Itchy Scalp Causes And How To Fix Them

Having an itchy scalp can be so infuriating, especially when it’s constantly causing you to scratch, leading to even more irritation. As the weather gets colder our skin is going to take even more of a hit, so now is the time to really target these problems before they get worse. Mostly, scalp irritation is caused by mistakes we’re making in our hair routine or harsh products that cause skin sensitivity. These problems are easily fixed, especially once you figure out the main cause and make some changes. So to help we’ve put together some of the main culprits and a few products to fix them...

Going To Bed With Wet Hair

Sometimes you’re way too tired to blowdry your hair and we get that but going to sleep with wet strands creates the perfect environment for dandruff. Malassezia, a type of fungi which naturally occurs on your skin, will thrive in the damp, warm conditions and lead to a flaky scalp. If you’re doing it regularly then this could be the cause of the irritation and could cause breakouts too as the bacteria will build up on your pillows. Ew!

Product Build-Up

If you regularly use dry shampoo or stronghold hairsprays then they could be leaving a stubborn layer of residue that’s irritating your scalp. The residue can sometimes be confused for dandruff when really it’s just excess product that hasn’t been removed. The best way to beat this is by using a clarifying shampoo or exfoliator once a week or that is strong enough to remove the product.

Dandruff

Dandruff is really common and caused by the skin on your scalp shedding and replacing itself too quickly. This can leave your scalp irritated and your hair greasy so it’s important to switch up your hair products when you see it happening. Most of the time an anti-dandruff shampoo is all you need to cure the problem and using one regularly will help to prevent it from coming back.

Tight Hairstyles

Wearing your hair in a tight high pony or braid will put too much strain on your hair follicles and could be why your scalp is feeling irritated. If you see white bumps along your hairline then it’s because your hairstyle is literally pulling at your skin so you’ll need to loosen it up! It’s best to wear tight hairstyles as little as possible and avoid wearing them two days in a row to give your scalp a break.

Dry Skin

If your skin is more on the dry side or if you’ve been switching up the central heating then your itchy scalp could just be dry skin. If you’re using a harsh shampoo or dry shampoo then this will add to the problem as they’ll be sucking even more moisture from your scalp. To combat this it’s worth using a scalp moisturiser once a week and switching to a more gentle shampoo that will pump your skin with moisture.

Stress

If you’ve got a super itchy scalp but no other symptoms then it could be more to do with stress than your hair care routine. Stress can cause your nervous system to go into overdrive which can cause a sensory response from your skin including burning or itching. Switching off could be all you need to solve the problem and taking more time for yourself will only improve your hair health.

The best products for an itchy scalp?

If your itchy scalp is driving you a little crazy then we’ve found some of the best products to beat the irritation. From cleansing to treating your skin and curing dandruff, you’ll definitely want to pick these up…

Oribe The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo

£40 This shampoo is a bit different in that it’s a mousse rather than a traditional liquid formula. It has a rich lather which removes product buildup from your scalp whilst being super gentle thanks to ingredients like volcanic ash, sea kelp extract and green tea extract. It’s recommended that you use this once a week to keep your hair fresh.

LivSo Moisturizing Lotion for Dry Scalp

£15 This is a scalp moisturiser that helps to soothe irritation and keep flakes at bay. You can use it every day or as often as you need to when your scalp is feeling itchy. It’s made with coconut oil and willow bark extract to gently exfoliate and nourish your skin.

OUAI Scalp and Body Scrub

£30 This foaming scrub is a weekly treatment that you can use to deeply cleanse your scalp and buff out any product buildup. It’s made with sugar crystals and coconut oil for a natural and gentle cleanse that will leave your scalp squeaky clean.

Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

£11.50 This shampoo promises to soothe and relieve an irritated scalp by removing product buildup and dandruff flakes from your scalp. It’s also gentle enough to use on coloured hair so it’s perfect if you’re struggling to balance an irritated scalp with holding onto your hair colour.