Guide to itchy scalp: How to get rid of the itch

Do you experience an itchy scalp? It is a problem many people are familiar with, and it can often be a frustrating and irritating experience. An itchy scalp is only a symptom, and there can be many different reasons for the itching. It is therefore important to find the cause before you can properly treat or prevent the irritation.

What is itchy Scalp?

An itchy scalp is a very annoying and uncomfortable experience, which can often lead to sores on the scalp if it itches a lot. An itchy scalp can occur for longer or shorter periods. The symptom is something everyone can experience, and it can be very varied. Therefore, there are also many different causes of an itchy scalp. It can be important to identify the cause(s) of the itchy scalp to address it effectively. Read on to find out what causes there might be.

What are the symptoms of itchy scalp?

The cause of an itchy scalp can vary greatly. In some cases, it can occur in short periods, followed by periods without symptoms. But it can also persist for longer periods, where the itching is more constant. It can range from mild itching to more intense itching, making it almost impossible not to scratch the scalp.

It can be hard to ignore the itching, so it's important to address it before you scratch the skin and create sores on your scalp. This repeated scratching can damage the surface of the scalp and lead to inflammation if not treated properly.

In more severe cases, damage to the scalp can also lead to hair loss or infections, making it even more important to take the symptoms seriously and get them treated quickly.

Causes of itchy scalp

As mentioned, there can be many different causes of an itchy scalp. Most scalp problems will cause itching, so it's a very common symptom. There can be many causes of an itchy scalp, ranging from diseases to dry scalp. Here are some of the most common causes of an itchy scalp.

Dry scalp

Dry scalp is one of the most common causes of itchy scalp. You will often experience small white flakes sprinkled from your hair. It can often be confused with dandruff, but requires a completely different treatment. You can learn more about the difference between dandruff and dry scalp here.

If the cause of your itchy scalp is a dry scalp, it is often quite simple remedies, such as a change in hair care routine or hair products, that can make a difference. Often, it will be to switch to a sulfate-free shampoo, which ensures that your scalp's natural oils are not washed away. Sulfate-free products are gentle and help retain moisture in the scalp, which can reduce itching and irritation. The natural oils help maintain a normal scalp. If you use sulfate-containing products, they can remove these and dry out the scalp. To maintain a healthy scalp, it can also be a good idea to use a moisturizing hair mask or scalp oil regularly to provide extra moisture to the skin. You can read all our best advice for dry scalp here.

Frequent hair washing

In connection with dry and itchy scalp, the next cause could be that you wash your hair too often. Frequent hair washes can dry out the scalp, especially if you use sulfate-containing products. Consider whether you can reduce the number of hair washes per week. We recommend somewhere between 2-3 hair washes a week, although it varies depending on how active you are. If you exercise a lot, it may be necessary to wash your hair more often, but it's important to use products that do not harm the scalp.

It can be a good idea to look at the products you use for your hair. You should often use a mild shampoo without sulfate or silicone. A mild shampoo protects the scalp's natural oils, which is essential to avoid drying and itching. An added bonus would be if it is good for the scalp.

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Check the hair for lice

Many people immediately think "LICE!" as soon as they have an itchy scalp. Especially families with children can be affected by lice. Fortunately, it's often easy to treat with a good lice shampoo and comb. However, it can take some time, and it's important to be persistent with combing.

Combing the hair daily for a period is the most effective method to ensure that all lice and eggs are removed. It can also be a good idea to check the entire family if there is a suspicion of lice, as they can spread quickly. Read more in our blog post about lice in hair here.

Cold air and winter

Winter brings dry and cold air, which can contribute to drying out your scalp. This can result in an itchy scalp when the temperature drops. An itchy scalp during the winter months is a common problem, as the cold air can reduce moisture in the scalp, leading to irritation and itching. Therefore, it's important to protect the scalp from dry conditions by using moisturizing products and possibly wearing a hat outside to minimize exposure to the cold.

Allergies and the like

A common cause of an itchy scalp can also be allergies or if you've been in contact with something you can't tolerate. This can be ingredients in hair products that you can't tolerate, causing your scalp to itch.

Some of the most common allergens in hair products include fragrances, preservatives, or sulfates, which can irritate the skin. It could also be eczema on the scalp causing the itching. If you suspect an allergic reaction, it might be a good idea to switch to hypoallergenic and gentle products to avoid further irritation.

Stress and itchy scalp

Stress can have a significant impact on the health of the scalp, and one of the most common side effects is an itchy scalp. When the body is under stress, it can produce excess amounts of cortisol, leading to inflammation and increased sebum production in the scalp.

