DIY Scalp Tonic (Easy Homemade Remedy for Dry, Itchy Scalp)

Whether you struggle with dandruff, dry scalp, or simply build up from product use, this DIY scalp tonic is an excellent remedy! Made with natural witch hazel extract and a blend of essential oils for hair and scalp health, this homemade scalp tonic recipe is an ideal solution to relieve symptoms. Restore your scalp today with this easy hair care recipe.

DIY Scalp Tonic

I’ve always kind of jumped around from product to product when it came to shampoo and conditioners. Some worked great for a while and then they stopped or I need more love in the winter than the summer. So I have tried a lot of different hair care products, but never found that one that was simply perfect.

Since joining Birchbox last year, however, I’ve had the opportunity to discover a lot of great new beauty and hair care products that I had never even heard of prior. One of those products happened to be Uniq One All in One Shampoo & Balm — a low foaming, cream based sulfate free shampoo. I use it regularly now in conjunction with the All in One Hair Treatment to fight frizz and am completely in love.

I have long, fine, straight hair that has gotten a lot coarser and drier as I’ve gotten older and these two products really seem to do the trick consistently. After two weeks I also lost significantly less hair would I would brush it. The only drawback, and I imagine this would also happen with other cream based shampoos like Wen, is that if your scalp tends to get oily it can become bothersome. Since there are no harsh cleansers washing away the oils on your scalp, I found that eventually my scalp got itchy and annoying. I tried to fix it by going back to regular shampoo occasionally but then it would strip my hair and reverse what I’d gained by using a cream shampoo.

So rather than repeating the pattern of switching out with new products over and over, I thought I’d try a toner — for my scalp! Within two days my scalp felt balanced again and no longer itched. I simply applied this tonic to my scalp and massaged it in after shampooing, rinsed, then applied styling products as usual. Not only does it work, but it’s simple to make. And because of the natural properties of the essential oils, you’ll also find this one helpful at keeping dandruff away as well.

Scalp Tonic Recipe

© Rebecca D. Dillon

If you have a dry, itchy scalp and need a quick fix, this homemade tonic for dry scalp is a must! Not only is it easy to make, but you’ll find that it’s incredibly effective at restoring the health of your scalp and relieving annoying symptoms. Made with witch hazel extract and a natural blend of essential oils for hair and scalp health, this homemade scalp tonic recipe relieves itching and dryness caused by dandruff or product build-up.

Tonic Ingredients:

This recipe for a hair and scalp tonic is super simple. All you need is witch hazel and a blend of essential oils for hair. Following are the ingredients you’ll need to make this formulation:

• 4 fluid ounces witch hazel: Witch hazel extract has traditionally been used for hundreds of years to relieve skin inflammation and itching. In addition, it also helps to shrink pores making it common ingredient in moisturizing facial toners and tonics. (Explore more ways to use witch hazel here.)
• 12 drops rosemary essential oil: Rosemary oil helps improve scalp circulation and stimulate hair growth to get hair to grow faster. It’s also shown to be helpful at relieving irritation caused by dry, flaky, or a dandruff ridden scalp.
• 12 drops peppermint essential oil: The menthol in peppermint gives your scalp a tingly sensation. It stimulates both the scalp and hair follicles, balance oil production and calms inflammation.
• 12 drops lavender essential oil: This oil has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that fight bacteria. It also helps improve circulation to strengthen hair follicles and promote hair growth.
• 12 drops tea tree oil: This popular essential oil helps prevent product build up on hair as well as the accumulation of dead skin which leads to dandruff. It also reduces inflammation and has both antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.

How to Make Scalp Tonic

Here is how to make this witch hazel tonic for your scalp:

1. In a 4 oz. or larger container —- I used a spray bottle for ease of application —- combine the witch hazel and essential oils.
2. Shake well to mix.

Usage

To use this DIY scalp tonic, apply the product to your scalp and massage in. Allow the product to set for a  minute or two. Then rinse. Apply conditioner if desired. Use this hair and scalp tonic as needed, up to once a day, after shampooing.

In addition to keeping your scalp squeaky clean and balanced, you’ll find you can also use this tonic as a homemade face toner. It’s a great solution if you are experiencing acne breakouts or simply need help balancing oily skin. It’s also great for guys who are prone to back acne. And if you prepare this in a spray bottle — or a glass bottle with a fingertip mister — it makes it super simple to apply wherever you need it.