Reader question: Why is my scalp always so itchy? I wash it often! —Tamara Silverstein One of the biggest misconceptions about having an itchy scalp is that your hair is dirty and you’re not washing it often enough. Although bad hygiene is a potential trigger, it’s not always the case. And don’t immediately jump to the conclusion of head lice, either—which is the least likely. Since scalp is skin, I rounded up some dermatologists and hairstylists to help you get to the root of the problem. Here are some reasons your scalp may be acting up—and what you can do to treat it.
Itchy Scalp Causes
Similarly, not washing your hair often enough can cause excessive oil, dead skin cells, sweat, and hair care products to build up over time and irritate your scalp. Solution: Unfortunately, there is no magic number for how often to wash your hair. Everyone’s hair is unique, so you’re going to need to try out a few different options and go with what suits your hair type best. Generally speaking, hairstylists recommend curly and coily hair wash around once a week, while straight and wavy hair should go every two to three days. Solution: If your scalp’s moisture levels are out of whack, vitamin E can help balance and restore natural oil levels due to its antioxidant properties. Try it in a weekly scalp mask and/or conditioning treatment (like a hot oil hair application). RELATED: Ask a Beauty Editor: What’s the Difference Between Dandruff and Dry Scalp? Solution: Keep products like waxes, creams, and oils away from your roots—these can make your hair greasier since they’re made with emollients, and irritate your scalp. Check your shampoos, hair masks, treatments, and hairsprays for potentially irritating ingredients—if you’re unsure, it’s best to rule them out one by one. Additionally, give your locks a detox with a clarifying shampoo once a week, like Pattern Clarifying Shampoo ($20; ulta.com), or a product designed to exfoliate the scalp, like Sum Bum Detox Scalp Scrub ($15; ulta.com). If you want to go the extra mile, use it with a scalp exfoliating brush, like Briogeo Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager ($18; sephora.com), to slough away dead skin cells. Solution: This one is a simple fix—just toss your case in the wash to avoid oil buildup. Solution: Many stylists advise their clients to come to the salon with unwashed hair. That way, some of your body’s own scalp oils form a protective layer between the chemicals and your skin. Some salons may have a range of brands and can work with you to find one that’s most suitable for your scalp. If you feel post-salon irritation, let your skin heal by avoiding other products with harsh chemicals (minimalism is key) and applying something soothing—like aloe vera—to your scalp. Solution: See a dermatologist to diagnose scalp psoriasis. They may recommend specific treatments , including medicated shampoos, topical steroids (like cortisone), and/or oral steroids. If you are looking for OTC products to try, check out NPF’s Seal of Recognition program. These products have been created to be non-irritating and safe for people with psoriasis. Solution: The goal with seborrheic dermatitis is targeting the yeast and therefore decreasing the inflammatory response. According to Dr. King, you should look for ingredients that are antifungal and antimicrobial, including selenium sulfide, pyrithione zinc, ketoconazole, coal tar, and tea tree oil. The good news is that these ingredients are all commonly found in a slew of OTC hair treatments, shampoos, conditioners, and masks. Solution: If you do find lice, everyone in your household will need to be treated with a medicated treatment formulated to kill the bugs—make sure to follow the instructions to the T. You’ll also need to wash all bedding, towels, and clothing used by infected family members in hot water and dry on high heat, and soak combs and brushes in very hot water for at least 10 minutes. You can also try an apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinse. Not only does it have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, you can use apple cider vinegar (diluted with water) as a clarifying rinse to get rid of excess product buildup. The high acidity in ACV also works to keep dandruff-causing bacteria and fungus at bay. Keep an eye on your diet as well. If your scalp (and rest of the skin) feels tight and dry, it may be time to up the intake of omega-3 fatty acid rich foods (fatty fish, soybeans, etc.) and water-heavy foods (cucumber, lettuce, etc). The moisture will make its way through your system and to your scalp. If your itchy scalp isn’t improving after a few weeks, consult a trichologist or dermatologist who can further examine your scalp for underlying conditions and devise a treatment plan best suited for you.
