Occasionally scratching your head is not alarming. However, consistently scratching your head indicates that you might have an itchy scalp. Scalp pruritus also known as itchy scalp is a common scalp condition that may or may not involve dandruff and can occur due to various underlying conditions. From Seborrheic Dermatitis, contact dermatitis to head lice, many factors contribute to an itchy scalp. Discover the most prevalent causes of itchy scalp and get expert-approved methods to treat itchy scalp once and for all.
Causes of Itchy Scalp
Wondering what are the causes of itchy scalp? Let’s find out!
1. Dry Scalp
When your scalp is dry, it may cause itching, flaking, and even irritation. Dry scalp results from cold temperatures, low humidity, harsh shampoos, and excessive usage of heat styling tools.
Solution
- Use Hydrating Hair Care Products
Select hair care products formulated with soothing and moisturising ingredients, designed for dry scalp.
Our recommendation – Formulated with Niacinamide, L’Oréal Professionnel Scalp Advanced anti-discomfort dermo-regulator shampoo delivers 83% soothing* and 49% hydrated hair in 1 use*. No added colorant, silicones, and alcohol.
*Self-assessment on 32 subjects after application of shampoo + mask + hair drying.
*Instrumental test
- Avoid Hot Water
Avoid hot water rinse as it can strip away the natural moisture from hair causing dryness and irritation. Instead use lukewarm water for washing your hair.
- Humidifier
In dry climate, add moisture content in your indoor air with a humidifier and prevent dry scalp.
2. Dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis
Dandruff, (a type of seborrheic dermatitis) is one of the most common causes of itchy scalp. Malassezia globosa fungus is naturally present on the scalp. However, its overgrowth can result in lipid breakdown and accumulation of various byproducts. These byproducts generate an immune response in individuals with seborrheic dermatitis, causing inflammatory responses - scaly patches, redness, itching, and dandruff.
Solution
- Apply Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
How to get rid of itchy scalp and dandruff, you ask? Look for professional shampoos with active ingredients like piroctone olamine, pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide to prevent fungal growth.
Our recommendation – Featuring Piroctone Olamine-infused formula, L’Oréal Professionnel Scalp Advanced anti-dandruff dermo-clarifier shampoo helps you notice up to 100% visible dandruff removed* & up to 72h dandruff protection**.
*Clinical test on 60 subjects, after 4 weeks of use.
3. Contact Dermatitis and Allergic Reactions
Before you look into the details of how to cure itchy scalp, it is essential to know the causes. Itchy scalp might indicate contact dermatitis or an allergic reaction caused by a range of factors:
- Hair treatments (shampoos, conditioners, styling treatments)
- Hair dyes
- Environmental allergens (dust mites, pollen)
Solution
- Avoid Using Allergy-causing Products
Treat itchy scalp by discarding any hair care, color, or styling products causing skin sensitivities and consider switching to hypoallergenic ones. - Patch Test
Do a patch test before using any products on your scalp.
4. Scalp Infestations
Tiny intruders, which may not be seen with the naked eye, are also responsible for itchy scalp. These include:
Head Lice
Another prominent cause of itchy scalp is head lice. Tiny insects cling to hair strands, move around the head, and feed on blood sucked from the scalp, which causes severe itching.
Scabies
Scratching your head and wondering why is my scalp itchy? Tiny mites may have taken control of your head. These tiny mites tunnel into the skin and if they reach the scalp, it might lead to intense itching.
Solution
- Indulge in Thorough Cleaning
To cure itchy scalp caused by scalp infestation, focus on washing your bedding, clothing, and personal items that might have come into contact with the infestation. Try to keep your scalp clean.
5. Other Skin Conditions and Medical Factors
When searching for the right cure for itchy scalp, it is crucial to identify the causes. Several skin diseases and medical conditions can present as an itchy scalp:
- Scalp Psoriasis
An autoimmune condition that causes rapid reproduction of skin cell, creating thick, silvery scales and itchy plaques that may feel dry, irritated, and itchy. - Folliculitis
It’s a hair follicle inflammation, caused by bacterial infection that results in an itchy scalp, redness, and develop small pimple-like bump.
Solution
Itchy scalp caused by Scalp Psoriasis and hair follicle inflammation might need medical attention.
Top Hair Care Products To Prevent Itchy Scalp
Upgrade your hair care routine and tackle mild scalp itchiness with these advanced products:
- Packed with Niacinamide, L’Oréal Professionnel Scalp Advanced anti-discomfort intense soother treatment leaves you with 83% soothing* sensation and 96% hydrated hair**.
*Self-assessment on 32 subjects after application of shampoo + mask + hair drying.
**Instrumental test - Formulated with Tea Tree Oil and Purified Water, L’Oréal Professionnel Hair Spa DX creambath, i.e., a salon-based hair spa treatment thoroughly removes flakes from the scalp.
- Struggling with oiliness, sweat, discomfort, impurities, and odor? Include L’Oréal Professionnel Scalp Advanced 5-in-1 serum in your hair care regimen to combat these 5 scalp deregulations from week 1*.
*Consumer test results
We hope, this guide has answered all your queries – ‘why is my scalp itchy’, ‘how to get rid of itchy scalp and dandruff’, ‘how to treat itchy scalp’, etc. Now, elevate your hair care game, adopt healthy hair care practices with the right products aka shampoo, hair care serum, and pave the way for clean and soothed scalp.
For professional assistance, pay a visit to the nearest L’Oréal Professionnel partner salon and give your hair the TLC it deserves.