5 Reasons Your Scalp Is Super Itchy (And How To Fix It)

Have you ever experienced a constant, nagging itch on your scalp that just wouldn’t go away no matter what you did? Well, it turns out that this irritating sensation may be caused by a variety of factors. Here are 4 reasons your scalp is super itchy-and how to fix it.

1. Cleansing your scalp with bar soap

One possible culprit is using bar soap to wash your hair and scalp. While bar soap may be effective in cleaning your body, it is not the best option for your hair and scalp. This is because bar soap has a high pH level that can strip away the natural oils on your scalp, leaving it dry and itchy. Moreover, it may also leave a residue that could further irritate your scalp.

What to use instead: Use hair-specific products, such as shampoo and conditioner. Be sure to regulate use to at most once weekly to prevent your scalp from drying out and continue itching.

2. Irritants in hair products

Many common ingredients in hair products, such as sulfates and fragrances, can cause irritation and inflammation to the scalp. Sulfates are a common ingredient in most shampoos. While they’re great for lathering, they can be stripping to your scalp, leaving it dry and irritated.

How to get relief: Consider switching to a shampoo that’s free of sulfates. Such shampoos offer moisturizing benefits to the scalp even after cleansing it. Our sulfate-free Sapphire Hair Shampoo is made with pure shea butter that’s great for boosting moisture.

Fragrances are another common culprit of an itchy scalp. While they make your hair smell nice, many fragrances can be irritating to the skin especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies. To combat this, opt for fragrance-free hair products.

3. Braid extensions

For some people, itchiness may start only after getting their hair braided. The synthetic hair added as an extension is often coated with an alkaline base to preserve it and prevent it from molding while in storage. This chemical solution can trigger an allergic reaction in some people.

How to get relief: Soak your braiding hair in a solution of apple cider vinegar before installing it. ACV lifts the alkaline base off the hair once dry. Don’t worry about the smell, it’ll leave once the hair is dry.

Additionally, you could get incessant itching from holding your braids or locs too tight. Limit updos that tax on your scalp as few times as possible, and opt for loose down hairdos instead.

4. Reaction to hair dye

If you’re noticing dryness and itchiness after coloring your hair, the hair dye you used might be the cause. Most hair dyes contain paraphenylenediamine (also known as PPD) which some may be allergic to.

How to get relief: If you’re sensitive to PPD, opt for hair dyes formulated without it and natural alternatives. These may not have the same negative side effects.

5. Dandruff

Last and definitely not least, your itching could be a result of dandruff. If your scalp is dry and itchy and you see light yellow or white flakes on your hair or clothing, you may have dandruff.

According to Mayo Clinic, dandruff may occur from issues ranging from a dry scalp, excess malassezia(a fungus that feeds on the oils of scalps of most adults) or sensitivity to hair products. Dandruff could even be a underlying symptom of inflammatory skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

How to get relief: A good solution to this problem is to use an anti-dandruff shampoo which contains ingredients like ketoconazole, pyrithione zinc, or even natural remedies like tea tree oil, coconut oil and aloe vera. Regular use can keep dandruff at bay.

Additionally, feed your scalp it needs with a water-based moisturizer to keep it from drying out. Don’t rely on hair foods and oils to deliver moisture to your hair. Feed your hair with the moisture it needs first, then seal with your hair food or oil.

Does An Itchy Scalp Mean Growth?

Contrary to popular belief, an itchy scalp is not a reliable indicator indicator of hair growth. The misconception stems from the idea that hair growth leads to itching, but the truth is that itching can be caused by a variety of factors that are not related to hair growth.

As discussed above, itching can be a sign of an underlying scalp condition, or even a reaction to some hair products. Therefore, if you experience itching on your scalp, it’s important to identify the root cause before jumping to conclusions about your hair growth.

When to see a doctor

If you’re struggling with persistent scalp dryness, flaking, or itching, consult a dermatologist for an expert opinion. While some of these causes can be dealt with at home, others may require medical attention or prescription treatments to properly treat.

Changes to make in your hair care routine

Aside from the tips mentioned above, there are a few other things you can do to soothe an itchy scalp. First and foremost, make sure your scalp is getting the moisture it needs. Consider investing in a water-based moisturizer to keep your scalp from drying out. Our Tsavorite Spritz Moisturizer Hair Spray is made with guava leaves, nettle and rosemary which are great for relieving itching

Second, make sure you’re using lukewarm water to rinse your hair after washing. Hot water is notorious for drying up the scalp, leaving it irritated and itchy.

Additionally, avoid regular use of heavy styling products like gels which can clog the hair follicles and lead to inflammation. And lastly, consider using a scalp treatment like our 2in1 Sapphire Deep Conditioner and Leave In Treatment to soothe your scalp.

Conclusion

Don’t let an itchy scalp ruin your day. By taking these simple steps to eliminate irritants and soothe your skin, you’ll be well on your way a healthy, happy scalp. Say hello luscious, itch-free locks-because you’re a gem.