Dealing with a dry and itchy scalp can be irritating and annoying. The urge to scratch never ends. Also, let’s not forget about the constant shoulder checks making sure those embarrassing white flaking aren't there. No wonder you’re so frustrated!
Lucky for you, we're sharing 7 simple tips to help you manage that dry and itchy scalp. Check them out!
TIP #1: Wash your hair and scalp.
This may seem like a simple tip, but just the act of introducing water to the hair and scalp adds needed moisture back.
- This tip is especially for those that like to stretch wash days beyond weeks at a time. Just know that it's recommended to wash the hair and scalp at least every 7-9 days. Unless there is some underlying issue, a clean scalp is usually a calm and flake-free scalp!
- Be sure to use a wash system that features ingredients that are known for adding moisture back to the hair and scalp, like our Soothing Deep Clean Wash Day Bundle. This wash day bundle features calming plant-based ingredients like thyme, sage, and burdock root that help address itching as well as ingredients like aloe vera and glycerin that are known to add moisture back to hair and scalp.
TIP #2: Go easy on layering the styling products.
We know... you feel like in order for you to get that curl and coil definition, you need to layer on the gels, oils, and leave-in conditioning creams. Or you may be adding products to get that straight hair and laid edges look. We feel you, and we're definitely here to see all the beautiful styles. However, repeat layering of products may be irritating your scalp. The itching is your scalp's way of screaming, "Hey! I need to BREATHE!"
A clean scalp is a healthy and happy scalp. You've got to make time to reset your scalp by removing all of those scalp-irritating products, oils, grease, dirt, and sweat. In this case, consider using a clarifying cleansing treatment to remove scalp-irritating build up like dirt, sweat, and styling products from the scalp and hair. We have two options to choose from for this: our Replenishing Pre-Shampoo Build Up Removing Scalp Treatment and our Soothing Pre-Shampoo Detoxifying Scalp Treatment. So which of these do you choose? Both scalp treatments are sulfate-free solutions that use a combination of plant-based extracts and oils to gently yet deeply remove scalp-irritants. However, we use the Replenishing Pre-Shampoo Build Up Removing Scalp Treatment when removing regular product, dirt, and sweat build up that occurs over the week. When you're dealing with redness, irritation, bumps, and other scalp concerns, we use the Soothing Pre-Shampoo Detoxifying Scalp Treatment, which features the calming effects of witch hazel and lemon oil to calm and relieve scalp inflammation.
TIP #3: Moisturize regularly.
Your scalp could be missing needed moisture. Ways you can add moisture to your hair and scalp includes:
- Use hydrating leave-in conditioning products. There are great for adding and maintaining moisture for the scalp and hair in between wash days. You want to make sure that water (or a water-based ingredient like aloe vera) is one of the first ingredients when considering what to use. Our Soothing Daily Hydration Detangling Mist includes water and aloe vera as a main ingredients and is an excellent rejuvenating source of hydration and moisture for thirsty hair and scalps. And did we mention it gets rid of tough tangles and knots with ease?!
- For your hair and scalp to stay healthy and hydrated, they need to be able to both absorb and retain water, oils, and other moisturizing ingredients. So if you've added moisture to your hair and scalp (Tip #1), you may choose or need to seal it in to retain it. Some may choose to seal moisture in with a nourishing hair and scalp oil like our Soothing Rosemary + Biotin Hair & Scalp Oil. This oil helps seal in moisture, provide nourishment, and soothe scalp dryness and itching.
TIP #4: Use products specifically for your hair and scalp type.
If you seem to always suffer from dry scalp, seek special treatment. There could be specialized products on the market that help to combat this condition.
- If your hair is unprocessed, stick to gentler shampoos and conditioners for natural hair. This may include wash regimens that are free of harsh sulfates, like our Soothing Wash Day Essentials Bundle. Likewise, if you're hair is color-treated, then seek products specifically for hair that's been color-treated.
- If retail products aren't working or are making the condition worse, then it may be time to check in with your dermatologist. Your body could be rejecting a specific chemical found in the hair products you're currently using. Your dermatologist can help you determine what's going on.
TIP #5: Limit the use of heat on you scalp and hair.
The heat from dryers and flat irons tends to dry out the scalp by removing moisture. Using a heat protecting serum can help coat and shield delicate strands during your heat styling process. Our Replenishing Heat Protecting Shine Serum is perfect for this because it not only protects the strands during heat styling, but it also features a blend of nourishing oils that leaves hair feeling and looking silky, smooth, and shiny.
TIP #6: Stay hydrated.
Believe it or not, the cause of your dry and itchy scalp could be as simple as a glass of water.
- Are you consistent when it comes to getting your daily intake of water? If not, that might be the answer to your dry and itchy scalp dilemma! About 80% of the body is made up of water. So it's absolutely important to stay hydrated so that all bodily functions can work at their prime... this includes your scalp.
- Try to drink the recommended 64-80 ounces of water each day. Break it up across the day so that it doesn’t seem to be a burden or task. We like to add flavor drops to our water to change things up a bit.
- Pull double duty and get some nutrition into your hydration regimen. Enjoying water-based fruits, like melons, help provide hydration and added vitamins and nutrients.
TIP #7: Leave the stress behind.
- Be aware of what causes stress around you. Recognize them and develop boundaries and a plan to limit their impact on you.
- Make enough time for relaxation and meditation. This helps to restore balance and provides stronger mental resources to handle tough situations. We like to unwind with a good scalp massage. Of course, we're using our Exfoliating Scalp Massager to make the massage oh so nice.
These are just a few tips to help you manage your dry and itchy scalp. The best scalp care routine for you will depend on your individual needs and scalp condition. If you're experiencing severe and persistent scalp conditions, it's important to see a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
We hope this helps you on your journey to healthy scalp and hair!