Itchy scalp: causes and what helps

An itchy scalp usually has a harmless cause: it's too dry, it's reacting to a care product or dandruff is forming. Often, switching to milder care is enough to help.

The most common causes

• Dry scalp: Heated indoor air, hot water, frequent washing or harsh shampoos draw out moisture. The scalp feels tight and itches, often with fine, light flakes.
• Dandruff: With an oily scalp, larger, yellowish flakes form, which often itch. More on this in Dandruff: dry or oily?
• Intolerance: Fragrances, preservatives or hair dye can irritate the scalp or trigger an allergy.
• Product residue: Dry shampoo, styling products or poorly rinsed shampoo stay on the scalp.
• Skin conditions: For example seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis or atopic eczema.
• Head lice: Especially if there are children in the household and it itches mainly behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.

What you can do yourself

• Wash gently: A mild shampoo with a skin-friendly pH and ideally without fragrance is kind to the scalp, for example our fragrance-free Every Day Shampoo pH 5.5 with panthenol and glycerin.
• Lukewarm, not hot: Hot water and a hot hairdryer dry out the scalp even more.
• Rinse thoroughly: Shampoo and conditioner should be rinsed out completely.
• Less styling: Skip dry shampoo and hairspray for a while and see if things improve.
• Add moisture: Care ingredients such as panthenol or aloe vera are often used in products for dry, sensitive scalps. Our Aloe Vera Gel with panthenol, for example, feels pleasantly light.
• Don't scratch: Scratching irritates the skin further. Short nails help, especially at night.

New product, and suddenly it itches?

Then an intolerance is likely. Stop using the product and see if it improves.

After colouring your hair: if your scalp swells, burns badly or blisters form, wash the dye out immediately. This may be an allergic reaction (see below).

When should you see a doctor?

If the itching is severe or lasts longer than two to three weeks, if you notice redness, weeping patches or thick, firmly attached scales, or if your scalp swells after colouring, a dermatologist is the right person to see.

Frequently asked questions

Can stress make the scalp itch?

Yes, stress can make existing skin problems worse. All the more reason to follow a calm, gentle routine: wash gently, rinse with lukewarm water, add moisture.

How often should I wash if my scalp itches?

As often as feels good for your scalp, with a mild shampoo. Very frequent washing with harsh products can make the itching worse.

Is oil good for an itchy scalp?

For a dry scalp, yes: a few drops of pure oil, gently massaged in, feel wonderfully supple – for example our cold-pressed argan oil. If you have an oily scalp or oily dandruff, it's better to skip the oil.

Summary

An itchy scalp is usually caused by dryness, an unsuitable product or dandruff, and a milder routine already makes a big difference: wash gently, rinse with lukewarm water, add moisture. Read more about the scalp and hair loss in Recognising the early signs.