Itchy scalp is a common problem that can have many causes. What is certain is that the scalp is not in balance. There are therefore a few things you can do to tackle the problem.
1. General tips against 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 every day, you can wash every other day with water only and freshen up the scalp with a toner, dry shampoo or salt spray afterwards.
Weaning the scalp from frequent washing can take time. Be patient and gradually reduce shampooing.
Heat
Heat from hair dryers and hot shower water can really dry out the scalp and even damage the hair – more than you think. Blow dry with cooler air if possible or increase the distance between the dryer and your hair. Turn down 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 heat. Change pillowcases frequently and always sleep with dry hair, especially if it itches extra at night.
Scratching
It can easily become a vicious cycle if you scratch your scalp with fingers and nails. The scalp gets damaged and becomes more easily infected. Try a cooling toner when it itches (see below point 4. moisture).
2. Switch hair products
Try switching out the hair products that come into contact with your scalp. These can be products like shampoo, styling products or hair dye, which can trigger or worsen problems like eczema, psoriasis or seborrhea in the scalp. If you use conventional products, try ours which are natural, organic and clean.
Use organic shampoos for itchy scalp
Neem Schampo is excellent if your hair easily becomes greasy 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 best effect before rinsing it out. Choose this mild shampoo from Odylique if you absolutely must use shampoo every day. Schampotväl Golden Rose is suitable for greasy scalp with both dandruff and itching.
Organic hair styling
As long as your scalp itches, you should 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 extra sensitive scalp, try unscented styling products. Salt spray and conditioning spray also freshen up the hair between washes.
Organic dry shampoo
It works excellently to use a natural dry shampoo between washes with shampoo. A dry shampoo absorbs excess oil, removes dry flakes, soothes the scalp, increases shine and saves you time.
Organic hair color
If it itches after coloring, you should definitely try switching hair color. Our hair colors are 100% plant-based and/or 100% organic. This means you avoid skin-irritating chemicals that can worsen or be the cause of your problems. Worth knowing is 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 colors.
3. Restore scalp pH level
The scalp's pH level should be slightly acidic, around pH 5. Restoring the scalp's pH is good when it itches, but also when the scalp is imbalanced such as constantly greasy 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 level and closes the hair strand's cuticle layer and makes the hair soft and shiny. Nea of Sweden Ekologisk Vinägersköljning is also an excellent choice if the 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 the scalp's pH as often as you want. Do it every day, after every hair wash or now and then. On occasions when you have washed your hair with shampoo, this is best done after shampooing, as most shampoos are alkaline.
4. Scalp treatments
Whether you have dry or oily scalp that itches, the recipe for balance is the same. Here are some really good tips!
Moisture
Make sure not only to 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 is non-sticky and should not be rinsed out afterwards. Try one of these: Witch Hazel (Trollhassel) or Tea Tree Water.
Nourishment
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 dry scalp or have dandruff.
The hair oil Really Good Hair Oil contains a beneficial blend of nourishing and nutritious oils.
Scrub
If the scalp flakes or is oily and feels sticky, try pure rhassoul clay. The clay scrubs away dry flakes while fat is absorbed by the clay.
Loelles fine clays can also be used in the hair (in addition to 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 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 is not the root cause of the problem, it is definitely a trigger. Meditate, sleep, exercise and dare to say no.
Usually you can tackle an itchy scalp on your own. But if the itching doesn't get better 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!