This excess sebum can block the pores in the scalp, creating an ideal breeding ground for dandruff and fungal infections, which can further worsen itching and irritation. To reduce stress-related itching in the scalp, it's important to implement stress management techniques such as meditation, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.

Using soothing and moisturizing scalp products can also help alleviate the symptoms. It might be a good idea to introduce a weekly hair care routine that focuses on scalp health to counteract the negative effects of stress. Ingredients such as tea tree oil, lavender oil, and aloe vera are known for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Itchy scalp and hair loss

Additionally for an itchy scalp, one may also experience hair loss in rare cases. This can be due to many different things/causes, but primarily because your scalp is irritated. When the scalp is in a constant state of irritation, it can affect the hair follicles and hinder their ability to produce healthy hair strands.

The causes can be inflammation around the hair follicles, fungal infection of the scalp, dandruff or psoriasis.

Another reason for itchy scalp and hair loss can be improper hair care. If you have used harsh shampoos, hair dyeing, bleaching, styling products, hair extensions, heating tools such as hair dryers and straighteners for a long time. This hair care not only affects your hair, but also your scalp and can cause it to become irritated and itchy. In the worst case, it can end in hair loss because the hair structure is destroyed by the products.

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When should I contact a doctor for an itchy scalp?

In most cases, an itchy scalp can be treated on your own, but there are certain situations where it is important to seek medical help. If you experience persistent itching, sores, or dry, bald patches on the scalp, it may indicate an underlying skin condition that requires medical treatment.

Conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, atopic eczema, or psoriasis can cause intense itching, redness, dandruff, and sometimes hair loss. Psoriasis can appear as red, scaly patches, while atopic eczema often presents as dry, itchy, and irritated skin. If you experience these symptoms, it may be necessary to get a diagnosis and treatment from a dermatologist.

Other signs that you should contact a doctor include:

The itching worsens and affects your daily life or sleep.

Inflammation, swelling, or pus-filled sores appear on the scalp.

You experience sudden hair loss or areas of baldness.

Over-the-counter treatments like shampoos or creams do not help after a week's use.

A doctor can help identify the precise cause and offer targeted treatments such as medical shampoos, topical steroids, or other medications.

Treatment of itchy scalp

It is important to emphasize: An itchy scalp is not a disease, it is a symptom of something else. It is the body's reaction to something not being right. To ensure optimal treatment, it is therefore very important to find the correct cause so that the scalp can be treated effectively. Here are some methods that can help treat an itchy scalp:

Use a mild shampoo: Choose a shampoo specifically formulated for sensitive or itchy scalp. Avoid shampoos that contain harsh chemicals and ingredients, as these can worsen the itching. Wash your hair regularly to remove excess oil and dandruff that can contribute to itching.

Rinse your hair thoroughly: When washing your hair, make sure to rinse it thoroughly to remove all shampoo and conditioner residues. Product residues can irritate the scalp and cause an itchy scalp.

Avoid hot water: Rinse your hair with lukewarm or cold water instead of hot water. Hot water can dry out the skin and lead to an itchy scalp.

Use a moisturizing scalp oil: Apply a moisturizing scalp oil regularly to soothe and hydrate the scalp. Oils like tea tree oil, coconut oil, or almond oil can help relieve itching and irritation. Read more about scalp oil here.

Switch to a hypoallergenic shampoo: If you suffer from an allergic reaction, it may be necessary to switch to a hypoallergenic shampoo. These shampoos are specifically formulated for people with sensitive scalp and contain fewer potential irritants. By switching to a gentle shampoo, you can reduce the risk of irritation and thus reduce the symptoms of an itchy scalp.
Avoid frequent hair washing: Overwashing the hair can strip the scalp of natural oils and cause an itchy scalp. Try to limit hair washing to a few times a week to maintain the scalp's natural balance.

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Use a gentle brush: Choose a brush with soft bristles to avoid further irritating the scalp. Avoid using brushes with hard bristles or metal teeth, as these can scratch and irritate the scalp.

Avoid using heat styling tools: The use of heat styling tools like hairdryers, flat irons, and curling irons can dry out the scalp and cause itching. Try to avoid these tools or use them on low heat settings to minimize damage.

Keep your scalp clean: Keep your scalp clean by avoiding touching it with dirty hands and by washing your pillows and headwear regularly. This can help prevent the buildup of dirt and bacteria that can otherwise cause an itchy scalp. You can also use a scalp brush, which can help stimulate blood circulation in the scalp.

