How to Cure Smelly Scalp

Medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS

Last Updated: August 31, 2021 References

If you’ve ever had the misfortune of having a smelly scalp, you know how unpleasant and embarrassing it can be. The problem is often caused by an overproduction of the bacteria that live on your scalp. However, there are loads of treatment options to help your scalp get back to normal. Most people find that they can get the problem under control with over-the-counter products and shampoos, good hygiene, and natural home remedies (including baking soda and apple cider vinegar).

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Washing Your Hair with Medicated Shampoo

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Read the label on the shampoo bottle to see if it contains these ingredients. Tar, sulfur, or zinc are often included in anti-dandruff shampoo, so check these types of shampoos. These ingredients may help to eliminate any odor-causing bacteria on your scalp. ^{[1]
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Wet your hair thoroughly with warm water, then massage ¹ ⁄ ₂ to 1 US tbsp (7.4 to 14.8 mL) of shampoo into your scalp and hair for treatment. Continue to work the shampoo into a lather for about 30 seconds. Then, rinse your hair with warm water until all the suds are gone and the water runs clear. ^{[2]
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Tip : Don’t go more than 3 days without shampooing your hair as this gives bacteria a chance to build up.

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3
See a doctor if the odor doesn’t improve within 2 weeks. You may notice an improvement in your scalp odor within the first few uses/treatments, or it might take a little longer. If you don’t see any improvement in the odor coming from your scalp within 2 weeks after you start using a medicated shampoo, make an appointment with your doctor or a dermatologist. They can prescribe a stronger medicated shampoo to help stop the odor. ^{[3]
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- Your doctor or dermatologist may also want to test a sample of your hair or take a swab of your scalp to determine what might be causing the odor.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Maintaining Good Scalp Hygiene

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Don’t apply conditioner to your scalp as this may cause smelly bacteria to build up since it creates a moist environment. You can skip the conditioner if you like, or apply it to the middle of your strands and down to the ends. Leave the conditioner on for about 30 seconds and then rinse it off with lukewarm or cool water. ^{[4]
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Tip : Some shampoos are 2-in-1 varieties, so you can skip conditioning your hair if you use this type.
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Apply a dry shampoo between washes to absorb oil and odors. Spray the dry shampoo onto your roots and massage it into your scalp and hair with your fingertips. Then, brush through your hair to distribute the dry shampoo. If you prefer not to wash your hair every day, applying a dry shampoo is a good way to reduce excess oil. This may also help to prevent bacteria (and smells) from building up. ^{[5]
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- Make sure to choose a dry shampoo with a clean, fresh scent.
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Launder your towel at least once per week. Reusing the same towel over and over again to dry your hair after a shower can reintroduce bacteria into your hair after you wash them out. If you do reuse your towel, don’t reuse the same towel for more than 1 week. Also, make sure that it is spread out on a towel bar after each use so it dries out completely. ^{[6]
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- Launder hats, cloth headbands, and scarves after each use as well.
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Change your pillowcase every other day. Put a fresh, clean pillowcase on your pillow before you go to bed each every other night of the week. Chuck the dirty pillowcase in the laundry and slip a new one on. ^{[7]
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- Odors and bacteria may get onto your pillowcase while you sleep and, if you don’t change it regularly, they may end up back in your hair.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Trying Natural Home Remedies

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1
Shampoo your hair with baking soda 1-2 times per week if it’s oily. Dispense about 1 tablespoon (15 g) of baking soda and then massage it into your scalp just as you would with shampoo. The powder will exfoliate and deodorize your scalp. Do this in place of shampooing your hair 1-2 times per week until the problem goes away. ^{[8]
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- As a bonus, the baking soda will remove built-up hair product and give your hair more volume.
- Keep in mind that baking soda can dry out your hair and scalp, so this might not be a good option if your scalp is already dry or irritated.
2
Apply pureed onion to your scalp for a deodorizing hair mask. Place a peeled and chopped onion into a blender and puree it until it is liquefied. Then, pour the mixture over your scalp while you’re in the shower and massage it in with your fingertips. Leave the onion puree on your scalp for 30 minutes, then rinse it out with warm water. Shampoo and condition your hair as you normally would after. ^{[9]
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- Repeat this treatment once per week.
- Onion has a powerful scent, so applying an onion mask may help to counter any other odors in your hair.
Warning : Be careful not to get any of the pureed onion in your eyes as it will sting.
3
Massage aloe vera gel into your scalp after shampooing if it’s dry. Apply a pure aloe vera gel to your scalp while your hair is still damp. Then, dry and style your hair as you normally would. The aloe vera gel will help to soothe your scalp if it’s irritated and can also help to control the odor. ^{[10]
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- Repeat the treatment 1-2 times weekly.
Variation: Try mixing 2–3 drops of peppermint, rosemary, or lavender essential oil into a 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of a carrier, such as almond or coconut oil. Massage the oil into your scalp to help it smell better.
4
Rinse with apple cider vinegar for shiny, deodorized hair. After shampooing your hair, pour 8 fl oz (240 mL) of apple cider vinegar over your scalp and hair. Leave the apple cider vinegar in your hair for about 5-10 minutes. Then, rinse it with cool or lukewarm water. ^{[11]
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- Repeat this 1-2 times per week.
- You might notice a faint vinegar smell after doing this treatment, but it should wear off as your hair dries. If it bothers you, shampoo your hair again to get rid of the smell.
5
Pour tomato juice over your hair for a powerful deodorizer. Get a 8 fl oz (240 mL) container of tomato juice and pour the whole thing over your hair while you’re in the shower. Leave it on your scalp and in your hair for 20 minutes, then rinse it with warm water. Shampoo and condition your hair as you normally would. ^{[12]
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- Do this once per week to deodorize your scalp and hair.
6
Soak your scalp and hair in lemon water for a bright, refreshing scent. Mix 8 fl oz (240 mL) of water with 2 US tbsp (30 mL) of fresh lemon juice in a cup. After shampooing your hair, pour the lemon water over your scalp and hair. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse it out and condition your hair. ^{[13]
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- Repeat this 1-2 times per week to keep your hair deodorized and lemony fresh.
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Add 2-3 drops of neem or tea tree oil to your shampoo for an antibacterial treatment. Mix the essential oil into the shampoo in the palm of your hand, and shampoo your hair as you normally would. Rinse your hair until all the suds are gone, then condition your hair if desired. The scent of the oil will help to remove any unpleasant odors in your hair. ^{[14]
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- Repeat this 1-2 times per week to keep your hair smelling fresh.