Itchy Scalp – What am I Doing Wrong?

Itchy scalp can be very irritating and frustrating, just like a common cold. It can completely drain you out mentally besides taking away you energy to focus on other things. Not to forget the embarrassment of being caught scratching your scalp!

Reasons for an itchy scalp

There are many reasons that can lead to an itchy scalp and some can be as simple as a faulty hair care routine. Here is a look at some of the most common causes for an itchy scalp:

• Dry scalp
• Dandruff
• Allergic reaction
• Head lice
• Sunburn
• Dehydration
• Accumulation of oils and grime in the hair

Tips to follow

These factors can easily be countered with the following tips and you can go back to an itch free scalp in no time at all:

• Dry scalp can cause itching and usually manifests itself as fine white flakes of the scalp’s skin. Moisturizing and deep conditioning of the hair and scalp can easily take care of this problem. It is important to remember that shampooing is good but not excessively. Shampoos wash off the natural oils from the scalp, leading to dryness. Always follow shampooing with conditioning. Treat your hair with hot oil massages once or twice a week to counter excessive dryness and itching of the scalp.

• Dandruff manifests as waxy and flaky substances. Use a good anti-dandruff shampoo besides applying ant-bacterial lotions and oils to counter dandruff. Dandruff not only causes an itchy scalp but if left untreated can lead to hair fall and breakage. 

• Certain products like shampoos, lotions and deep conditioners may cause allergic reactions. This is completely subjective. If the itching starts immediately after applying a particular product, it is best to discontinue it at once. You could try using natural conditioners and other hair care products. The itching should stop hereafter, but if it does not then the reason may be something else. 

• It is better to check your hair and scalp for head lice, which also cause itching. There are many good anti-lice lotions and shampoos that are available in the market that can be used to get rid of them. Using a lice comb to remove dead lice after the treatment may also be necessary. 

• Sometimes itchiness and dryness can be simply because you are dehydrated. Drink lots of water and keep hydrating the hair as well. 

• Sometimes styling hair in hair dos that expose a lot of the scalp can lead to sunburn, that in turn can result in an itchy scalp. Soothe your scalp with cooling and moisturizing hair masks and change the hair style that you are currently sporting. 

• Not shampooing your hair at least once or twice a month can lead to the build up of oils and grime in the hair, often causing itching. Cleansing the hair and scalp is a very important part of the hair care routine and makes sure that both the scalp and the hair remains healthy and clean.

If the itchiness still persists, it is best to consult a medical practitioner to get to the root of the issue.