Itchy scalp is a common problem that can have many causes. One thing is certain: the scalp is out of balance. There are therefore a few things you can do to tackle the problem.
1. General tips for itchy scalp
As a first step towards a healthier scalp, you should review things that can worsen the itching or be the root cause of it.
Reduce washing frequency
Washing your hair every day with shampoo is not a good idea. If you exercise daily, you could try washing every other day with just water and freshen up the scalp with a toner, dry shampoo, or salt spray afterwards.
Weaning your scalp off frequent washing can take time. Be patient and gradually reduce shampoo washing.
Heat
Heat from hair dryers and hot shower water can really dry out the scalp and even damage the hair – more than you think. Use cooler air when blow-drying if possible or increase the distance between the dryer and your hair. Lower the temperature and shower with lukewarm water instead.
Moisture
Putting up damp hair or going to bed with wet hair is a recipe for problems. Fungi, bacteria, and mites thrive in moisture and warmth. Change pillowcases often and always sleep with dry hair, especially if it itches more at night.
The itching
It can easily become a vicious circle if you scratch your scalp with fingers and nails. The scalp gets damaged and is more prone to infection. Try a cooling toner when it itches (see below point 4. moisture).
2. Change hair products
Try switching the hair products that come into contact with your scalp. These can be shampoos, styling products, or hair dye, which can trigger or worsen problems like eczema, psoriasis, or seborrhea on the scalp.
If you use conventional products, try ours which are natural, organic, and pure.
Use organic shampoos for itchy scalp
Neem Shampoo is great if your hair gets oily easily and your scalp itches.
Odylique Tea Tree Herb Shampoo is excellent if your scalp itches and is also sensitive. Remember to let this shampoo work for 2-3 minutes for best effect before rinsing out. Choose this mild shampoo from Odylique if you absolutely must shampoo every day.
The Golden Rose shampoo bar is suitable for oily scalp with both dandruff and itching.
Organic hair styling
As long as your scalp itches, avoid applying products on or near the scalp. This applies even if you use “gentle” styling products.
All our hair styling products are mild. If you have an extra sensitive scalp, try fragrance-free styling products. Salt spray and conditioner spray also freshen up hair between washes.
Organic dry shampoo
It is perfectly fine to use a natural dry shampoo between shampoo washes. A dry shampoo absorbs excess oil, removes dry flakes, soothes the scalp, increases shine, and saves you time.
Organic hair dye
If it itches after coloring, you should definitely try switching hair dye. Our hair dyes are 100% plant-based and/or 100% organic. This means you avoid skin-irritating chemicals that can worsen or cause your problems. It’s worth knowing that you can be allergic to natural substances, so always do a test on your arm or neck first.
For itchy scalp, we recommend Khadi or Cultivator's hair dyes.
3. Restore the scalp’s pH balance
The scalp’s pH should be slightly acidic, around pH 5. Restoring the scalp’s pH is good when it itches, but also when the scalp is out of balance, such as constantly oily hair, dandruff, or dry flakes.
Ekendahls hair rinse/acid rinse with apple cider vinegar is so soothing when the scalp itches. It balances the pH and closes the hair cuticle, making hair soft and shiny.
Nea of Sweden Organic Vinegar Rinse is also a great choice if the scalp itches and is sensitive. It balances the pH.
Malin i Ratans acid rinse consists of an infusion (tea) of hibiscus leaves and is also an excellent choice.
Restore the scalp’s pH as often as you like. Do it every day, after every hair wash, or occasionally. When you have washed your hair with shampoo, it’s best to do this after shampooing, as most shampoos are alkaline.
4. Treatments for the scalp
Whether you have a dry or oily itchy scalp, the recipe for balance is the same. Here are some really good tips!
Moisture
Make sure to not only add moisture but also something that soothes, cools, and has antiseptic or anti-inflammatory properties like a toner.
A toner is easy to spray or massage into the scalp when it feels dry, itchy, or after a shower. It’s non-greasy and should not be rinsed out afterwards. Try one of these: Witch Hazel or Tea Tree Water.
Nutrition
Like dissolves like, so it’s smart to do an oil treatment if you have an oily scalp. Neem hair oil soothes itchy scalp and regulates sebum production. This hair oil is also good if you have a dry scalp or dandruff.
The hair oil Really Good Hair Oil contains a beneficial blend of caring and nourishing oils.
Scrub
If your scalp flakes or is oily and feels sticky, try pure rhassoul clay. The clay scrubs away dry flakes while absorbing oil.
Loelle’s fine clays can also be used in hair (besides as a face mask).
Soothing treatment
Rhassoul clay can wash both hair and scalp clean and thus replace shampoo. Then restore the pH balance after a clay wash/clay treatment as described above in point 3 with an acid rinse.
5. Stress
Stress is one of the most common causes of itching (not just on the scalp). If stress is not the root cause of the problem, it is definitely a trigger. Meditate, sleep, exercise, and dare to say no.
Usually, you can manage an itchy scalp on your own. But if the itching does not improve after a couple of weeks, medical treatment may be needed. In that case, see your doctor to find suitable treatment and the cause of the itching.
Take good care of yourself!