Seek professional help: If the itching persists or worsens, seek help from a professional. A dermatologist or a hairstylist with expertise in scalp problems can help identify the cause of the itching and recommend the best treatment.

It is, of course, also reasonable to check the scalp for lice or mosquito bites. Once these possibilities are ruled out, it can be a good idea to look more closely at your hair care products. Are you using products with harsh sulfates? Then it may be a good idea to switch to a sulfate-free shampoo, which ensures that the hair and scalp's natural oils are preserved.

We can, among other things, recommend Grow and Glow shampoo, which is a sulfate and silicone-free shampoo. Regular use of gentle products can help restore balance to the scalp and reduce itching. Additionally, you can consider using a scalp brush, which can help remove dirt, dead skin cells, etc., from the scalp. The answer for you is the Deep Scalp Brush, which provides a pleasant scalp massage while being good for your scalp.

How to choose the right shampoo for itchy scalp

Choosing the right shampoo for an itchy scalp is crucial to relieve discomfort and improve scalp health. When choosing a shampoo, look for products with soothing and moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, tea tree oil, and peppermint. These ingredients help reduce inflammation and irritation. Avoid shampoos with sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, as these can worsen itching and dryness. A sulfate-free shampoo will cleanse gently without drying out the scalp, which is essential for maintaining moisture balance and preventing further irritation. It's also a good idea to choose a shampoo specifically formulated for sensitive scalp to ensure the best results.

What helps itchy scalp?

An itchy scalp can be both irritating and uncomfortable, but there are several effective solutions to relieve itching and improve scalp health:

Aloe Vera: This natural ingredient has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve itching and reduce irritation.
Tea Tree Oil: Known for its antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil can help fight bacteria and fungal infections that cause itching.
Coconut oil: Moisturises the scalp and reduces dryness, which can relieve itching and irritation.
Apple cider vinegar: Has antibacterial properties and can balance the scalp's pH level, reducing itching.
Moisturisers and hair masks: Products that are specially formulated to moisturise the scalp can help reduce dryness and itchiness.
Mild Shampoo: Use a sulphate-free and gentle shampoo that doesn't dry out the scalp to minimise irritation.
Lavender oil: This oil has soothing properties that can reduce stress and inflammation on the scalp.
Cold Water Rinse: Rinse hair with cold water after washing to close the hair follicles and reduce irritation. This also helps seal moisture in the scalp, preventing further drying and itching.

Another important thing to remember is to avoid products with harsh chemicals, as these can worsen the condition and increase the risk of further irritation. By implementing these solutions in your daily hair care routine, you can effectively combat an itchy scalp and improve your scalp's overall health.

Good advice for preventing an itchy scalp

To prevent an itchy scalp, it's important to take some simple but effective steps in your daily routine. Here are some good tips that can help you keep your scalp healthy and free from irritation:

Use a natural shampoo without sulfates and silicone: Sulfates and silicone can dry out the scalp and worsen itching. Therefore, choose a shampoo with natural ingredients that gently cleanses without removing the scalp's natural oils. Sulfate-free shampoos help retain moisture in both hair and scalp, reducing the risk of irritation.
Use coconut oil regularly: Coconut oil is known for its moisturizing and antibacterial properties. Massage the oil into the scalp to provide moisture and protect against dryness and itching. Coconut oil can also help reduce inflammation and combat any fungal infections that may lead to an itchy scalp.
Eat a healthy and varied diet: A balanced diet plays an important role in scalp health. Make sure to eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and E. These nutrients strengthen the scalp's skin and promote hair growth while reducing dryness and itching.
Drink plenty of water: Dehydration can lead to dry skin, including the scalp. Make sure to drink enough water every day to keep both your skin and scalp hydrated. This will help prevent dryness and minimize the risk of an itchy scalp.
Avoid frequent use of heat styling tools: Heat tools like hairdryers, flat irons, and curling irons can dry out the scalp, leading to itching. If you use these tools, make sure to use them on low heat settings and use a heat-protective spray.
Avoid stress: Stress can lead to an imbalance in the scalp's oil production and trigger itching. Try to implement stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, or regular exercise to keep stress levels down and thus improve scalp health.
Use a scalp massage brush: A scalp massage brush can stimulate blood circulation and help remove dead skin cells and product residues. Regular use can help prevent buildup and keep the scalp healthy and free from irritation.

By following these tips, you can actively prevent an itchy scalp and ensure a healthier, more balanced scalp in the long run.

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Itchy scalp - How to get rid of itchy scalp

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