Tips against a dry and itchy scalp - that really help
Do you suffer from an itchy scalp? That constant urge to scratch your head can be very annoying, sometimes even driving you crazy. The itching is usually caused by a sensitive, irritated or dry scalp. If you suffer from this, you are certainly not alone. A tickle on your head is common, but fortunately it can be remedied quickly in most cases! How? Take a quick look at our dry and itchy scalp tips and discover how you can best treat this problem.
Why is my scalp itchy?
An itchy scalp is almost always caused by a disruption of sebum production and acid mantle. A good balance of these factors is essential for the proper functioning of your natural protective mechanism. When this no longer works properly, you get an irritated and dry scalp that quickly itches.
Sometimes an itchy scalp is the underlying cause, such as atopic skin . In that case, you often also suffer from flakes, painful redness, and dandruff. If so, read our tips for scalp eczema . Other causes of an itchy scalp include an allergic reaction, medication use, illness, or parasites such as lice.
The importance of treating an itchy scalp naturally
Now that you know the most common cause of an itchy scalp, you probably also understand why using mild products and natural hair care is so important. An alarming number of shampoos and hair products contain harsh ingredients that damage the skin's natural protective layer. Chemical treatments such as dyeing can also damage the skin, resulting in itching and a dry scalp.
Some remedies in an itchy and dry scalp treatment may provide temporary relief, but still strip the natural oils from your skin. While these are so important to continue to protect your scalp in the long term.
The 8 best dry and itchy scalp tips
By treating your itchy scalp naturally along with the tips below, you can get rid of itchy scalp for good!
- Less washing and handling
- Don't scratch (use chamomile spray)
- Choose a natural shampoo
- Wear your hair loose, without headgear
- Apple cider vinegar as a hair rinse
- Good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle
- Avoid stress
- Dry scalp mask (argan oil)
1. Less = more: wash and treat less
Oddly enough, it is advised to wash more often for an itchy scalp. Yet shampoos and conditioners are a major cause of a damaged protective layer or dehydrated skin . That is why we actually advise washing less when you have an itchy or dry scalp. Also, skip styling products or cosmetic treatments for the time being until the scalp has calmed down. Do not blow-dry your hair too hot, and preferably not at all.
Do you have a dirty scalp due to excessive sweating, for example? Then it is of course good to cleanse, and it is best to use a mild product such as a sulfate-free shampoo . Harsh ingredients such as sulfates and parabens can unnecessarily damage the scalp.
Do not wash your hair with water that is too hot, as this is more likely to irritate the scalp.
2. Don't scratch (use chamomile spray)
Even though the itching sometimes drives you crazy, it is really better to scratch as little as possible. Otherwise you can get small wounds that make you itch more. Leave your head alone as much as possible, try to find distractions and read the rest of the itchy scalp tips in this blog.
Did you know that chamomile has a calming and itch-relieving effect? Our natural face spray Chamomile & Probiotics is therefore perfectly suited for irritated skin. Spray generously onto the scalp and then gently massage in to effectively treat an itchy scalp naturally.
3. Choose a natural shampoo
Even if an overly aggressive shampoo isn't the cause of your itchy scalp, it can still worsen irritation. Therefore, always choose a natural shampoo, such as one of our shampoo bars . These are available in various types and consist solely of truly pure and natural ingredients. The components are organic, wild-grown, or Ecocert-certified.
Our Hemp hair soap is a perfect natural shampoo for an itchy and dry scalp.
If you have a very sensitive scalp, you are always safe with Flow shampoo bar Rhassoul & Salt. This is so mild and caring that you can even use it as a... natural baby shampoo.
4. Wear your hair loose as much as possible and avoid headgear
If you often wear your hair tied up, this can also cause an itchy scalp because it cannot breathe. A tight ponytail or bun damages the hair follicles. Therefore, loosen your hair as much as possible, especially at night while sleeping. Also avoid wearing headgear. Except in the sun, because it is important that you protect an itchy scalp as much as possible against UV radiation and heat.
5. Apple cider vinegar rinse as a miracle cure for itchy scalp flakes
Apple cider vinegar is one of the most frequently mentioned grandma's tips for an itchy scalp – because it works! Since ancient times, apple cider vinegar has been used in various cultures as a remedy to disinfect or soothe the skin. In recent years, this remedy has been embraced again in organic hair and scalp care. This includes the natural treatment of an itchy scalp.
Organic apple cider vinegar relieves irritation and restores the natural balance. With regular use of apple cider vinegar on your hair , your scalp builds resistance against bacteria and fungi that can cause itching and flakes.
6. Good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle
As within, so without – this is certainly true when it comes to (scalp) skin problems such as perioral dermatitis , acne, or treating extremely dry skin . Similarly, a healthy diet plays a role in an itchy scalp. Ensure, among other things, that you consume sufficient fresh vegetables and healthy fatty acids. In addition, drink plenty of water to hydrate the skin from within. Lifestyle factors such as sufficient exercise and sleep also contribute to healthy (scalp) skin.
7. Avoid stress
Stress can cause you to lose hair faster, among other things. If you suffer from this, we recommend our organic hair loss shampoo . But did you know that excessive tension can also cause a chronic skin condition? Including an itchy scalp. In medicine, this is referred to by the technical term 'lichen simplex chronicus'. With this condition, you primarily experience itching at the back of your head and neck. This condition is caused by repeated and compulsive scratching as an expression of stress. Often, sensitive skin is already present in this case.
8. Dry scalp hair mask
Many people suffering from an itchy scalp are looking for a hair mask for a dry scalp. This makes perfect sense, since a dry scalp and itching often go hand in hand. However, we advise against using a hair mask for a dry scalp. You can, of course, apply extra care to the hair itself, such as to the dry ends, like a natural conditioner or mask.
Argan oil: use organic argan oil for a dry scalp treatment . When you massage the oil into the itchy scalp and let it soak in for a while, it will improve health and stimulate hair growth. Because argan oil is suitable not only for the skin but also for the hair, you can safely use this oil as a dry scalp hair mask!
With the above itchy scalp tips you will quickly get rid of that annoying constant tickle on your head! Any questions about treating a problematic or dry scalp? Please feel free to contact our beauty professionals, we will be happy to advise you on the right approach and products.
Read also: dry facial skin : what is it and what can you do about it?
