WHY IS MY SCALP SO ITCHY AND FLAKY?
If you’ve been dealing with an itchy, flaky scalp, you’ve probably wondered how you got to this point. Is it a new hair product causing the irritation? Do you need to wash more? There are many factors that contribute to an itchy, flaky scalp, including dandruff that affects half the world’s population. The first place to start may be examining the flakes themselves.
Identifying the Flakes
The type of flakes you’re seeing can be your first clue to solving your problem. There are three types of flakes that can be associated with your itchy scalp.
Small Flakes that Are All the Same Size
If the flakes you notice on your scalp or shoulders resemble the little round “snowflakes” in a snow globe, it’s most likely residue from styling products. But unlike a snow globe, if you give your head a shake, these particles are not likely to fall out easily and tend to cling to your hair.
White, Different-sized Flakes
Flakes with a white or off-white hue that vary in size are most likely dandruff. This dry type of dandruff falls from your scalp and hair easily. Try giving your head a shake and see if different-sized flakes fall onto your shoulders as a quick test.
Yellowish, Oily Flakes
These flakes have an oily texture and are uneven in size. The yellow hue indicates this is likely oily dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, a more extreme form of dandruff.
Now that you’ve identified the flakes that can be associated with the itch, let’s take a look at how you can soothe your symptoms depending on your flake type!
Relieving the Itch
There are lots of different ways you can soothe an itchy scalp. Some treatments can even be made from common household items, depending on the severity of your flakes.
Scalp Build-Up Solutions
Before you throw out any hair products that may be causing build-up, consider your wash frequency and shampoo formula. Washing your scalp and hair less often can cause flake-like deposits to accumulate on your scalp. Instead, try switching to a silicone-free or clarifying shampoo to get a deeper clean. Head & Shoulders Bare Clean Sulfate-Free Dandruff Shampoo cleans and clarifies scalp and hair, leaving it refreshed and looking vibrant – even if you don’t have dandruff!
Dandruff Solutions
There are many ways to get relief from the itch caused by dandruff. Aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, and tea tree oil treatments are common at home approaches to reduce irritation on your scalp. However, these home remedies do not get to the root cause of dandruff. Head & Shoulders, with active ingredient Zinc Prythione to help stop dandruff at its source, offers a variety of shampoos and conditioners featuring these ingredients that will help you not only soothe your itchy scalp but conquer those flakes too. These products smell amazing – and you can seamlessly incorporate them into your hair washing routine.
Oily Dandruff Solutions
Seborrheic dermatitis is a more extreme form of dandruff. As such, you should really consult your doctor or dermatologist to find a safe, long-lasting solution for your extreme flakes and itchiness. If you need immediate relief before your next appointment, Head & Shoulders Clinical Itch Relief Scalp Mist offers intense itch relief in a fresh, cooling leave-in formula infused with menthol – no rinsing required!
It may take some experimentation to find the approach that works best for you. Consistency is key, and with a little care, you can soothe and restore your scalp to its healthy, comfortable state.
