How to soothe your scalp from irritation, itching and patches
Words Anthony Vincent
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The skin on the head is the forgotten part of skincare, but it can also experience discomfort. What is the cause? And what can you do about it? Here are our simple tips to relieve a reactive and irritated scalp that itches or even peels.
Left out, the scalp is caught between two routines, with one side caring for its hair and the other for its skin. However, the skin of the head also deserves its share of attention. When it is unhealthy, it can be a source of irritation and itching, as well as weakening the overall health of the hair.
Multifactorial, external and/or internal causes damage the scalp
Often multifactorial, this unsightly discomfort can be caused by different reasons. On the one hand, external aggressions such as pollution, an environment that is too dry, dusty, or dirty, quickly suffocate the scalp. Frequent shampooing with an unsuitable formula, especially with very hot water, also attacks the scalp, which tends to defend itself by becoming even more oily and reactive. We remind you that an anti-dandruff shampoo, however natural and gentle it may be, is not suitable for daily use: it is a treatment product, to be used 2 to 3 times a week maximum. In between, we recommend a product suitable for frequent use, such as a purifying shampoo or a moisturising shampoo.
Other internal factors, such as poor lifestyle, lack of nutrition, lack of sleep, or too much stress, can also affect the health of the skin on the scalp.
Once you have identified the possible factors that irritate your scalp, you can try to change them, by spacing out your shampoos, with a more suitable formula and cold to lukewarm water, a balanced diet and a really regular sleep pattern. In addition to these basic principles, there are other tips that can make a difference in soothing an irritated, itchy or even peeling or flaky scalp.
Extra tips for soothing an irritated, itchy, patchy scalp
If you have a particularly dry scalp, you can swap every other shampoo for a nourishing conditioner. Made with moisturising shea butter, nourishing abyssinian oil and revitalising mango butter, it's going to be greasy enough to rid the hair of external impurities and possible styling products, without having too much detergent action against the scalp. In fact, if you have very short shaved hair or a bald head, you can apply the mattifying or rich moisturiser directly to your skin, which will thank you!
It may seem counter-intuitive for people with oily scalps, but applying beard oil can help balance oil production, nourish and soothe the skin of the head. Rich in fortifying castor oil, softening argan oil and soothing almond oil, it can be applied after shampoo and/or conditioner as a spot treatment or all over the head if you tolerate essential oils well. A few drops warmed between the palms and then massaged in with the fingertips are sufficient.
Since itching and irritation are often accompanied by weakened hair that falls out more easily, you can also use an anti-hair loss serum. Formulated to nourish and strengthen the scalp for truly healthy growth, it contains stimulating maca extract, revitalising peptides, strengthening watercress and nasturtium extracts, and moisturising glycerine. A delicious cocktail to be applied after shampooing and/or conditioning on dry or even damp hair, or even on days when you don't wash, as a 2-month treatment for convincing results.
Finally, if your scalp causes you continuous pain, peels a lot, and has done so for several weeks, a dermatologist can help you identify the causes and relieve you.
