How To Treat Itchy Scalp

The latest enquiry I’ve gotten recently was about dealing with itchy scalp. Of course, before we started I went on to ask the rudimentary questions.

Do you have a regimen?

When last did you wash your hair?

How often do you wash your hair? e.t.c

Apparently, she didn’t have a regimen and she noticed that her scalp itches every time she made her hair with or without extensions.

Now, what causes itchy scalp?

Everyone’s scalp is different, this means that we would react differently to techniques and products. Here are some common causes of itchiness:

1) Dry Scalp

Have you noticed that anytime your scalp is dry, it tends to itch? Yeah? This means you need to moisturise. The longer you leave it, the more dry it becomes and this eventually causes dandruff.

2) Synthetic Extensions

Another common cause of itchy scalp is irritation caused by extensions. Every time, we come here to reiterate the importance of soaking your extensions in Apple Cider Vinegar before using it. There’s an alkaline layer on the synthetic extensions that causes it to irritate your scalp.

3) Product buildup

Having too much product residue on your scalp for a long period without clarifying will cause itchiness.

Here are a few common causes of itchy scalp. Now, depending on the individual, there can be the other unique causes that the person might need to pay attention to. It is advisable to visit a trichologist.

So then, how do we treat it?

Just as itchy scalp is one of the most common hair ailments, it’s also relatively easy to treat as long as you do the right thing.

1) Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

Mix one part ACV and two parts water and use it as a rinse after shampooing/conditioning your hair. Better still, you could also put the mixture in a spray bottle and spritz it in your hair, cover it with a shower cap and leave it for a while. The itchiness should disappear after rinsing out.

2) Herbal Rinse

Remember my herbal rinses? There’s a reason I do these things. If you have herbs like rosemary or mint lying around, this is the time to infuse them and use the infusion as a rinse. Better still, incorporate them into your regimen or substitute them with tea rinses.

3) Clarifying shampoo

During her last training, Kemi Lewis pointed out the importance of clarifying monthly. It helps to remove buildup that might have accumulated over time or that your regular shampoo might have overlooked. If you can’t find any around, use a sulphate shampoo.

4) Tea Tree/Peppermint Oil

A lot of people swear by these oils for treating itchy scalp because they work. However you want to use it, make sure you mix it with a carrier oil before applying it directly on your scalp.


Remember, if these remedies don’t work, please refer to a trichologist. It might be more serious than that.



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