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Does your scalp flake excessively and frequently? Does it sometimes or always itch? Does it sometimes feel like it’s under fire? What could be the reason for this uncontrollable itch?
You might already know some of the causes of the itch and might even be guilty of ignoring it. But if you are totally clueless and would like to get to the root of the problem, I have listed 6 common causes of itchy scalp. I have also included five ways to stop a itching scalp and soothe your scalp, so that you and your hair can be happy.
1. Hygiene: If you want a happy and comfortable scalp, you will need to cleanse it often. If you’d like to know about the signs to look out for to help determine when it’s time to cleanse your scalp, I recommend reading this article. You can also take a look at this other post on different hair cleansers you could use.
2. Allergies: You could be allergic to a particular ingredient in your hair or scalp product, the entire product or product line. If you happen to use synthetic hair (including human hair), you might be allergic to the chemicals used to process and preserve the hair. You might also be allergic to your current hair product.
3. Tight braids: an itchy and uncomfortable scalp is one of the ways your scalp tells you it doesn’t like to be pulled too tight. I also tend to notice that my scalp gets flaky when a hairstyle is too tight and it sometimes feels itchy.
4. Your scalp is suffocated: When the scalp is covered 24/7 with a wig/weave, it restricts the individual follicles from receiving air. To provide itself with a temporary relief, your scalp will send you a signal in the form of an itch to let you know it’s not comfortable. This itchiness can even be heightened during the summer when it’s very warm.
5. Your scalp could be dry, though it looks greasy and lubricated. It’s common for many people to apply a petroleum jelly or mineral oil based products on their scalp to prevent dryness. What they’re really doing is applying a “serang wrap” on their scalp, which is non absorbing and will only stay on the surface of the scalp. This “plastic” covering will restrict the scalp from receiving moisture, hence the dryness. You can also add natural oils such as jojoba oil on your scalp regularly to keep it lubricated.
6. Medical: An itchy scalp could be due to a sudden chemical imbalance in the body or a medical reaction to a particular medicine that you’re taking. So please make sure you speak to your health care provider before grabbing a bottle of anti-itch bottle shampoo.
So what can I do to stop this crazy itchiness?
If you fall under the first five category, the best remedy would simply be to not do the things I mentioned above. But if you are still experiencing this problem, like I sometimes do, you can try anyone of these remedies below.
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| Scalp this “clean” could still feel itchy |
If you co-wash (only use conditioner to wash hair), you will still need to cleanse your scalp at least once a month. Conditioners cannot remove all the dirt, heavy ingredients (i.e silicones, petrolatum) and product build up from your hair and scalp. To properly clean the scalp, you’ll need to:
- Wash your scalp with a good shampoo every week or two depending on how often your hair feels itchy. I recommend black soap, as it’s anti-microbial properties helps to keep your scalp clean and refreshed.
- Exfoliate with a scalp massage brushBefore shampooing, massage your scalp with a shampoo brush to left up dead skin cells and build-up from your scalp. Do this on dry hair before wetting your hair and also while you have shampoo in your hair. You want to substitute your fingers with this brush
3. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) soak/rinse: Used to remove dirt, oil and grease from the scalp.
ACV rinse recipe: After you’ve cleansed your hair with shampoo and have deep conditioned, follow up with an ACV rinse.
Recipe: Combine one part ACV with three parts lukewarm water, pour directly in your hair, while gently massaging the scalp. Allow the mixture to work its way through the hair and scalp, then rinse off with cool water to close hair cuticles.
ACV soak/spray recipe: not sure if this term exists elsewhere, but I have used this method successfully in the past.
Recipe: Simply combine 1 tbsp ACV with 3 tbsp water and a little bit of an anti-itch oil (see below) in a spray bottle. Spritz mixture directly on the scalp, massage in and let it dry.
If done properly and consistently, these remedies should help to remove all the dirt and grime that can cause the scalp to get flaky and itchy.
4. Apply an anti-itch scalp oil
Anti-itch scalp oil recipe: extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), extra virgin coconut oil (EVCO), castor oil, few drops peppermint oil, and few drops tea tree oil. These oils have anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties which helps to kill fungus and soothe the scalp.
5. Soak your hair extension piece in a warm bath of diluted vinegar to disinfect and remove harsh chemicals that your scalp is allergic to
6. Check the products you’re using to make sure that’s not the cause. You can also make sure you don’t apply the products on your scalp, but only on your hair. You can apply your anti-itch oil blend on your scalp instead.
With proper hair care, tools and products, you can stop itchy scalp so that you can enjoy your hair more.
How do you treat itchy scalp?