Itchy Scalp? These Are The Best Shampoos To Soothe The Sting

From last minute fan purchases to sleeping above the sheets, there's no doubt that heat waves can be bothersome. But, did you know that summer can literally make your scalp itch? And whether your hair is coloured, bleached or stacked with extensions, the last thing that you want when irritation strikes is your everyday shampoo leaving your head feeling tight, dry and flaky.

Whether your hair is oily or fine, we consulted the trichologists on how to tackle itchy scalp with your shampoo and the big no's when it comes to triggering ingredients.

What Are The Causes Of An Itchy Scalp?

'A dry scalp occurs when the top layer of skin (the epidermis) lacks moisture (water),' says Consultant Trichologist at Philip Kingsley, Anabel Kingsley. 'It is commonly due to environmental factors, such as weather. It is likely to occur when your scalp is not producing enough sebum (oil) – which tends to happen as we get older.'

While a dry scalp is common, it’s not quite as common as having dry skin elsewhere. This is because your scalp is a highly sebaceous environment (i.e. it contains more oil glands, and therefore produces more oils, than most other parts of your body), she explains.

'A dry scalp is more common in the summer months as the scalp can become sunburnt.  A dry and itchy scalp is usually a transient scalp problem that’s caused by an external aggravator – like the temperature and weather and is linked to seasonal or environmental fluctuations like cold weather, high altitudes, central heating and sun exposure.'

How To Treat An Itchy Scalp

Think of your scalp in a similar way to your face. After all, the scalp is simply an extension of the skin on your forehead and has a skin barrier which helps to protect and keep it healthy.

'Scalp masks containing gentle chemical exfoliants are great for general scalp health, but especially for those who suffer from dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis as they help to remove dead skin cells. This is important as a flaky scalp can contribute to hair loss, and it can also impact the integrity and strength of the hair shaft as it emerges from the follicle,' says Kingsley. 'To help counteract irritated scalps, apply a hydrating serum to your scalp, such as the Overnight Scalp Balancing Serum, which hydrates and gently exfoliates your scalp, and also helps to regulate oil production.'

She also advises to leave no more than two days between shampooing. After all, you take your hair and scalp to the same places you take your face, and it gets just as dirty. 'Your scalp is also a living tissue; it sweats, produces oils and sheds skin cells.'

What Ingredients Should You Avoid With An Itchy Scalp?

'Do not apply oils directly to the scalp,' says Kingsley. 'Every hair follicle on your scalp has an oil gland attached to it and these are continually producing sebum, which you do not need to compensate for. It can cause adverse scalp issues, such as dandruff.'

However, she notes that if your hair isn't cleansed frequently enough, said sebum can harbour bacteria, dead skin cells and sweat, causing an imbalance in the scalps microbiome and an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast – the root cause of dandruff.

Shop The Best Shampoos For Itchy Scalps