I think it’s safe to say that having an itchy scalp is no fun! But why is this happening? What can I do?
Here are some solutions for the problem:
1. Check your products
You may be having a scalp reaction to the products you’re using, or contact dermatitis. Have you tried any new products recently? Maybe a product you love stopped working for your hair? Remember: Our hair can change overtime!
Avoid trying too many new products at once to keep better track of the cause!
2. Clarify
Clogged pores can irritate your scalp and make it ichy/inflamed. Combat this by incorporating more shampoo days into your routine.
If you’re a co-washing lover like me (washing your hair with conditioner), it may be time to face the reality that conditioner doesn’t cleanse the scalp as well as shampoo.
Shampooing more has made a huge difference for me! (I used to shampoo once a month, but now I shampoo every other week!)
3. Sun protection
Sunburn can feel like an itchy scalp without knowing the difference (Scalp is skin too!) Wear a hat or apply sunscreen to where you part your hair. Spray sunscreens are safe for the scalp, and there are also products out there intended for scalp sun protection.
For immediate relief, use a small amount of aloe Vera gel (natural or store bought) or hydrocortisone cream. These are both safe to apply right to the scalp!
4. Oil your scalp
Your scalp may just be dry and in need of some moisture. Use a lighter oil to avoid clogging your pores. Also, don’t oil your scalp everyday!
Some options include argan oil, almond oil, and jojoba oil. I also love to add rosemary oil and tea tree oil, which are great for the scalp!
Make sure you spritz some water on your scalp beforehand to give it some moisture. Repeat this every few days to maintain moisture!
5. Regulate your hair pH
The pH of the scalp and hair are naturally lower (more acidic). Hair products tend to have a higher pH (more basic). This pH imbalance can cause our scalp to become dry and irritated.
Regulating scalp pH can help reduce the itching and close the hair cuticle in the process to help retain moisture. Some remedies to help include ACV, aloe vera juice, and rice water.
6. Let your hair down
Tension on your scalp can cause itching, especially at the crown of your head. Always give your hair a break from super tight hairstyles. Even a day or 2 can make a difference!
7. Rule out medical causes
(This is just a “hear-me-out” tip, but it may be helpful for some of you!)
As a medical student, we’re always taught to rule out medical causes if a patient comes in with a new problem and to be thorough when trying to find the cause.
Have you tried any new products lately? Do you have allergies to foods or ingredients that you’ve been exposed to? Do you have any skin conditions (like eczema, for example) that could be flaring up?
Any allergies or new exposures can cause our skin to get irritated, including our scalp.
I hope that this post was helpful!
What are your methods for treating itchy scalp?
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Take care!
♡ Gwen