Inexpensive but very effective Home Remedies for Itchy Flaky Scalp

Itchy flaky scalp getting you down? If you'll give me a couple of minutes of your time I'll show you how a simple and little known herbal remedy can get rid of your itchy flaky scalp once and for all.

An itchy flaky scalp can be caused by any number of things but often has to do with lifestyle, nutrition, infection or even an allergic reaction to the products you normally put on your hair. You see, most off-the-shelf products these days are so loaded with chemicals that in some cases they actually do more harm than good. Many anti-dandruff shampoos contain strong chemicals like Sodium Laureth Sulphate (the same ingredient used in engine degreasers), Propylene Glycol (found in antifreeze), and Silicone which is often found in leading brand conditioners and is used to add an artificial shine to your hair.

Apple Cider Vinegar is an excellent little home remedy that has been used for many, many years to get rid of an itchy flaky scalp and dandruff.

Try the following recipe:

Wash hair with a mild, pH-balanced shampoo. There's no need to use a dandruff shampoo because the apple cider vinegar will gradually disperse and get rid of the dandruff and itchy flaky scalp problem.

Mix together the apple cider vinegar with some warm water (2 parts vinegar to one part water). By adding a few drops of essential oils such as lavender or rosemary you will help to cleanse the scalp further and add a little fragrance to your hair. (Always remember to patch test oils in case of allergies, and always consult your doctor if you are pregnant).

Pour the mixture directly on to clean hair or alternatively put it in a bottle and spray onto your scalp. Massage it in and let the mixture dry on your hair. There's no need to rinse it out (unless the smell bothers you).

In case of more stubborn dandruff and itchy flaky scalp you can try a stronger mixture of vinegar to water, such as a one-to-one ratio. You could even try using the vinegar undiluted and applying it directly to the scalp. Leave it on for about 15 minutes and then wash the cider out with a mild, pH-balanced shampoo.

You'll get the best results if you use raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to treat your dandruff. If you don't happen to have any apple cider vinegar, lemon juice can also be used instead.

Essential oils can be used to soothe the itching. Mixing together Lavender, German Chamomile and Eucalyptus Oils with water (4 parts water to 1 part oil), and applying locally to affected areas will help to relieve your itchy flaky scalp.

**Bonus Itchy Flaky Scalp Remedy**

Ok, I'm feeling kind today, so here's an extra little home remedy for you.:)

Fenugreek seeds are excellent for getting rid of dandruff:
 

Take 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds and soak overnight in water
 

In the morning grind the soft seeds into a fine paste
    

Apply this paste all over scalp and leave for half an hour
    

Rinse off thoroughly with soap nut solution
    

A teaspoon of lime juice on the last rinse will work wonders -  Anne Cresacre

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Treating Head Lice with Home Remedies

Is your kid constantly scratching his head? Is his scalp filled with white flakes that won’t seem to come off? Your kid might have head lice! Don’t worry; it’s so common almost everybody gets it at some point in their lives. What you have to worry about is what is commonly prescribed as the best solutions for head lice. Leading brands of anti-lice shampoo like Nix is in actuality nothing more than pesticide with a recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics. All these chemicals can have a very bad effect on your child’s skin, especially if he’s sensitive or allergic to it. But commercial chemical treatment is not the only effective treatment to head lice. You can try your hand at some alternative treatments that can prove to be a little less damaging than chemicals.

The first alternative would be to hunt down the lice one at a time. Just pick them off like the monkeys do (eating them however is optional…). If you find your fingers to be too big to get the small ones, use tweezers or special lice combs. This can be a too manual for some. It may take days of regular repetition to get the lice out with this method.

You can also try using mayonnaise, olive oil, or Vaseline on your kids scalp. Just leave it in the kid’s hair under a shower cap for a night then remove it in the morning and the lice should come clean off  along with it.  Vinegar can be used to help in the removal and has the added bonus of making it harder for nits or lice eggs to stay in the hair. This can be a bit messy though and your kid might not like you too much after this.

There is also an alternative non-pesticide shampoo available through prescription. Ulesfia is used much like shampoo, applied directly to the hair. It is left on for about ten minutes before rinsing. This is also an effective lice remover if applied properly and regularly for a week. Just ask your doctor for a prescription for it.

Some have also claimed to use herbal products, like those taken from tree oils or other natural oils. These are not regulated by the FDA though and have to be used at your own risk as their effectiveness has yet to be proven extensively.

You may not be able to prevent head lice, but you can minimize the risk to your child. Lice are spread through direct contact, as they have neither jumping nor flying capabilities. They can be spread through the sharing of combs, hats, hair ties, clips and head bands and other head or hair accessories. By instructing your child to try to avoid this, you can prevent infestation on some level. You can also have your kid try hair gel as this can also make it difficult for lice to get at the scalp.

One important note: always make sure that your kid actually has lice before you start treating for it! As you can see, the treatments are numerous but often involve some sacrifice on your kid’s part. Don’t put your kid through all that if you’re not sure. Sarah Stonebright shared this article.

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