Suffering from an itchy scalp? Causes + tips

An itchy scalp isn't just uncomfortable; it can also impact your daily comfort. The cause varies: sometimes it's temporary and can be resolved quickly, while in other cases, the irritation persists longer. Whatever the reason, a healthy scalp starts with the right care. By listening to your scalp's signals and using products tailored to your hair needs, you can restore balance and give your scalp a sense of calm. Below, we highlight the most common causes.

A dry scalp occurs when insufficient sebum is produced. Sebum forms a natural oily layer that protects the skin from drying out. If this barrier is disrupted, your scalp becomes unbalanced, resulting in itching or a tight feeling.

Causes of a dry scalp:

• Cold or dry weather

• Showering too hot

• Washing your hair too often

Also read: How often should you wash your hair?

When you use a lot of styling products and don't cleanse your hair properly, there's a good chance that product residue remains on your scalp. This buildup can clog pores, leading to irritation and itching.

To prevent this, deep cleansing is essential. Fortunately, there are special shampoos that intensively purify your scalp, such as So Pure Clarify Shampoo and 1922 By JM Keune Deep-Cleansing Shampoo. Use these once or twice a week for a fresh, clean base.

Dandruff is a common cause of itching. It's caused by an overgrowth of a yeast (Malassezia) on the scalp, combined with oily skin. This can cause flaking and irritation.

Features:

• White or yellow flakes

• Redness

• Itching and sometimes a burning sensation

For those who suffer from dandruff, Keune offers two effective shampoos that tackle the problem at the source and keep the hair in good condition.

1922 By JM Keune Purifying Shampoo: This powerful shampoo is specially developed for men and tackles dandruff at the root. The formula contains zinc pyrithione, an active ingredient that fights the fungus responsible for the formation of dandruff flakes. In addition, creatine strengthens the hair and reduces hair breakage.

Dandruff Detox Purifying Shampoo: For a gentle yet effective approach to dandruff, use Dandruff Detox Purifying Shampoo. Scientifically developed to cleanse and tackle dandruff at the source. Enriched with effective anti-dandruff and scalp-soothing ingredients, this shampoo helps reduce flakes, soothe irritation, and restore a healthy scalp balance.

Dandruff comes in various forms and requires a targeted approach. To treat it effectively, it's important to know whether you have oily or dry dandruff. Both types have specific characteristics and causes, and require a different care routine.

You can recognize oily dandruff by:

• a shiny scalp,

• greasy hair,

• larger, yellowish flakes that stick to the hair.

Oily dandruff is caused by excessive sebum production and yeast overgrowth, resulting in yellow, oily flakes that stick to the hair and scalp. Use a sebum-regulating shampoo.

You can recognize dry dandruff by:

• fine, white flakes falling from your hair,

• a dry, tight scalp,

• flakes that are also visible on your face or shoulders.

The flakes aren't greasy and don't stick. Dry dandruff often occurs in people with dry skin or after exposure to cold, dry air.

Use a calming shampoo or an anti-dandruff shampoo.

One of the first steps for an itchy or dry scalp is to use a soothing shampoo. Scalp Sensitive Shampoo is specially formulated for sensitive, itchy scalps. This mild shampoo soothes, hydrates, and reduces irritation. What's more, the formula is sulfate-free, alcohol-free, and dye-free, making it extra gentle on your scalp.

Showering above 40 degrees Celsius dries out the scalp and worsens existing itching and redness. Wash your hair with water between 36 and 38 degrees Celsius to protect its natural moisture balance.

Buildup from styling products can clog pores and cause itching. Use a scalp brush with Dandruff Detox Purifying Shampoo once or twice a week to give your scalp a thorough yet gentle cleanse.

A dry scalp is often the cause of itching. Make sure you use products that also moisturize your skin, not just your hair.

Keune has a calming serum specifically for sensitive and irritated scalps.

A scalp massage a few times a week stimulates blood circulation and helps restore the skin barrier. Use your fingertips or a scalp brush.

Combine the massage with a soothing serum like Scalp Sensitive Serum. This leave-in treatment instantly soothes and provides long-lasting relief from itching and irritation.

If you continue to experience itching, flaking or redness despite good care, we recommend that you visit a specialist.

An itchy scalp is a common problem, but fortunately, it's easily treatable. With the right care and tailored products, your scalp can quickly calm down and return to optimal condition.

Unsure about the right approach for your scalp? Get personalized advice from an expert at a Keune salon near you.