Itchy Scalp Causes and Treatments, According to an Expert

Updated on Oct 22, 2024 at 12:35 PM

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Having an itchy scalp is one of the most irritating skin problems to experience. The condition manifests in various ways for different people — it can look like dry skin in some and flakiness in others.

While it may seem to come out of nowhere, itchy skin often pops up more during the winter months. Maybe you have an itchy scalp with bumps or even an itchy scalp but no dandruff — either way, you should know that because your scalp is considered skin, just like your face or body, it is susceptible to dryness. That said, dryness is only one of the causes of itchy scalp. Some people are predisposed to the condition whether via genetic or environmental conditions, and there are also scalp conditions that can exacerbate itchy scalp.

It's extremely tempting to try and come up with an itchy scalp home remedy, but it's important to first understand why you're experiencing the issue. To help you get to the root (heh) of your itchiness causes, an expert explains possible conditions, and treatments for itchy scalp.

Experts Featured in This Article

Sophia Emmanuel is a New York-based trichologist, cosmetologist, and V&Co. Beauty brand ambassador.

Potential Causes of Itchy Scalp

There are various scalp conditions that can lead to an itchy scalp, but Emmanuel says that there are five extremely common causes of itchy scalp. "Dandruff, dry scalp, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis are all fairly common conditions that can cause itchy scalp," she tells PS. "Genetics can play a role in some of them, like seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis, and some cosmetic ingredients can influence others, like contact dermatitis. These ingredients include paraphenylenediamine (PPD) in hair dyes, surfactants, fragrances, nickel, wig adhesives, gluten, and certain preservatives such as parabens."

Dry scalp and dandruff are not genetic, but Emmanuel says these two issues in particular can be related to ingredients found in cosmetics. "They also show up when the normal pH of the scalp, which is a 4.5 to 5.5, becomes alkaline, which is when the pH is seven or higher," she says. "The alkaline environment weakens the scalp's barrier function, making it easy for fungi and bacteria to thrive."

Difference Between Itchy and Dry Scalp

If you've every experienced itchy scalp, you've likely wondered if it's because your skin is dry, but there is a difference between those two conditions. "A dry scalp is visible as small flakes or dry skin — it can show up like dry skin on your body," Emmanuel says. "Your scalp may look white and feel irritated or tight." An itchy scalp is a symptom of a dry scalp. "Itchy scalps are not isolated to dry scalp alone and can show up with flaking, redness, pimples, and hair loss," she says.

Treatments for Itchy Scalp

Thankfully, there are ways to treat itchy scalp, including a couple of itchy scalp home remedies.

Use products with gentle but effective ingredients: "The V&Co. Beauty Curly Hair Shampoo ($10) and Conditioner ($10) can help replenish hydration and moisture," Emmanuel says. "The jojoba oil found in this formula is critical for helping with a dry or itchy scalp. It mimics the natural sebum secreted from the scalp's sebaceous glands. This shampoo will help hydrate and moisturize your scalp. The conditioner leaves your hair very soft and will not weigh down your curls."
Use pre-shampoo scalp treatments: If you experience scalp itchiness a day after washing, try using a pre-shampoo treatment. Combining essential oils with a carriers like coconut or avocado oil to dilute them is a great scalp treatment, according to Emmanuel. "I recommend calming oils like lavender, chamomile, and geranium, mixed into aloe vera gel or jojoba oil," she says. "Mix two ounces of the carrier oil or aloe vera gel with one to two drops of the essential oil, then massage the mixture into your scalp for five minutes before you shampoo your hair."
Shampoo regularly: Although shampooing your hair is not a treatment for itchy scalp, regular washing can help reduce the problem scalp. If you use gels, foams, hair sprays, or styling products that have a hold or heavy oils, those products can contribute to an itchy scalp. Shampooing these products out of your hair one to two times a week can help reduce or alleviate itchy scalp.
Go to a professional: Some instances of itchy scalp may require medical-grade products. "Topical steroids are a treatment option, but they must be prescribed by a dermatologist or other doctor," Emmanuel says. "They do help reduce inflammation, which in turn helps reduce itchy scalp altogether."

Itchy scalp is nothing to be embarrassed about, but depending on the severity of your case, you may want to see a professional to discuss treatment options. With that being said, severe scalp conditions can never be cured, only managed, so it's imperative that you adhere to a proper scalp-care routine.

— Additional reporting by Ariel Baker

Allison Ingrum is the editorial operations manager at PS, where she supports and shapes editorial processes, helps manage editorial tools, and oversees operations for PS Voices. With more than four years of experience in the industry, her writing has been featured in PS, Today, American Spa, NYMetro Parents, and more.

Ariel Baker is the associate editor for PS Beauty. Her areas of expertise include celebrity news, beauty trends, and product reviews. She has additional bylines with Essence and Forbes Vetted.