If you have painful, itchy bumps on your scalp, chances are you probably have scalp acne. Similar to how you get acne on your skin, acne may also appear on your scalp. It’s characterized by small, itchy pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, papules (a conical skin elevation), or pustules (an inflamed skin elevation containing pus) on your scalp at your hair follicles. These are caused when pores, or hair follicles, on your scalp get clogged by dead skin cells, bacteria, and sebum – the natural oil being produced by your body to moisturize your skin.
Scalp acne may often be a result of:
- hormonal changes
- a diet that’s unhealthy – with a lot of junk food or fattening substances
- a buildup of shampoo, conditioner, or other hair products you use regularly
- not washing your hair and scalp often
- exercising and not washing your hair immediately after
- wearing headgear that frequently comes in contact with your scalp and causes irritation
Although scalp acne is most often not visible thanks to your hair, it can be painful to deal with. And while it usually goes away on its own, simple home remedies may aid faster healing. Here are 6 natural remedies you can try to ease scalp acne symptoms and promote quick healing.
6 Natural Remedies For Scalp Acne
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been known to help clear acne on the skin for the longest time. And thanks to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties, it may also help clear scalp acne. It is also said to restore the pH balance of the scalp, preventing more acne breakouts.
How To Use
- Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 2 parts water.
- Apply this solution on your scalp after washing your hair; leave the solution on for a few minutes and, then, rinse with plain water.
Cautionary Note: Remember not to use undiluted apple cider as it might be too strong for your scalp.
2. Tea Tree Oil
This essential oil is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties that heal the scars caused by scalp acne and antimicrobial properties that prevent further breakouts of the scalp.1
How To Use
- Cool the affected areas of your scalp by rubbing ice on them gently for about 7 minutes.
- After this, massage your hair and scalp gently with tea tree oil and leave it on for a while.
- Then, wash off with a mild shampoo.
3. Tomato Juice
In milder cases of scalp acne, tomato juice may help unclog pores thanks to the presence of salicylic acid in it. It is also said to be great for restoring the pH balance of your scalp, avoiding more breakouts.
How To Use
- Prepare tomato juice by squeezing out the pulp of a ripe tomato and adding some water to it.
- Apply this freshly made tomato juice on your scalp after you’ve shampooed your hair.
- Rinse with water after a few minutes to get the juice out of your hair.
4. Garlic
Garlic is abundant in a sulfur-containing compound called allicin. This compound is the major contributing factor for the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of garlic, making it extremely useful for healing skin remedies including scalp acne.2 It also contains salicylic acid, which is said to unclog pores – one of the main causes of scalp acne.
How To Use
- Boil some water and steep 4 peeled garlic cloves in it for about 10 minutes to make garlic tea.
- Remove the garlic, and wash your locks with the tea.
- Then, rinse with plain water.
- Do this every time you wash your hair.
- You could also include garlic in your diet to prevent scalp and skin acne.
5. Jasmine Essential Oil
Jasmine essential oil contains compounds that are said to naturally remove dead skin cells, which are one of the major causes of scalp acne. In combination with grapeseed oil, which has been found to effective against acne on the skin, jasmine essential oil may work wonders for scalp acne.
How To Use
- Dilute jasmine oil with some grapeseed oil.
- Gently massage your scalp and hair with this oil mixture.
- Then, wash off with a mild shampoo.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been known for its abundant benefits for the skin. It is loaded with antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which makes it great for preventing breakouts and scars caused by scalp acne.3
How To Use
- Cut a fresh aloe vera leaf open, and remove the gel from it.
- Apply the gel on your scalp, and leave it on for about half an hour.
- Then, rinse with water.
- Repeat this as often as possible.
- If you feel like aloe vera is drying your scalp, mix a small amount of argan or sunflower oil with the gel before you apply it.
Try these great home remedies and be relieved of scalp acne symptoms. However, if symptoms persist, ensure that you consult your dermatologist.
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