Six reasons why your scalp is itchy

I am lucky that my scalp hardly itches. In fact, if it were possible, I could stay with braids for three months or more, but for hygiene. Some women are, however, not as lucky and the longest they can stay in cornrows or braids is two weeks because the scalp itches a lot.

Do you always have the urge to itch the scalp? Unless you have a medical condition that causes it, an itchy scalp can be solved rather easily. It would be good to know the cause of the itching for you to be able to get rid of it. Here are some reasons:

Dandruff: Your scalp will definitely itch if you have dandruff. When the flakes sit on your scalp, they accumulate dirt and grime, which causes the scalp to itch further. When the scalp has dandruff, it is either too dry or too greasy, hence the itchiness.

The solution is to get rid of the white flakes. Over-the-counter shampoos that contain selenium, zinc pyrithione, or tea tree oil, will help control dandruff. If your case is stubborn, a doctor’s prescription for anti-fungal will be a good remedy.

Dry scalp: If you have a dry scalp, be prepared for itchiness. A dry scalp lacks moisture causing it to be rough and scaly. To get rid of this problem, you must first address the dry scalp. The scalp might just be thirsty and need some natural oil.

Massaging your scalp with oil or apple cider vinegar will reduce the dryness and itchiness. If you are one of those who have naturally dry scalps, then you must always ensure that you keep it moisturised at all times. It would also be prudent to avoid washing your hair with hot water as it can strip your scalp of natural oils.

Greasy scalp: It’s not only dry scalp that can be itchy. If you have a greasy scalp, be prepared to scratch your head. The greasy scalp will itch because it is an accumulation of sweat, oil and dirt. Use a mild shampoo to wash your hair often to reduce the itchiness.

Hair products: Women who have elaborate haircare routine are more likely to have itchy scalps. With the many products going to the hair, like repeated relaxers or colour, one is likely to react to some. The build-up of these products may also cause itchiness.

Shampooing the hair without proper rinsing, for example, will cause itchiness since the shampoo will settle on the scalp and irritate it. Styling products like gels, mousse and sprays, among others can also cause itchiness if used a lot.

 Some people are also allergic to certain hair products; it gets worse if the hair is braided. Did you know that you may also react to synthetic hair piece or weaves? If you do, it would be good to settle for a higher quality brand of braids or weaves.

Infection: The itchiness may also be caused by an infection on the scalp. It could be a skin condition that extends to the scalp too. Visit a dermatologist to determine the real problem once they examine your scalp. It could be dermatitis, eczema or a different skin condition.

Shampooing: Not every woman will want to shampoo their hair on a weekly basis because it is likely to mess their hairstyle or even an expensive affair.

Lack of shampooing is also a likely cause of itchiness. Your scalp, however, needs regular shampooing even when it is braided. It is possible to shampoo the scalp without messing your hair.