How To Stop Scalp Itching At Night

Why Does My Scalp Itch at Night?

1. Dandruff

Dandruff causes mild itchiness and flaking on your scalp without any inflammation (1). Using hair products specifically formulated for treating dandruff may help reduce the itch. However, if you experience severe itching, it is unlikely to be just dandruff. Consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and find the exact reason.

2. Reaction To Hair Products

Your scalp may itch or develop a rash if you have an allergic reaction to an ingredient in your shampoo, conditioner, or any other hair product. You can determine the exact product that is causing the allergic reaction and replace it with one that suits your skin.

Even improper hair washing can make your scalp itch. If you do not rinse your hair thoroughly after shampooing or conditioning, the resultant product buildup can lead to itching.

3. Head Lice

Head lice are another cause of an itchy scalp (2). If you believe that the reason behind your scalp itch is head lice, try to examine your scalp to see for signs of head lice.

4. Scalp Psoriasis

Scalp psoriasisⁱ  XAn autoimmune skin disease that causes a rash and leads to patches of itchy and scaly skin usually on the scalp and knees. can fill your scalp with itchy, scaly patches also called plaques (3). It also may cause dandruff-like flaking and a dry scalp.

5. Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitisⁱ  XAlso known as eczema, a common skin condition that causes inflammation, itchiness, and dryness also known as eczema, causes your skin to become inflamed and itchy (4). It also can irritate your scalp if it spreads.

6. Stress

Anxiety and stress might also cause scalp itching. If you are going through a major life event that is causing you stress and anxiety, you might suffer from an itching scalp (5). If the itching is due to chronic inflammatory conditions like psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitisⁱ  XAlso referred to as seborrheic eczema, a common skin condition that causes inflammation, scaly patches, and dandruff on the scalp , and pityriasis amiantaceaⁱ  XA rare inflammatory skin condition that causes thick scaling of wax on the scalp which binds down tufts of hair. , stress may cause flare-ups and itching.

7. Scalp Ringworm

Scalp ringworm, also known as tinea capitis, is a fungal infection that can cause persistent scalp itching. The fungus irritates the skin, leading to discomfort and itchiness (6). It often appears as circular, scaly patches on the scalp. Proper treatment, which may include antifungal medications, is essential to alleviate its symptoms, treat the infection, and prevent its spread to others.

8. Scabies

Scabies, a contagious skin infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei (itch mite) can lead to severe scalp itching. The mites burrow into the skin, laying eggs, and causing an itchy, inflamed rash (7). This condition can spread quickly, so prompt medical treatment is necessary to eradicate the infestation and relieve the itching.

A few natural remedies may help treat an itchy scalp. The best treatment for itch associated with chronic inflammatory conditions is Cade oil, a type of tar derived from the Juniper tree. It is a fantastic antipruritic (anti-itch) and antimitotic (it slows down cell division, reducing scale buildup) agent. You may use it and scroll down to check out other natural remedies to soothe an itchy scalp.

Natural Remedies To Stop An Itchy Scalp At Night

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties (8), (9). Hence, using apple cider vinegar may help reduce scalp itching, caused by fungal infections.

You Will Need

• Apple cider vinegar
• Water
• Spray bottle

What You Have To Do

• Fill half the spray bottle with apple cider vinegar and the remaining half with water.
• Mix well and store.
• Use the mixture whenever your scalp itches.

Note: Do a patch test on your skin to check if ACV is causing burns.

2. Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint has a cooling effect on the skin (10). This property might help reduce the itch.

You Will Need

• Peppermint essential oil, 2 drops
• Carrier oil, 5 drops

What You Have To Do

• Mix 2 drops of peppermint oil and 5 drops of carrier oil.
• Massage the mixture into your hair.
• Wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner after 20 minutes.

3. Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender oil helps eliminate head lice and may relieve the associated itching (11).

You Will Need

• Lavender essential oil, 2 drops
• Carrier oil, 5 drops

What You Have To Do

• Mix 2 drops of lavender essential oil and 5 drops of carrier oil in the palm of your hand.
• Massage the mixture into your hair and scalp.
• Wash your hair with a shampoo and a conditioner after 20 to 30 minutes.

Christina Alexandria, a blogger, shared her hair care routine that soothes an itchy scalp. She starts by spraying her hair with an aloe vera mix that contains peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus essential oils and aloe vera juice. She follows it up with hair oil and a strengthening treatment. She adds, “The treatment helps my hair from breaking while wearing twists. I do this weekly and it stops all the itch (i).”

4. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has an anti-inflammatory effect (12). It may help ease scalp itching or irritation. The oil may also help treat the itching caused by dandruff or head lice (13). Tea tree oil repels head lice and does not treat them. You may use it as a preventive measure.

You Will Need

• Tea tree oil, 5 to 10 drops
• Carrier oil, 10 drops

What You Have To Do

• Mix the tea tree oil with the carrier oil.
• Massage it into your hair.
• Wash your hair after some time.
• Alternatively, you can also use shampoos and other hair products containing tea tree oil.

5. Meditation

Research suggests that meditation can reduce anxiety and stress (14). It may also help relieve the associated scalp itching.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you wash your hair if it’s itchy?

Yes, you can wash your hair if your scalp feels itchy. Using ingredients like apple cider vinegar can effectively manage the itchiness on the scalp. But if your hair is dry, washing it too often may aggravate the itchiness.

Does coconut oil help itchy scalp?

Yes, coconut oil can help soothe an itchy scalp. It has hydrating and moisturizing properties that can manage the dryness and itchiness of the scalp. You can massage coconut oil into your scalp 1-2 hours before washing your hair.

When should I seek medical advice for scalp itching at night?

Seek medical advice if scalp itching extends for a longer period of time or is accompanied by skin rash, pain, or hair loss.

Are there any specific lifestyle factors that can contribute to scalp itching at night?

Lifestyle factors such as stress, anxiety, and poor hygiene can contribute to scalp itching at night.

Can wearing certain types of hats or head coverings exacerbate scalp itching at night?

Wear loose and breathable fabric hats or head coverings. Synthetic or tight-fitting hats or head coverings can trap heat and sweat and can worsen scalp itching by fostering bacteria and fungi.

How long does scalp itching at night typically last?

Depending on the underlying condition, scalp itching at night lasts a few days or several weeks.

Can changing my diet or incorporating specific nutrients help alleviate scalp itching at night?

Consume a balanced diet including zinc, biotin, and vitamin D. These nutrients can help alleviate scalp itching.

Is it normal for scalp itching at night to come and go, or should it always be addressed?

Scalp itching at night should always be addressed, as it may indicate some underlying problem, especially if it persists for long periods of time.

An itchy scalp can be uncomfortable. Learn the reasons behind itchy scalp and how to treat it and get relief from the video below.