Dealing with an angry, itchy scalp can be frustrating. Here are some foolproof tips and tricks to soothe your scalp and banish itchiness.
An itchy scalp is a common, yet often overlooked scalp woe that can make you feel like your head is on fire. The dreaded itchy scalp may be your body's cryptic way of signaling that your scalp is overloaded and needs a detox. Common suspects include environmental aggressors, product buildup and dry skin. When it comes to alleviating the itchiness, identifying the root cause is the first step in crafting a targeted approach.
Navigating solutions for an itchy scalp can be overwhelming due to the multitude of options on the market. As you delve deeper into the labyrinth of scalp care, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the endless options. To make things simpler for you, here are some expert-backed tips and tricks that will soothe your scalp and banish itchiness.
Cleanse thoroughly
Since your scalp is subject to the daily barrage of environmental pollutants, styling products and natural oils, it can accumulate dirt and residue over time, which can contribute to irritation and discomfort. Therefore, you need to cleanse your scalp thoroughly to get rid of the buildup and restore balance to the scalp ecosystem. But thorough cleansing goes beyond the mere act of lathering up with shampoo and rinsing it away–you need to be mindful of the products and the technique. Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, aesthetic physician and founder of ISAAC Luxe recommends switching to an anti-dandruff shampoo to treat an itchy scalp. “Use the anti-dandruff shampoo, emulsify it in water, massage it well into your scalp, leave it for about 20-30 seconds and then rinse it off”, Dr Mittal Gupta advises. She also recommends staying away from irritants like onion oil, garlic oil or hair coloring because they can aggravate the itchiness. When picking a shampoo, look for a gentle formulation that cleanses without stripping your scalp of its natural oils. You can try our Balancing Clay Hair Cleanser. Formulated with 15+ high-performing active Ayurvedic herbs, oils and flowers, this clay-to-lather shampoo deeply cleanses your scalp and gets rid of impurities and buildup, thus combating itchiness.
Nourish your scalp
Conditions like dry air, especially during the colder months, excessive washing, skin conditions like psoriasis and excessive heat styling can dry out your scalp and cause itchiness. Dr Mittal Gupta points to dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and conditions like psoriasis as the main causes of an itchy scalp. It is crucial to ensure that your scalp is well-nourished and hydrated to maintain its health and vitality. Invest in nourishing conditioners and scalp treatments formulated with natural moisturizers such as aloe vera, coconut oil and shea butter because they can significantly alleviate dryness and soothe an itchy scalp. If you are looking for a deeply nourishing product for your hair, you can try our Nourishing Naram Conditioner. This adaptogenic moisturizer is formulated with 15+ high-performing active Ayurvedic herbs, oils and flowers, including ashwagandha, to deliver an instant dose of nourishment to your scalp. This conditioner offers a holistic approach to scalp care by replenishing moisture, delivering vital nutrients and bolstering the scalp's natural defenses. If you are looking for more product options to alleviate itchiness and balance your scalp pH, give our Rice+Chai Refresh Spray a try. Infused with concentrated antioxidant-rich black and green chai, this spray reduces scalp itchiness by gently exfoliating your scalp and removing build-up.
Eat right
What we eat has a direct impact on our hair and scalp health. A deficiency of nutrients can cause an array of hair conditions, such as dryness, flakiness, inflammation and itching, which can upset the delicate equilibrium of our scalp's ecosystem. So, what exactly do we need to eat to keep our scalp healthy and itch-free? First and foremost, you need to up your hydration game. By consuming enough water throughout the day, we can keep our scalp hydrated from the inside out, preserving its natural moisture barrier as well as preventing dryness and irritation. According to Anita Mirchandani, registered dietitian nutritionist, “An itchy scalp usually means dryness in the body or eczema-type inflammation through the scalp”. So she recommends incorporating healthy fats like almonds, coconut oil, nuts, seeds, fatty fish and whole milk dairy into your diet to get rid of an itchy scalp. It is also a good idea to load up on vitamin E and Biotin to keep your scalp healthy and hydrated.
While an itchy scalp is undoubtedly a menace, armed with the right knowledge and understanding, you can restore balance to your scalp and banish itchiness for good.