Do you ever find yourself scratching your scalp even a day after washing your hair? Scalp pruritus, known as itchy scalp, is a common condition and experts say that there’s a wide range of causes, not just dandruff. Dr Rasya Dixit, a consultant dermatologist and cosmetologist, says over use of harsh shampoos on the skin can cause itchy scalp. “There are shampoos that contain ingredients that if not washed out properly can lead to itchy scalp. Hair curling or straightening are also other causes because the chemicals in the products used are already irritating the scalp,” she says. She recommends that people use a very gentle pH balance shampoo to be able to soothe the scalp. Experts say that a pH of a healthy scalp should be around 3.5, while the hair is slightly more acidic and should lie anywhere between a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. Samantha Muthoni, a skin and hair care expert at Ikirezi Natural Products, says itchy scalp can be caused by tight braids. She says many people think that the tighter the braids the longer they will last, but tight braids lead to stress and inflammation of the skin of the scalp and contribute to itchiness, not forgetting hair loss, especially around the edges. Muthoni says that keeping your scalp skin moisturised with natural organic oils such as avocado and coconut, while washing it less, and using scalp scrubs and gentle shampoos can protect and improve the skin of your scalp. Apple cider vinegar is also recommended for better scalp scrub and massage, since it is an antimicrobial property used as a reliable natural cleanser, it works to clear soap and shampoo scum. Once you massage your scalp with the apple cider vinegar, let it sit for three to five minutes before rinsing and conditioning as normal. According to Healthline, stress, seasonal changes, fluctuating hormones, or an overgrowth of yeast on the skin can create a condition called seborrheic and together with dry scalp, leads to dandruff, the most common cause of itchy scalp. Experts say that other causes of itchy scalp may include eczema, diabetes, anxiety, and allergic reaction to a product such as hair dye, among other causes. You are advised to see specialists if the itchy scalp lasts longer than a week, includes pain, sores, swellings or after you have tried the recommended products and they do not work.
