Tips For Itchy Scalp: How To Deal With It

Your scalp is actually itchier in the winter as compared to all other seasons. While there are a couple of reasons why your scalp feels super itchy in the colder months, the main reason is dryness. A lack of humidity in the air and indoor heating can lead to excessive dryness on the scalp. This is worse for those with dry skin type because the dryness is usually accompanied by flaking and scratching. Pile on the fact that winter hoodies, beanies and scarves cut off airflow to the scalp, giving way to dandruff-causing bacteria and microorganisms to thrive and lead to more itching. Fortunately, there are ways to ditch an itchy scalp.

A flaky scalp is an itchy one, so your first order of business should be to keep your scalp flake-free. This is easier said than done because a regular dandruff-clearing wash can significantly strip your scalp of natural oils and make it drier and flakier. Focus on bettering the health of your scalp and hair so that the flakes don't return by using an anti-dandruff shampoo with scalp-nourishing properties like the Dove Dandruff Care Shampoo and Conditioner. The ZPTO formula immediately starts clearing flakes while the unique micro moisture serum leaves your scalp hydrated, and your hair soft and smooth.

The desi household practice of massaging your hair with oil before washing actually has a lot of benefits. An oil massage and mask can help deeply nourish your scalp and lock in the moisture required to keep it flake-free. Opt for a lightweight and non-sticky oil like argan oil, jojoba oil or go for every mom's favourite – coconut oil. Massage the oil onto your scalp for 10-15 minutes and leave for another hour before washing it off. You can also leave it overnight and wash your hair the next day.

If your scalp is prone to itchiness, it is a good idea to switch to products like the Love Beauty & Planet Tea Tree & Vetiver Shampoo and Conditioner, which are free of baddies like parabens and sulfates. These chemicals can disturb the natural microbiome of your scalp and make it dry and itchy. Free of harsh chemicals, this combo is formulated with natural oils and other soothing ingredients that help maintain your scalp's pH balance and keep it irritation-free. The tea tree oil in it deeply purifies your scalp while giving your hair a minty fragrance all with the help of natural ingredients like peppermint and vetiver.

Your lifestyle is also a major contributor to maintaining a nourished and itch-free scalp. Focus on hydration — drinking lots of water and regularly steaming your scalp can help. Also, cut out hot water for hair washes and blow-drying excessively because the heat damage from these habits can further irritate your scalp. Use deep conditioning hair masks like the Tresemme Keratin Smooth Deep Smoothing Mask which comes with ingredients like keratin and marula oil, perfect to recover your scalp's health and keep your hair frizz-free and moisturised. Massage it onto your hair twice a week for three to five minutes before washing it off.

Leave-in treatments like scalp serums and lotions can help alleviate severely dry and itchy scalp. Formulated with antibacterial ingredients, these topical treatments are non-greasy and get absorbed into your scalp easily, making them perfect for those with a dry scalp. Look for paraben and sulfate-free serums like the Dove Hair Therapy Dry Scalp Leave-On Solution. Instead of harsh chemicals, it uses niacinamide to soothe your scalp and hydrate it and strengthen your strands. Just spray it on your scalp and massage it for 30 minutes before shampooing.

Another reason why your scalp might be itchy is that you are sharing your haircare tools such as combs and brushes with others. The person you are sharing the tools with might have dandruff or an infection, and their microbes might be getting transferred onto your hair and causing your scalp to itch.

Apart from the right products, what you eat also determines the health of your scalp. If you consume high amounts of alcohol, caffeine or sugar, it might lead to scalp dryness, especially during the hotter months. Therefore, cut down on them and opt for foods rich in vitamins A and E. This includes fish, eggs, cheese, sunflower seeds, almonds and peanuts.

But if you like home remedies for itchy scalp, baking soda is a great antibacterial and antifungal agent. It wipes off the bacteria and dead skin cells that cause inflammation, itchiness and hair fall. It also restores the pH of your scalp.

Make a paste of baking soda and water in a 2:1 ratio. Apply the paste on your scalp evenly and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Then, rinse it off with cold water. Do this twice a week for quick results.

Apple cider vinegar is an amazing astringent if you didn't already know. It is overloaded with malic acid which has antibacterial properties. Apple cider vinegar wipes off all the dead skin cells from your scalp, maintains the pH balance, and keeps your scalp healthy.

Mix it with water in a 1:4 ratio and rinse your scalp with the mixture. Repeat this every five days and you'll notice the difference.

Neem oil is another great remedy as it clears away all the bacteria and dead skin cells and relieves the irritation on your scalp. Packed with antimicrobial properties, neem is the best medicinal therapy you can give yourself.

Apply neem oil on your scalp and massage it thoroughly. Leave it on overnight and rinse with cold water for instant relief.

Banana contains conditioning properties, which means this fruit has the ability to rid your scalp of flakes, inflammation, itchiness and dryness, all of which are common occurrences when you're suffering from dandruff. Moreover, avocado will give your hair smoothness and a natural sheen.

To make this, just mash and mix up banana and avocado and rub this onto your scalp. Keep this for about 30 minutes and rinse off.

There are several quick home remedies to stop immediate itching like applying apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, tea tree oil and peppermint oil.

Most often than not, it is a symptom of dandruff. It can also happen if you have too much dry skin which can even sometimes lead to a rash or eczema.

Not directly, no. Simply having an itchy scalp doesn't lead to hair loss. But if you constantly scratch it or have flakes that clog the pores, it can lead to the breaking of hair and subsequent hair loss.

Well, whether you have an itchy scalp from dandruff or this dry weather, we've got you with these easy tips and tricks that are bound to give you instant relief.