A few words on an itchy scalp

It is one of the questions we hear often from our clients, usually asked quietly at the end of an appointment. Why does my scalp itch?

It happens to almost everyone now and then. The heating comes on, the air turns dry, we wash a little more often or a little less, and the scalp notices before we do. In our experience, an itchy scalp is rarely asking for something dramatic. Usually it just wants a little more care, and a little less of everything else.

Here is what we tend to suggest.

Small habits that help

• Turn the water down. Hot showers feel lovely in winter, but lukewarm water is kinder to the scalp.
• Use your fingertips, not your nails. Massage shampoo in slowly, and resist the urge to scratch.
• Rinse a little longer than you think. Shampoo and conditioner left behind can irritate, so give the roots an extra rinse.
• Give dry shampoo a day off. It is a wonderful friend between washes, but the scalp likes a proper wash in between.
• Let the roots dry. Damp hair under a hat or a tight bun all day rarely feels comfortable.
• Freshen what touches your hair. Clean your brush and change your pillowcase often.

A little care in the bathroom cabinet

We keep it simple. A gentle everyday shampoo such as Shampoo Hydrating & Strengthening helps keep the moisture of hair and scalp in balance. Follow with Conditioner Hydrating & Strengthening, a lightweight conditioner that softens and hydrates. Shea butter helps soothe the scalp and broccoli oil protects both hair and scalp, so it is kind to work in from roots to ends. Leave it for a minute or two, then rinse well. On damp hair, we like BB Spray – Leave-In Primer, with allantoin to soothe a dry scalp. And once a week, when there is time, we like a few drops of Rich Repair Hair Oil massaged into the scalp before washing. Ten quiet minutes, nothing more.

If the itching stays, or you notice redness, flaking that does not settle or sore patches, ask your pharmacist or doctor. Some things need more than a good routine.

Take care of yourself, and of your scalp.