Itchy scalp: Here's what you should try

Here’s How We Can Cure The Irresistible Itch

Trust me, the urge to scratch your hair always comes at the wrong time — especially during meetings, presentations or any important event. The embarrassment we get, along with discomfort, is the worst feeling ever. 

Itchy scalp may be a result of dandruff, eczema or head lice. You might feel that the itching never stops, but you can definitely get relief by following a few hair care steps.

The good news is, it is treatable — and that too, with natural homemade remedies! If they still don’t work for you and you continue to have itching, then it is high time you check it out with a dermatologist.

But for those of you who want to treat this at home with some simple hair DIY’s, this is the right place for you! We will talk about what causes an itchy scalp and the treatment for the same.

CONTENT INDEX

• What is itching of the hair?
• Causes of itchy scalp
• Treatment for itchy scalp
• Anti-dandruff range from UnbottleCo

Why Does My Hair Itch? 

Itching is a broad term that can have several causes. It is a symptom that our hair shows for any imbalance or discomfort experienced on the scalp. 

An itchy, dry, and flaky scalp could be telling you that you need to do a better job of rinsing the shampoo from your hair. Leaving some shampoo on your scalp can irritate it. If you have an itchy scalp and a rash, you may have a condition called allergic contact dermatitis.

When your scalp itches, nothing else comes to mind. It is frustrating and distracting. This is why we need to know what causes it and how we can overcome this nightmare. 

So what causes itchy scalp?

Reasons For Having An Itchy Scalp

Dandruff

Yes, the most common reason for your scalp itching is dandruff. Dandruff is characterized by flaky, white patches on the scalp that is caused generally due to dry scalp, but can also be sometimes due to excess oil production by the scalp (and this is equally bad).

It is a non-inflammatory form of dermatitis with increased scalp scaling, where the dead skin cells pile up and flake off on your shoulder or dress.

You can use dandruff shampoo and scalp treatments to get rid of this condition.

Allergic reaction

This is a lesser-known cause of itchy scalp. Your hair might react to certain hair care products, and as a result, may cause severe itching. This is a sign that you need to properly rinse your hair and remove the shampoo and other products completely. This is also common with people who dye their hair. Often, the culprit is the dye called para-phenylenediamine (PPD), which is found in black hair dyes.

Try using fragrance-free and natural shampoos to remove itching and reduce allergic reactions.

Hives

Hives are a skin condition that causes severe itching and redness on the skin and scalp. Usually it doesn't last more than a few hours, and might sometimes recur. When hives form on your hair, you might see reddish bumps on your skin. If the condition continues, it is referred to as chronic hives, for which it is better to see a dermatologist.

Lice

All of us know how annoying lice can get. They are tiny hair bugs that travel from one person’s hair to another. Itchy scalp can also be due to lice, so getting rid of them with a lice shampoo can give you relief.

Nerve problem

An intense itchy scalp without the signs of the usual rash, flaky patches or other skin conditions can be due to nervous problems. Scarring can cause nerve damage. It means severe loss of hair that results in deep scars, which damages the nerves. It can also be due to neuropathy that is caused by shingles or diabetes.

There can be other reasons like chronic skin conditions, which result in itchy scalp. Now that we have seen the causes, let’s move on to the things we should try to keep the itching at bay.

Treatment for itchy scalp: Top Home remedies 

Olive oil

Olive oil is known for its medicinal properties. It works wonders on our hair, and soothes and loosens the flakes on the scalp. All you have to do is apply some warm olive oil on your scalp and massage it well. Leave it on for a few hours (preferably at night) and wash it off with a medicated shampoo.

Colloidal oatmeal

It is a natural ingredient found in a few shampoos. Colloidal oatmeal is finely ground oatmeal dissolved in water.

The solution forms a protective film over the surface of the skin, which helps lock in moisture and prevent dryness and flaking. You can even make your own colloidal oatmeal recipe at home. 

Take a handful of oats wrapped in a muslin cloth and hold the bundle under tap water, collecting the water run-off in a jar. Pour the water gently on your scalp and leave it on.

Apple cider vinegar

Apart from helping us with our diet, apple cider vinegar also soothes our scalp. It is packed with high levels of a natural substance called acetic acid. People have used this acid as a wound disinfectant for thousands of years due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Dilute the vinegar in water, and apply and massage it on to the scalp. After it dries out, wash it off with lukewarm water.

Lemongrass oil

This is hands down the best treatment for dandruff. Lemongrass oil contains antioxidant properties and moisturizes the scalp. Massage it really well on your scalp and wash it off with a medical shampoo. 

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a natural chemical present in plants. It has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and it helps exfoliate the skin.

It is a common ingredient in anti dandruff shampoos. The acid works by softening areas of thick and hardened skin, allowing it to come off of the scalp more easily. This helps control the itch associated with dandruff and other skin conditions affecting the scalp.

Apart from this, you can use shampoos and other hair care products containing selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione and ketoconazole. Always try buying hair care supplies that are natural and free from parabens and sulfates.

One such brand that provides a range of hair care products to your hair problems is UnbottleCo (hairtelligent® formula)! They have anti-dandruff range that includes: 

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Tuco Hairtelligent® Proven To Fight® Dandruff

Hi! I’m Tuco Hairtelligent® 's proven anti-dandruff shampoo. Why Hairtelligent®? Because I have 4 super botanicals inside me - 2 to treat dandruff, 2 to prevent recurrence. My packaging is made from 100% recycled plastic. For every bottle you buy, you remove 17 gms of plastic from the ocean! I nourish your hair, and  contain no harsh chemicals. And I am completely sulfate-, paraben- and phthalate-free.

Tuco Hairtelligent® Anti-Dandruff Conditioner proven to fight dandruff 

I fight dandruff and make your hair stronger. I do not contain  harsh chemicals. I am sulfate-,paraben- and phthalate-free.

To Treat:

• Activated charcoal aids scalp health
• Wheat gram arrests dandruff.

To prevent recurrence:

• Keratin makes hair stronger
• Jojoba oil boosts hair volume

Tuco Hairtelligent® Anti-Dandruff Hair Oil with Activated Charcoal & Pea Protein 0% toxins

I fight against dandruff and I don't contain harsh chemicals. I am also sulfate-, paraben- and phthalate-free!

To treat:

• Mint adds scalp freshness
• Ginger has antimicrobial and antifungal properties

To prevent recurrence:

• Activated charcoal aids in scalp health
• Virgin coconut oil smoothes the hair