Dry scalp is something many of us deal with time to time, but to effectively fight it, you need to consider some of the reasons for an itchy scalp occur in the first place. You can buy some effective dry scalp shampoos and conditioners, but it’s best to know the primary reasons for an itchy scalp first. The better your awareness of what causes it, the better you can be at preventing it from happening in the first place, or at least be able to treat it effectively. After all, flaking and itching sure doesn’t make most of us girls feel pretty, right?
I have news for you gals, one of the most common and simple reasons for an itchy scalp is due to the simple reason you have incredibly thick hair. I have suffered dry scalp off and on my whole life, and one reason is that my hair is abundantly thick and often hard to manage. I found out through several hair stylists that people with very thick hair often suffer dry scalp because their scalp literally can’t breathe that well. When the scalp can’t breathe and isn’t exposed to enough air, it can cause skin residue build-up, a dry scalp and dandruff. A simple anti-dandruff shampoo is the best way to combat this issue.
An itchy scalp can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, fungal infections, and even stress. However, one of the most common and simple causes of an itchy scalp is due to having incredibly thick hair. Thick hair can be difficult to manage and can cause skin residue to build up on the scalp, leading to a dry scalp and dandruff.
People with thick hair often find that their scalp isn't exposed to enough air, which can further contribute to an itchy scalp. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help reduce the itchiness.
One of the best ways to combat an itchy scalp caused by thick hair is to use a gentle anti-dandruff shampoo. These shampoos are formulated to help reduce the buildup of skin residue on the scalp and can help reduce the itchiness.
In addition, it's important to make sure that you're using the right type of styling products. Many styling products contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the scalp and lead to further dryness and itchiness. It's best to use natural products that are specifically designed for thick hair.
Yeast isn’t something we consider could be occurring in our scalp, but it can actually grow anywhere. It isn’t because your hair is dirty either, so don’t freak out about your head not being clean. The simple fact is, anytime your body’s healthy gut bacteria is out of balance, yeast takes over, and kills the good bacteria that keeps our body in balance, including our scalp and skin. If you have yeast overgrowth, you’ll notice things like flaking skin, toenail fungus, dry scalp, acne, poor wound healing, extreme fatigue, bloating, vaginal itching, poor digestion, food intolerances, sugar cravings, and even thrush. All of these are signs of yeast overgrowth. A high sugar and high carbohydrate diet, along with too much processed food can all cause yeast overgrowth, along with an abundance of alcohol, cheese, red meat, and refined foods. These foods promote fungus in the body, and trigger yeast overgrowth. Take a probiotic supplement, eat probiotic rich foods, and consume more vegetables, leafy greens, fish, organic yogurt, 100% whole grains, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats like coconut oil to combat yeast overgrowth naturally. Your scalp should start to clear up in no time, along with the other symptoms of yeast overgrowth.
A more simple reason for an itchy scalp might just be that your shampoo is irritating your scalp. It’s best to quit buying shampoos with any form of alcohol in the ingredients list, or that are special volumizing formulas. These can contain agents that are made to fluff up your hair, but in the process, can also dry them out. Avoid these for the time being, and switch to a shampoo made for dry scalp and dandruff, that also contains moisturizers that won’t dry your hair out. Dry hair can actually lead to itchy scalp, all on its own from too much dead skin residue and buildup.
Ladies, you don’t need to be washing your hair every day. I hate to break it to you, but that might be the only reason you’re having dry scalp. The natural oils in your hair don’t have time to “do their thing” on your hair when you wash it too much. Washing your hair every day isn’t only unnecessary, but prevents natural oils from keeping your hair smooth and free from breakage. It’s best to let your hair rest at least one day in between shampoo sessions.
Scalp psoriasis causes dandruff-like itching and flaking. It usually occurs when your immune system isn’t working efficiently. It seems to occur when the immune system triggers too many skin cells to grow on various parts of the body, including your scalp. One very helpful tip for reducing scalp psoriasis without buying medications and topical treatments, is to use coconut oil on your scalp. Simply rub it all over your scalp, and even throughout your hair for extra moisture. Coconut oil is rich in antiviral, and immune boosting properties, along with nourishing for your hair. This makes it a great 2 in 1 method for fighting dry scalp naturally.Let it sit for 10 minutes, and then shampoo your hair with a shampoo made for dry scalp. Consider using the same brand of conditioner as well. This will help coat your scalp, and enhance your immune function.
Chronic dieters may suffer insufficient fat intake, and fat helps increase natural moisture in the skin. If you have dry scalp and trouble with dry skin on your face and body, you might consider upping your natural fat intake. You can do this by adding coconut oil to your meals, about 1 teaspoon per meal, and eating more nuts, seeds, healthy oils like olive and flax oil, avocados, and wild fish.
Low Vitamin A intake isn’t a proven cause for itchy scalp, but Vitamin A has been found to help treat ezcema and dry skin, making it something to consider. Vitamin A helps lubricate skin tissue, as well as enhance overall skin health. The best way to get Vitamin A in your diet is through foods like sweet potatoes, carrots, raw carrot juice, pumpkin, winter squash, and leafy greens. This reason may not be the only reason for your dry scalp, but it’s a good measure to make sure you get enough of this vitamin anyway. Vitamin A is important for immune function, and it even combats acne and fights cancer. Combining it with other efforts like those above, should be an effective way to combat dry scalp and dry skin.
It’s also a good idea to try to reduce any excess stress you might be suffering as well. Excess stress can trigger the immune system to stop working at optimal level, and may cause dry skin and dry scalp. If you have dry scalp and have a proven treatment that works, what’s your best tip?
Sources: webmd.com