Take a deep breath, now imagine this: You are at an event where you are scheduled to make a speech. You are rocking a killer dress and wearing your favorite shoes. You took special care with your hair today because, well, special day. Everything seems perfect! Except...you keep trying, unsuccessfully, to sneak your hand into your natural hair afro to get that itch right in the middle.
An itchy scalp, also known as scalp pruritus, is a frustrating but quite common occurrence in natural hair. When combined with dry or flaky skin (scalp), it can be unbearable. Itchy scalp can lead to thinning hair and hair loss if left untreated.
What causes itchy scalp in natural hair?
There are a number of reasons why one might have an itchy scalp. However, the most common causes are product buildup, dandruff, allergic reactions, or simply having dry scalp/skin.
Product Buildup
Consistently using products that are not right for your hair and skin type will cause product buildup. Knowing your body and hair type will help you identify what products are best for you. Also, ensure that the products you use do not contain any harmful chemicals that may be doing more harm than good for your hair. The African Naturalistas range of products have been designed to treat your hair with all the love it deserves using no harmful chemicals or sulfates. Click here to shop now.
Dandruff
The scalp is home to the Malassezia yeast. However, when there is an overpopulation of the Malassezia yeast, dandruff occurs. Dandruff, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, has characteristics of large yellow or whitish flakes. This also causes itching of the scalp.
Allergic Reactions
Some people have very sensitive skin and scalp especially to artificial ingredients such as parfum. They are also allergic to sulfates. This may be another cause of itching scalp to some. Artificial fragrances are known to cause eczema, eye irritation, headaches, dizziness, and itching skin/scalp. Knowing what ingredients are contained in the products you use on your hair is the first step to avoiding an itchy scalp. That’s why we are always proud to say that all African Naturalistas products are safe, sulfate-free, with no harmful chemicals or artificial fragrances.
If you believe that your itchy scalp may be the result of allergic reactions or you are not sure, a session with Atilola, a registered trichologist, can help. Don’t let an itchy scalp keep ruining your afro.
Dry Scalp
A dry scalp is the most common way to get an itchy scalp. A person with dry skin is prone to itch when the skin gets dry, the same happens when the scalp is dry. A dry scalp, left untreated, can result in irritation and itching. Excessive itching may even give you injuries on your scalp. Applying a carrier oil such as the African Naturalistas Jojoba Oil will ease the itching.
We can all agree at this point that an itchy scalp is a no-no for you. So, how do you stop that itchy scalp from ruining your afro?
Be selective about the products you use for your natural hair. Finding the right products for your natural hair may take some time and the experience (and knowledge) of a trichologist. However, it is better than using the wrong products on your hair that may result in product buildup and allergic reactions. We always advocate using safe, sulfate-free products (such as the African Naturalistas range) that will give your natural hair the much-needed care it requires.
Wash your natural hair regularly. Of course, you should do this with a sulfate-free shampoo. Product buildup will occur if the hair is not washed regularly. Use a mild shampoo that will tackle the dirt without stripping your hair of moisture. The African Naturalistas Moisturizing shampoo uses the finest blends of natural ingredients to leave your hair clean and moisturized.
Use hair oils. Hair oils such as lavender and eucalyptus contain properties that help ease an itchy scalp. They also contain anti-inflammatory ingredients to reduce swelling or bloating. Our Essential and Carrier oils are 100% pure with no additives, to relieve itching and swelling, leaving your hair feeling soft and smelling nice. They are perfect for natural hair as they also promote hair growth.
Seek professional help. In some cases, the cause of an itchy scalp may not be so obvious. In such situations, it is best to seek the help of a trichologist. Atilola is a registered trichologist who can help you identify the cause of your hair loss, thinning hair, scalp discomfort, and other such symptoms by carrying out an in-depth investigation to get to the root cause. You can book a session here.
Knowing the cause of your itchy scalp makes it a lot easier to treat. However, it is not always that easy. Patience is vital to be able to correctly identify the problem. You can also see a trichologist to help make the process shorter. Don’t let an itchy scalp ruin your afro!
Have you had issues with your scalp before? Currently? What did you do? How did you solve it? Tell us in the comment section, we love to hear from you.
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