My children got lice recently, and of course, despite the fact that I DID NOT get lice, my head became itchy. Who knew my scalp could feel empathy? I started a deep dive into why my head was itchy and found some interesting things.

There are basically ten causes of an itchy scalp (and yes, lice is one of them).

• Dandruff
• Not washing out your hair products completely while in the shower
• Dying your hair (usually with PPD) – if your face and body get itchy after dying your hair this may be the cause; other products you use can also cause allergic reactions
• Head lice (over the counter treatments) or scabies (mites that burrow into your scalp) – treated by a doctor or scalp ringworm (not actual worms) – treated by a doctor
• Plague Psoriasis – use dandruff treatments
• Eczema – (more of a burning and itchy feeling) – treated by a doctor
• Dry scalp – (don’t overuse those dandruff shampoos or you’ll make it worse)
• Seborrheic Dermatitis – a more severe form of dandruff
• Folliculitis – Inflammation of hair follicles, which can be caused by infections or irritation.
• Hormonal Changes – they cause problems everywhere else, so why not on your scalp?

So what can you do? The truth is, if it is seriously bothering you (like interfering with your school work or you notice it all day) you need to go so see a doctor. But below are some ideas that might help if this isn’t a serious problems.

1. One of those you should know but never think of, is actually making sure you are getting plenty of water. Dehydration can make your skin itch, and your scalp is simply skin. So load up that water with some Himalayan Sea Salt or one of the fancy packs of extra hydration and get drinking.
2. For dandruff (and we all know about those little white flakes) look for shampoos containing zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, or selenium sulfide to combat it. However, you don’t necessarily need to use the shampoo daily as it does have a drying effect on your scalp. This is going to have to be a trial and error scenario.
3. If you think you have dry scalp (maybe because you have been itching your skin to the point it bleeds) try a mild, but moisturizing shampoo. You will know it’s moisturizing because the bottle will be labeled with it. Just make sure that it doesn’t contain fragrance, which is very drying, and will defeat the purpose.
4. Certain oils, like coconut oil, olive oil, and my favorite, jojoba oil can be massaged into the scalp and left on for approximately 30 minutes, and then washed off. This will nourish the scalp. The time you keep the oil on your scalp depends on your needs, and this isn’t a time to wash it out with detox shampoos. Also, make sure the oil is actually getting on your scalp and not just your hair; dry hair doesn’t cause itchiness, a dry scalp does.
5. Using a scalp scrubber either when you are putting oils on your scalp (this helps with blood circulation on your scalp and will make it easier for the oils to penetrate) or when you are shampooing your hair can also relieve much of the drying. It’s important to note that scrubbers are meant to move the scalp not the hair, so don’t just run it through your hair because this will simply cause damage to the follicles.
6. Do patch tests on the inside of your elbow to make sure you are not allergic to certain dyes or shampoo/conditioners. Remember when you do a patch test to leave the product on for a couple of minutes; simply applying it and washing it off won’t give you an accurate result.
7. I saw one lady who suggested that after you shampoo your hair you should take a baby toothbrush, and literally brush your scalp (gently). Then shampoo again, condition, and see if you can help not only stimulate your scalp but also gently exfoliate your scalp.
8. Glycolic Acid on your scalp sounds counter-productive, but it actually may help the situation. Glycolic acid can unclog block follicles, help other products absorb better into your scalp, and improve the overall texture of the scalp. HOWEVER, glycolic acid becomes inert when it comes into contact with any moisture or water. Therefore, only apply it on completely dry hair and then rinse it with your favorite shampoo after it has time to absorb.
9. And then there is the weirdest one to me, but may actually work. Look for creams containing ingredients like hydrocortisone if the itchiness is severe and apply it directly to the scalp. Again, avoid using this product in your hair and make sure that you are not doing this repeatedly as it may block those follicles and cause more problems. (I think this is a last resort.)

So here are some product ideas that might help.

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The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Scrub

This is one of my favorite glycolic scalp scrub mostly for the packaging. The Ordinary has a more recognized one, but the bottle has some issues when you tip it upside down onto your hair (at least, in my experience). Remember to apply this to your scalp, not your hair.

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with 1% Ketoconazole

Many people think of Head and Shoulders when it comes to dandruff shampoo, but if this is a regular concern for you, I would look into Nizoral. I think it works better and lasts longer. (Remember to try and not use dandruff shampoos everyday because they can be too drying.)

Cliganic Organic Jojoba Oil, 100% Pure

In my opinion, jojoba oil is one of the best oils for your scalp. Jojoba oil is one of the closest oils that mimic our own sebum (or the oil we produce naturally). Therefore, your skin and your scalp is more like to absorb the oil and not react to it. The Cliganic brand is one of the best and is not only organic, but cold-pressed as well.

Silicone Scalp Massager

No need to go fancy here (unless you want one of the scrubbers that will also apply the oil to your scalp). Just remember to use it gently, and never to brush your hair. It is made to reach and massage your scalp.

Moisturizing Shampoos – Here is a small collection of some of the most popular ones.

Hope this helps with your itchiness. If it doesn’t, make that appointment with your doctor. Being distracted by your scalp isn’t going to improve your day.