You may have a beautiful hairstyle and a vibrant hair color, but an itchy, dry scalp that you can’t help but scratch is a major annoyance for any head of hair. Sometimes it’s paired with dandruff, and other times it’s on its own in scaly, red patches. Aside from being incredibly uncomfortable, an itchy scalp can signify an imbalance in the health of your scalp.
Whether it’s brought on by a buildup of sweat and sebum or a reaction to an ingredient in a particular product, we’ve got your back — or scalp, rather. Read on to find out how to treat an itchy scalp.
What Is the Main Cause of an Itchy Scalp?
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), an itchy scalp, or scalp pruritus, is a common condition with a wide range of causes, including stress, seasonal changes, fluctuating hormones and a build up of sweat, sebum and other follicle-clogging elements. In most cases, an itchy scalp doesn’t require a doctor’s attention and can be treated with gentle daily care.
5 Itchy Scalp Treatments
Check out these easy and affordable ways you can make an itchy scalp a thing of the past.
1. Add a Gentle Scalp Scrub to Your Routine
The glands on the scalp produce oil that maintains the health of your skin and hair. Unfortunately, when this oil builds up, your usual shampoo might not be able to clean it all away. Scalp scrubs are a great way to maintain the health of your scalp.
2. Grab a Clarifying Shampoo
For a hair care routine tailored to keeping itchiness at bay and the scalp in its best shape, go for clarifying shampoo. Clarifying shampoos are used to remove excess buildup on your hair and scalp, which can help with itching.
3. Try Apple Cider Vinegar
According to a study by the NCBI, apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties. It can be used to help reduce the itchiness accompanied by dry skin. To create a simple solution, dilute raw apple cider vinegar (you can find it in the grocery store) with warm water and use it as a rinse after shampooing to alleviate dandruff and an itchy scalp.
4. Add Some Aloe
According to the NCBI, aloe vera can benefit the scalp in a few ways. Similar to apple cider vinegar, aloe has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe the uncomfortable itching on your scalp. Additionally, when applied directly to the scalp, aloe vera can gently cleanse the hair shaft and strip the itch-causing residue left behind by hair products.
5. Check Ingredient Lists for Menthol
Peppermint oil contains a high concentration of a naturally occurring substance called menthol. Menthol (the minty flavoring often found in gum, candy and toothpaste) has a cooling effect and may help soothe the irritated skin causing you to itch.
As with apple cider vinegar, you should make sure to dilute the peppermint oil before applying it directly to the skin.
Source: L'Oréal
