Reasons For Itchy Scalp And How To Treat It: 5 Reasons

Written by Kinnari Ashar21st Oct 2022
Reasons for Itchy Scalp and How to Treat It: 5 Reasons

One of the first things you rush to grab when dealing with an itchy scalp is a dandruff treatment. But there's more to itchiness than just dandruff; a dry and flaky scalp can have many contributing factors. If you are dealing with a dry, flaky and itchy hair scalp, it is important to find out the exact reason behind it and use home remedies for itchy scalp. This will ensure that you're treating it the right way without wasting time or effort. 

Here are the 4 major reasons for itchy scalp and how to get rid of dandruff and itchy scalp. 

4 Reasons Your Scalp Is Itchy  

If you’re wondering “Why is my scalp itchy all the time?” you need to know these itchy scalp causes. Here is how to get rid of itchy scalp easily at home.  

Reasons for an Itchy Scalp & How to Treat It: Top 4 Reasons

1. Seborrheic Dermatitis or Dandruff

Seborrheic dermatitis is another name for dandruff and appears on the body where there are a lot of oil-producing (sebaceous) glands and mainly appears on your scalp causing dryness and flakiness. While the exact cause is unknown, it’s said that genes and hormones play a major role. 

FYI: There is no permanent cure for dandruff, but there are ways to keep it in control and tone down the flakiness. The easiest fix is to get a good anti-dandruff shampoo. Do a label check and pick options containing zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide for best results. Apply only on your scalp and try to leave the shampoo on for a couple of minutes to work its magic. If the condition is getting out of hand, talk to your dermatologist. You can also grab an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream (1 %) and apply it twice a day for a week. 

Reasons for an Itchy Scalp & How to Treat It: Top 4 Reasons

2. Diet 

It is a well-known fact that what you eat shows up on your skin and hair. A diet rich in high-carb foods like bread, potatoes and dairy can lead to increased yeast on your scalp. This leads to the dry, flaky and itchy condition of your scalp. 

We don't suggest cutting down on carbs altogether, but if you have been struggling with dandruff for a long, try cutting back on them. Supplement your hair health with omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods, fish oil supplements, and a diet rich in zinc and vitamins A, B, and C from fruits and veggies. Also, keep your dry scalp hydrated by drinking lots of water. 

Reasons for an Itchy Scalp & How to Treat It: Top 4 Reasons

3. Hairstyling and hair care routines

Product build-up from gels, creams, balms, pomades and sprays leads to a flaky and itchy scalp. A number of harsh ingredients present in these products — especially hair dyes and protective sprays — can cause allergies on your scalp. Always do a patch test of any new product you are planning to use. You can also schedule an appointment with your dermatologist to do a full trial on which ingredients make your skin act out. Use this information to make all your future buys! 

Dryness on your scalp can be worsened by your hair care habits too. Depending on how often you wash out hair, flaky and itchy conditions can prevail. Shampooing too often dries out your scalp, and on the flip side, infrequent washes can lead to oil build-up. Go over your hair-washing habits and consider adding dry shampoo to your hair care routine. Use a gentle shampoo if you are not able to stretch out your hair wash cycle. 

This Love Beauty & Planet Tea Tree & Vetiver Scalp Refresh Shampoo is the best shampoo for itchy scalp. It contains Australian tea tree oil to gently cleanse your scalp and refresh and volumise your hair. It detoxifies and deeply clarifies your hair. It also contains organic coconut oil and plant-based cleansers that are gentle on your hair yet deeply nourish while purifying them.  

Reasons for an Itchy Scalp & How to Treat It: Top 4 Reasons

4. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common skin ailment that causes red and flaky patches which result in itchiness. If you are dealing with psoriasis in your body. Chances are you might get it on your scalp too. This issue requires attention from professionals as you cannot treat it on your own. The usual treatment for psoriasis-induced flaky and itchy scalp are hair washes with salicylic acid or mineral oil in them. That is why it is essential to consult a professional to take a call on the right product that won't weigh your hair down! 

FAQs about Reasons for Itchy Scalp & How to Treat It  

How to stop itchy scalp? 

You can stop itchy scalp and dandruff by using olive oil and baking soda. This mixture has antifungal properties and moisturises your scalp besides exfoliating it that help in treating those pesky white flakes.  

Are itchy scalp and hair loss related? 

Itchy scalp and hair fall may sometimes be linked, even though they can occur independently. The scalp can be itchy and suffer from hair loss due to allergies, fungus infections, or inflamed hair follicles. 

What are some home remedies for dandruff and itchy scalp? 

You can try out any one of this itchy scalp remedy to get rid of the itchiness and dandruff.  

  • Coconut oil 

  • Aloe vera 

  • Yoghurt 

  • Neem leaves 

  • Tea tree oil 

  • Fenugreek seeds 

  • Apple cider vinegar 

Kinnari Ashar

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