How to Ease an Itchy/Dry Scalp

Having a dry or itchy scalp can be a real drag, so we wanted to cover some of the most popular ways that you can try and treat it! There are many things that can influence the condition of your scalp, ranging from the ingredients in your shampoo to the time if year. Regardless of what is making your scalp itchy, flaky, or dry, there are multiple ways you can easily treat yourself to alleviate it.

Causes of Dry or Itchy Scalp

The causes of dry or itchy scalps are nearly countless. Sometimes the condition can be triggered or worsened by different genetic disorders, or they can even be caused by stress, hormones, or seasonal changes. Here are just a few of the common things that can cause a dry or itchy scalp:

• Dandruff
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Hormones
• Psoriasis/Eczema
• Allergies
• Stress or anxiety
• Head lice
• and more

Because the causes of dry or itchy scalp is unique to each person, it’s important for you to pay attention to things that make it better or worse. You should also pay attention to where your scalp itches, if it is an isolated location on your scalp, and if it worsens based on your environment. Experiment with some of the following tips and treatments to see if you can find something that works for you! If you experience persistent scalp issues, you should also consider seeing a skincare professional or dermatologist.

How to Ease a Dry or Itchy Scalp

Try a New Shampoo

Some shampoos have have ingredients, such as sodium laureth sulfate or sodium lauryl sulfate that are used to help make the shampoo sudsy. While the effect feels nice and helps your hair feel super clean, these chemicals can also dry out your scalp. Look for a shampoo that does not have any form of sulfate in it, you’d be surprised how quickly your scalp may stop itching. Typically, drug store shampoos have sulfate in them, so if your scalp is itchy it is best to avoid those.

Moisturize

Dry and itchy scalp can happen when your skin isn’t getting enough moisture, so add a moisturizer to your routine! You can try a specially formulated scalp care product, or you can try any number of home remedies that people have found success with.

Exfoliate

Sometimes itchy, flaky skin is a result of dead skin buildup that just needs a little help to be removed. Scalp scrubs are an option, but products with fruit enzymes or salicylic acid are probably most recommended because they can melt away dead skin cells without any scrubbing. If you find yourself having an itchy and flaky scalp year round, getting a scalp treatment once a month may be best. Scalp treatments, also known as a scalp massage, helps unclog your hair follicle using a special brush and conditioner treatment. Even having this service done once can help you better maintain your itchy or flaky scalp.

Brush Your Hair

If you’ve tried all kinds of other treatments without success, try brushing your hair more! Brushing your hair can assist in the removal of dead skin cells, and helps to stimulate the scalp. Start at the middle of your hair, around where you would put a ponytail if you were pulling your hair up. This will not only help untangle your hair without causing additional damage, but is also the best way to get knots out of your hair. Once the mid to end of your hair is silky smooth, start brushing your hair from the roots down. Your hair will thank you for the extra attention!

Mind The Shower

We know, a steamy hot shower is an incredible way to start or end the day, but excessive hot water to the scalp can actually worsen dryness or itchiness. Try finishing your showers with a brief, cool rinse of the scalp to help stimulate your skin and prevent additional dry skin to build up.

Try Zinc Pyrithione Shampoo

Zinc pyrithione is a chemical commonly found in anti-dandruff shampoos, and it can dramatically help people with dry or itchy skin. Histamines are a chemical that your body produces to fend of foreign irritants, and are often associated with allergies. Histamines have been linked with itchy and dry scalp conditions, so if you’re experiencing discomfort, your body could be having an allergic reaction! Shampoo containing zinc pyrithione is effective at reducing the inflammation caused by a histamine reaction, which can reduce the discomfort and itchiness you may be experiencing.

Learn The Ins and Outs of Skincare

Learning about skincare, conditions, and treatments is just a part of becoming an esthetician. If you have a passion for skincare and a love for helping other people look and feel their best, a career as an esthetician could be the perfect for you. Contact us to learn more about our esthetics program!