Itchy scalp is a common problem that can have many causes. What's certain is that the scalp is out of balance. Therefore, there are a few things you can do to tackle the problem.
1. General tips for itchy scalp
As a first step toward a healthier scalp, you should review factors that might worsen the itching or be the root cause of it.
Reduce washing frequency
Washing your hair daily with shampoo is not a good idea. If you exercise every day, try washing every other day using only water and refreshing your scalp with a toner, dry shampoo, or salt spray afterward.
Weaning your scalp off frequent washing can take time. Be patient and gradually reduce shampooing.
Heat
Heat from hair dryers and hot shower water can really dry out your scalp and damage your hair – more than you might think. Blow-dry with cooler air 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 asking for trouble. Fungi, bacteria, and mites thrive in moisture and warmth. Change your pillowcase frequently and always sleep with dry hair, especially if it itches more at night.
Scratching
It can easily become a vicious cycle if you scratch your scalp with fingers and nails. The scalp becomes damaged and more easily infected. Try a cooling toner when it itches (see point 4. moisture below).
2. Change hair products
Try replacing the hair products that come in contact with your scalp. These can be products such as shampoo, 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 our natural, organic, and clean alternatives.
Use organic shampoos for itchy scalp
Khadi Neem Shampoo is excellent if your hair gets oily easily and your scalp itches. Odylique Tea Tree Herb Shampoo is superb if your scalp itches and is also sensitive. Remember to let this shampoo work for 2-3 minutes for the best effect before rinsing it out. Choose this mild shampoo from Odylique if you absolutely must use shampoo every day.
Grön Lycka's Golden Rose shampoo bar is suitable for oily scalps with both dandruff and itching.
Organic hair styling
As long as your scalp itches, you should avoid applying products on or near your 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 Bruns' unscented styling products. Their salt spray and conditioner spray also refresh your hair between washes.
Organic dry shampoo
It works excellently 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 your scalp itches after coloring, you should definitely try switching hair dyes. 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 noting that you can be allergic to natural substances too, so always do a test on your arm or neck first. For itchy scalp, we recommend Khadi or Cultivator's hair dyes.
3. Restore your scalp's pH balance
Your scalp's pH value should be slightly acidic, around pH 5. Restoring your scalp's pH is beneficial when it itches, but also when your scalp is out of balance, such as with constantly oily hair, dandruff, or dry flakes. Ekendahls' hair rinse/acid rinse with apple cider vinegar feels so good when your scalp itches. It balances the pH level, seals the hair shaft's cuticle layer, and makes your hair soft and shiny.
Nea of Sweden Organic Vinegar Rinse is also excellent if your scalp itches and is sensitive. It balances the pH level.
Malin i Ratan's acid rinse consists of an infusion (tea) of hibiscus leaves, and is also an excellent choice.
Restore your scalp's pH as often as you want. Do it daily, after each hair wash, or occasionally. When you've washed your hair with shampoo, this is best done after shampooing, as most shampoos are alkaline.
4. Treatments for scalp
Whether you have a dry or oily scalp that itches, the recipe for balance is the same. Here are some really good tips!
Moisture
Make sure you 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, itches, or after a shower. It's non-sticky and should not be rinsed out afterward. Try one of these: Witch Hazel or Tea Tree Water.
Nourishment
Like dissolves like, so it's smart to do an oil treatment if you have an oily scalp. Khadi's Neem hair oil soothes itchy scalp and regulates sebum production. This hair oil is also good if you have a dry scalp or dandruff.
Fushi hair oil Really Good Hair Oil contains a beneficial blend of nourishing and caring oils.
Scrub
If your scalp is flaking or oily and feels sticky, try pure rhassoul clay. The clay scrubs away dry flakes while absorbing excess oil. Loelle's fine clays can also be used in your hair (besides as a face mask).
Soothing treatment
Rhassoul clay can cleanse both hair and scalp and thereby replace shampoo. Then restore the pH balance after a clay wash/treatment according to point 3 above with an acid rinse.
5. Stress
Stress is one of the most common causes of itching (not just on the scalp). If stress isn't the root cause of the problem, it's definitely a trigger. Meditate, sleep, exercise, and dare to say no. Often, you can manage an itchy scalp on your own. But if the itching doesn't improve after a couple of weeks, medical treatment may be needed. In such cases, consult your doctor to find suitable treatment and the cause of the itching. Take good care of yourself!
