How to Relieve Itchy Scalp

Itchy scalp is not an uncommon condition. Often, you can treat an itchy scalp simply by changing your hair care routine. However, if you still have persistent itching, this is probably a sign of a medical condition. There are several causes of an itchy scalp – such as dry skin or a build-up of cosmetics in your hair – that you can usually treat by changing up your hair or skin care products. You also need to check your head for lice, make sure you don’t get sunburned, and remember to drink plenty of water.

Table of Contents

Improve your hair care routine

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Switch to a more natural shampoo. Regular shampoos and conditioners can leave residue on the scalp and cause itching. ^{[1] X Source of Research} You should buy a new shampoo and conditioner – preferably products with natural ingredients, such as tea tree oil, coconut oil, jojoba or zinc pyrithione. ^{[2] X Research Source}

You can find natural shampoos at supermarkets or health products stores.

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Buy unscented hair care products. Fragrances in hair care products can irritate the scalp and cause itching. You should buy products on the label that says “fragrance free”. If you can’t find fragrance-free products, look for products that say “hypoallergenic” on the label. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

You can also try products made for babies or people with sensitive skin.

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Brush your hair regularly. Comb your hair 2-3 times a day to distribute the natural oils in the hair, paying special attention to the scalp. Use a clean, soft hairbrush to stimulate blood circulation and spread the natural oils to relieve itchy scalp. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Be gentle when brushing your hair. If you brush too hard, you can scratch or burn your scalp and make it worse.

Scalp Care

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Treat head lice with herbal shampoos. Although annoying and uncomfortable, head lice are easy to treat. Have someone check your head for lice or nits attached to the hair near the hairline. The itching sensation when infected with lice is caused by the scalp’s reaction to the saliva of the lice. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

To treat head lice, you can use herbal shampoo as directed and wash all bedding and clothing.
Take non-washable items to the dry cleaner (including cloth toys).
Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture.
Soak items that come into contact with hair (combs, hair bands, hair clips, etc.) in rubbing alcohol or herbal shampoo for 1 hour.

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Apply aloe vera to relieve sunburn symptoms. In the summer, especially in the early days of hot summer, your scalp will be very susceptible to sunburn. As the skin begins to heal, you start to feel itchy. You can use aloe vera shampoo or conditioner to relieve itching. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

If you know you’ll be out in the sun for longer than an hour, wear a hat or spray sunscreen on your scalp.

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Dry your hair completely after showering. If you have long hair, don’t tie it up while it’s wet. Let your hair dry completely before tying or bundling – otherwise, wet hair pressed against the scalp all day will cause itching. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Similarly, you also need to dry your hair and scalp after spending many hours in the sun. If you stay out in the sun long enough for your scalp to sweat, excessive sweating can also cause an itchy scalp.

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Use topical medications to treat scalp psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic disease where skin cells grow at an abnormal rate, emerging as red patches. The accumulation of excess skin cells can cause itching and discomfort. Psoriasis is usually treated with topical medications or medicated shampoos that contain salicylic acid. ^{[10] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

If you suspect you have psoriasis, see your general practitioner or dermatologist. They may prescribe topical medications or shampoos, or recommend over-the-counter medications.

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See a dermatologist in case of persistent itching. If the itching persists, it could be a sign of a more serious skin condition, including: shingles, fungal infections like Tinea Amiantacea or Lichen Planopilaris, dermatitis, and ringworm. Almost all of these diseases are accompanied by a flaky, oozing scalp or a pronounced rash. ^{[11] X Research Source}

Please consult your doctor. Your doctor can diagnose your condition and prescribe the right medication.

Lifestyle adjustment

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Let the scalp breathe. Just like the rest of your skin, your scalp also needs to “breathe” to stay healthy. If you always wear a hat or regularly use a wig, you inadvertently obstruct the air circulation to the scalp and cause itching.

If when wearing a hat or wig, your scalp itches more, you should stop and allow the scalp to breathe.

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Drink enough water. Dehydration affects the skin, and the skin without enough water becomes dry and itchy. While it’s important to hydrate your hair with a shampoo that warms and doesn’t dry it out, you can also help moisturize your scalp by avoiding dehydration. ^{[12] X Research Source}

Ask your doctor how much fluid to drink given your age and weight. Adult men should drink 13 cups (3 liters) and women should drink 9 cups (2.2 liters) per day. ^{[13] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

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Reduce daily stress and anxiety to relieve itching. Anxiety and stress can be harmful to general health, and the scalp is affected as well. If you don’t have a rash but feel itchy on your face and neck, stress could be the main cause of these symptoms. ^{[14] X Research Source} You can try applying easy ways to reduce stress and everyday stress such as:

Spend more relaxing time with family and friends.
Talk about your pressures or concerns with a close friend or counselor.
Practice relaxation exercises like yoga or meditation.
Stay away from screens (phones, computers, TVs, tablets) 1 hour before bedtime.

Advice

No matter how much you want to scratch, try not to scratch when your oily skin is itchy to prevent the problem from getting worse.
Remember to keep your nails clean to prevent scratching in your sleep.

Steps

Improve your hair care routine

Scalp Care

Lifestyle adjustment

Advice

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