8 Proven Ways to Soothe a Sore and Burning Scalp Fast

A sore and burning scalp can be caused by psoriasis, rashes, injuries, sunburn, and much more. For most people, however, the cause of inflammation doesn’t initially matter as much as soothing the pain as quickly as possible.

Regardless of why your scalp is feeling uncomfortable, you need to alleviate that burning sensation to feel better. If you don’t, it’s likely that you’ll start scratching your head and scalp, which could lead to further infection, irritation, swelling, redness, and flaking.

While many problems will go away on their own, and inflammation may reduce with time, you want instant relief. Soothing the initial burning sensation will give you time to identify the underlying causes and decide how it should be treated.

If you have an irritated scalp, there are a variety of causes. Even if it can’t be cured, such as psoriasis and eczema, the inflammation and soreness can be significantly reduced with minimal fuss. Before continuing, we recommend looking at the different reasons for scalp problems so that you can treat what is wrong.

Sore and Burning Scalp Treatments That Work

Let’s take a look at some effective ways to soothe a burning sensation on the scalp quickly:

1) Therapeutic Shampoo

If you have a permanent skin condition, a therapeutic shampoo can provide instant relief and ease the symptoms. One of the best is Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo. Not only will it soothe a burning scalp, but it also works to prevent itching and flaking.

With just one use of this shampoo, you’ll feel the positive effects. Its benefits last for up to a week after each use. While it’s meant to work on even the toughest of irritating scalp conditions, it’s also potent if you simply have a dry scalp due to weather, stress, dehydration, and other factors. If itchiness and redness are your biggest challenges, you can use this shampoo just once a week and enjoy a soothing sensation that lasts for days.

There are other therapeutic and medical shampoos available. If you do have a specific skin condition, like psoriasis, try using a coal tar shampoo for best results. Finding out the cause of irritation will make treatment much easier. However, the Neutrogena T/Gel tends to cover most of them.

2) Tea Tree Oil

It has been used for centuries to deal with different skin conditions. Tea tree oil can help to soothe a sore scalp, as well as control dandruff and itching. It has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. So, no matter what the cause may be regarding your sensitive scalp, it can naturally alleviate the pain.

If you have clogged hair follicles (that can also cause thinning or baldness), tea tree oil is good at clearing them up. This will allow your hair to grow strong and healthy again.

On its own, tea tree oil is effective. It only takes a few drops. However, you need a carrier oil to make it safe for your skin. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with coconut oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil. Then, massage into your hair and scalp. You can let it set for several hours before rinsing away. Alternatively, use Paul Mitchell tea tree oil shampoo. That way you get to enjoy the benefits without the preparation and time this takes.

3) Aloe Vera

If you’ve ever had a scrape or burn on your body, you may have used an aloe vera product to heal it. An irritated, burning scalp can benefit from its healing properties, too. Aloe vera contains a substance called Campesterol, which helps to generate new skin cells and decrease inflammation.

It also has Vitamin A, B, C, and E to give your hair and scalp the nutrients it needs to be healthy. These vitamins will also help with cell regrowth and repair. Aloe vera is also considered an antibacterial agent that can help to get rid of any bacteria forming on the skin that may cause itching. Additionally, it serves as a moisturizer, creating a lubricated barrier around the scalp to hydrate it and protect it.

All of these properties and more create a soothing, cooling sensation whenever the substance is used anywhere on the skin. You can either choose to use it directly from the aloe plant or find a product that contains aloe vera as a key ingredient, like Era Organics Eczema and Psoriasis Cream.

4) Coconut Oil

Not only is coconut oil a great carrier for tea tree oil, but it is also extremely effective on its own. First, it’s a natural moisturizer. It will protect your scalp and hydrate it without leaving it greasy, or cause your hair to feel heavy. This moisture will also help to reduce any irritation or redness that might occur.

Aside from its hydrating properties, coconut oil also works as an antibacterial agent. It can help to cure any infection that might occur in the hair follicles. It also works well with different fungal infections, such as ringworm.

Once you’ve taken care of your sore scalp, you can continue to use coconut oil as a preventative measure. It will provide your scalp with a protective, moisturizing barrier to reduce itching sensations all the time.

Coconut oil is a solid at room temperature. However, you can put a small amount in your hand, and your body’s natural warmth will heat it up in a matter of minutes so that you can massage it into your scalp.

5) Lemon Juice

Sometimes, a scalp can itch and become painful because the pH balance isn’t where it should be. A healthy scalp should have a pH of anywhere from 4.5-5.5. A scalp can either become too acidic, or too alkaline.

Lemon juice can help to balance out the natural pH levels of your scalp and stop the itching sensation. You can either apply fresh lemon juice directly to your scalp or dilute it with a bit of water and massage thoroughly through your hair and into your skin.

Apple cider vinegar has similar properties and can be used in place of lemon juice.

Additionally, baking soda also works to balance out the pH levels. You can mix baking soda and water into a paste, and apply it directly to the scalp for several minutes before rinsing away. Baking soda should be used if your scalp is too acidic already.

Be sure that you don’t have any scrapes or cuts on your scalp from itching. If you do, these acidic solutions may cause stinging and irritation. Otherwise, you can feel confident in using these natural ingredients several times a day to soothe irritation and redness.

6) Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is another great carrier that can be used on its own due to its extensive healing properties. Our scalp naturally makes a substance called sebum. Jojoba oil is very similar to this substance. If you’re experiencing a dry scalp, it could be because you’re not producing enough sebum. Jojoba can help to rejuvenate the scalp and rehydrate it naturally.

Because it’s a natural oil that you can apply it directly to the scalp and leave it on overnight. In the morning, rinse it away and follow up with your normal cosmetic shampoo. You should notice soothing relief almost right away, but you can continue to use this oil treatment daily as a preventative measure against dry, itchy scalp.

7) Witch Hazel

If you have a sore scalp that has been caused by chemical hair products or heated styling tools, witch hazel may be the best solution. You can find witch hazel in certain hair products. But, for best results, try using 100% pure witch hazel. It is an astringent that can relieve itching and other painful symptoms often associated with a dry scalp.

Because witch hazel is so potent, mix one part of the pure substance with two parts water, and massage into your scalp. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it away. You can repeat this process daily until all of your symptoms have cleared up.

8) Bananas

Using a banana pulp as a hair mask is a great way to soothe a painful scalp. The natural oils and potassium found in bananas can help to heal your skin quickly. They also contain moisturizing properties that will reduce dandruff and irritating inflammation. Using bananas for your scalp couldn’t be easier. Here’s a quick guide:

• Mash up one or two ripe bananas and turn them into a hair mask.
• Apply this directly to your scalp.
• Let it sit on the scalp for one or two hours, before rinsing away.

For even more moisturizing benefits, you can also mix in a ripe avocado with the bananas.

How Quickly Can You Cure a Burning and Itching Scalp?

As you can see, soothing a sore and burning scalp doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you choose to use an over-the-counter product or a natural home remedy, you can find fast relief. Of course, certain skin conditions may require additional treatment. However, the solutions listed here should quickly help to alleviate pain and itching.

Additionally, most of the treatment options you’ll find are completely natural or contain few potentially harmful ingredients. You can feel good about using them directly on your scalp, without the risk of any harmful or painful side effects.