6 Practical Do's and Don'ts of Soothing An Itchy Scalp

An itchy scalp can be really frustrating. Scalp problems can affect your self confidence, and even interfere with your daily activities. There are countless itchy scalp remedies out there. But did you know that some of these methods can be harmful to the hair and scalp?

When it comes to relieving an itchy scalp, it's important to be aware of what you should and should not do. In this article, I will share 6 practical do's and don'ts of soothing an itchy scalp. 

1. Do NOT use petroleum based products

The feeling of greasing your scalp can be nostalgic for some people. Many of us had our scalps greased with petroleum based products as children, and it can temporarily ease the feeling of a dry scalp.

But all this is doing is coating the scalp. If you regularly apply heavy grease products with petroleum to the scalp, it will only make itching and irritation worse over time.

These types of products act as a barrier and block anything from entering or exiting. This means that any dirt, sweat, or dead skin cells will be trapped on your scalp. On top of that, water will be unable to penetrate the layer of grease, and your scalp will become increasingly dry.

2. Use Natural Products Formulated Especially For an Itchy Scalp

The right products can make all the difference when it comes to soothing an itchy scalp. Instead of using heavy, petroleum based products, try using a light, all natural oil with ingredients like peppermint, tea tree oil, and jojoba. These ingredients give a cooling sensation, kill itch-causing fungus, replenish moisturize, and can help balance the pH level for an itch-free, healthy scalp. 

If your scalp itches in between washes, you can spray it with a tingling scalp mist. Scalp sprays provide fast itch relief and a boost of moisture to the scalp without weighing the hair down or ruining your style. 

3. Don't Pick At Dandruff

It can be tempting, but try to resist picking at your dandruff. Scratching you dandruff will only further irritate the scalp and cause it to be painful and sore. It  can even cause the area to become infected or create scabs.

If there is a lot of dandruff and dead skin on your scalp, you can eliminate it without picking at it. You can treat your dandruff from within, and use a product that will loosen the debris and make it easier to shampoo.

You should part your hair into sections, and apply a detoxifying pre-shampoo gel to your scalp. Allow the treatment to sit for 5 minutes, and then lightly exfoliate with a comb to loosen the flakes. Follow this process with a dandruff shampoo and enjoy a flake-free scalp.

4. Do not scratch your scalp with your fingernails

Never scratch your scalp with your fingernails. Just like when you pick at dandruff, scratching your scalp with your nails can cause cuts and wounds in the scalp that can cause pain and lead to infection.

If you have to scratch an itch, do it with the soft pads of your fingers.

5. Exfoliate Your Scalp

An itchy scalp can be caused by a number of factors, including dryness and a build-up of skin cells, dirt, and oil. Exfoliating your scalp can remove this buildup and allow moisture to penetrate the outer layer of your scalp. This can transform your itchy, irritated, and flaky scalp to refreshed, calm and clean. It can also help stimulate healthy, hydrated hair growth.

6. Keep Your Scalp Clean

If you scalp itches, it's important to keep it clean and free of product buildup and dirt that can further irritate it. In fact, an itchy scalp can be a sign that it's time for a wash day.  You can use an invigorating shampoo that is designed to calm irritation and remove toxins. Using a high-quality shampoo with natural ingredients can also help to balance the pH of the scalp and prevent excess oil production. 

The Key Takeaway

Scalp itching and irritation can be painful to deal with, but there are solutions available that will keep your hair and scalp healthy. It's important not to cut or scratch the scalp. Be gentle and use high quality products that will soothe and refresh your scalp without causing additional damage.