One of our fondest memories of our childhood may have to do with letting ourselves loose and dancing in the downpour. The smell of wet soil and the rain droplets falling on our hair and skin felt like natural therapy, didn’t it? But while growing up, we become more aware of the havoc rain water can have on our health. We dread the aftermath of our hair the most as we may end up with an itchy scalp along with brittle hair. An itchy scalp during monsoon can be most annoying. But hey, stop worrying and check out some home remedies for itchy scalp to help you fix it!

Why does the scalp get so itchy during monsoon?

There can be many reasons behind your itchy scalp. By becoming aware of the root cause, you can excuse yourself from the trouble of going through the pain during any monsoon season. Here are some reasons why you get that scalp itch during monsoon season:

1. Inflammation and infection

Rainwater is never clean water. It comes along carrying various forms of pollutants and can be toxic to your hair. It may be filled with bacteria, germs and dirt, which can trigger inflammation on your scalp. Your hair follicles can also suffer from inflammation during this time, leading to an itchy scalp.

2. Dandruff

Dandruff is one of the most common causes of itchy scalp and this issue becomes rampant in monsoon season. Dandruff formation gets triggered by a naturally occurring fungus called Malassezia and excess oil build-up on your scalp. This humid environment can aggravate the growth of this fungus on our heads. Also, lack of proper shampooing can also lead to excess oil buildup on the scalp.

3. Lice

This monsoon time becomes the breeding time for lice and parasites, which can make their way onto your scalp easily. Even though it is not very common, this can become a major reason for scalp itchiness during monsoons.

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Natural remedies to prevent itchy scalp

Yes, itchy scalp irritates and can be hard to live with. But with some of these effective home remedies for itchy scalp, you can prevent the discomfort!

1. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has been revered for so long because of its strong anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can aid you in doing away with your monsoon itch. You can add a few drops of this essential oil to your everyday shampoo or apply it with a carrier oil like coconut oil. A hair mask containing tea tree oil as one of the ingredients can also work wonders for itchy scalp. Make sure you are always diluting it before applying.

2. Aloe vera

Aloe vera gel can soothe your scalp itchiness immediately owing to its anti-inflammatory properties. It can break down the buildup of oil on your scalp while curbing the effects of fungi. Apply it directly on your head, or create a hair mask using lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, fenugreek seeds or even tea tree oil.

3. Lemon

Lemon, because of its acidic nature, can balance out your pH levels and reduce any greasiness. It contains certain anti-microbial properties which can work effectively against itchy scalp and dandruff. You can use diluted lemon juice directly on your scalp, or you can make a hair mask using either honey, curd, or coconut oil.

4. Neem

This is nature’s best cure for dandruff and possesses certain effective anti-fungal properties. It can give strength to your hair follicles and prevent dandruff comeback. You can use neem by boiling it in water and applying the liquid to your hair after shampooing which will provide you that much-needed respite from itchy scalp. Additionally, you can make a paste out of neem leaves and use it as a hair mask.

You may also try these neem hair masks for dry scalp.

5. Avoid using styling products

If you are suffering from an itchy scalp, refrain from using styling products on your hair, for they can trigger build-up on your hair and scalp due to humidity, leading to scalp itchiness.

6. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has been used for so many aeons as a natural remedy to cure many issues including itchy scalp. As per the International Journal of Dermatology, it may boost antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

The National Psoriasis Foundation reckons using a ratio of 1:1 of water and apple cider vinegar several times a week. After keeping the solution applied, you may rinse your scalp with water.

7. Organic coconut oil

Mature coconuts are used to naturally extract organic coconut oil. As per the Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease, it could help alleviate signs of itchy scalp.

Around 50% of the fat content in coconut is lauric acid. This saturated fat helps in better absorption of the coconut oil into the scalp, making it an effective treatment for itchy scalp.

8. Peppermint oil

As per a 2016 study, 50 people noticed a significant reduction in symptoms of itchiness after applying it to a pruritus-affected area twice a day for 2 weeks.
You may also dilute the oil with water or any other oil such as olive oil and then massage it into your scalp prior to shampooing.