treatments to have a flake-free and non-itchy scalp. Avoid the unnecessary packaging, harsh chemicals and the expense by trying all natural at home remedies that have been used for generations. There are lots of options to try, but here are 10 basic dandruff and itchy scalp treatments that will only take you a few minutes to mix up and apply.

1. Add Tea Tree Oil to your shampoo -One easy solution is to simply mix a few drops of tea tree oil into a natural shampoo and use as usual. This won't take any more time than your regular shampooing and you may find that this works well enough to cut out commercial dandruff shampoos completely.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse and Clarifying Treatment - Remove build up from shampoo, conditioner, hairspray and whatever else you have been putting on your hair with this simple DIY clarifying rinse that also works well for dandruff and itchy scalp. After shampooing (hopefully with an all natural or homemade shampoo) apply an apple cider vinegar rinse to your hair that is about half apple cider vinegar and half water. The measurements don't have to be exact and the amount will depend on the length and thickness of your hair. Leave the rinse on your hair for 1-2 minutes then rinse. To make the rinse even more effective, try adding a few drops (or an herbal mix) of rosemary, oregano, nettle, thyme or comfrey.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar treatment - For resistant itchy scalp or dandruff, you might want to try an apple cider vinegar treatment that you leave on to increase the effectiveness. For this itchy scalp and dandruff treatment, mix apple cider vinegar with water as stated above, massage the mixture onto your scalp and place a shower cap on your head for 20 minutes to an hour, then shampoo as usual. For particularly acute cases of itchy scalp or dandruff, you might want to start out doing this treatment two or three times per week, then transition to once per week or once every other week (depending on your individual results) for maintenance.
4. Massage your scalp with aloe vera gel -Massaging aloe vera gel onto your scalp is an age-old cooling and soothing treatment. Try this one after exfoliating and doing a clarifying rinse to help soothe your scalp even more.
5. Massage your scalp with almond oil - Massage a small amount of almond oil or grapeseed oil (slightly warmed or straight from the bottle) and cover your hair with a shower cap for 30 minutes to an hour. This will be particularly helpful is your itchy scalp or dandruff comes from having a dry scalp.
6. Exfoliate your scalp - If your scalp is in need of exfoliation to help get rid of the flakes, try mixing corn meal with a very small amount of a almond oil, grapeseed oil or a light vegetable oil.
7. Use a witch hazel and lemon juice toner - Witch hazel is one of my favorite natural products and can help to relieve itchy scalp and dandruff. Make a small mixture of witch hazel with lemon juice and apply to your scalp after shampooing. Remember, lemon juice will likely lighten your hair if you apply it before going in the sun, so keep that in mind if you use this scalp toning treatment.
8. Treat you scalp to some thyme tea - Thyme is one of the herbs knows for helping dandruff sufferers end their battle with flakes. Boil 3-5 tablespoons of thyme in about two cups of water, allow to cool and strain. After shampooing your hair, massage the thyme tea onto your scalp while your hair is still wet. Put on a shower cap for about 20-30 minutes and then rinse.
9. Massage your scalp with essential oils - Essential oils that are effective for treating itchy scalp and dandruff include rosemary, lemon and tea tree. Massage a few drops into your scalp and allow it to stay on your scalp until your next shampoo. Please be aware that folks who might be pregnant or who have high blood pressure should not use rosemary essential oil.
10. Use a hot oil treatment once per week - A weekly hot oil treatment will help to nourish your scalp and keep your hair shiny and soft. Olive oil, almond oil, grapeseed oil or any light vegetable oil can be warmed up (place the container with the oil into a bowl of warm water to warm it) and applied to your hair and scalp for soothing, nourishing treatment. You can apply this in the shower and leave it on for a few minutes before you shampoo, or you can apply the warmed oil, put on a shower cap for 10-30 minutes and then shampoo as usual.