Healthy Hair Tips
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.
1. Dry scalpA 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?
2. Buildup of products and dead skin cellsWhen 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.
3. DandruffDandruff 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.
The difference between oily and dry dandruffDandruff 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.
Tips for an itchy scalp1. Choose a mild shampoo for an itchy scalpOne 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.
2. Don't wash your hair too hotShowering 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.
3. Exfoliate your scalpBuildup 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.
4. Hydration is key for a dry scalpA 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.
5. Massage your scalpA 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.
Healthy Hair Tips
Shampoo for Oily Hair: how to choose the right one
Does your hair gets greasy fast? That’s often caused by excess sebum, product build-up, or washing too hot and too often. Keune offers shampoos for oily hair in every situation: slightly oily roots, persistent oiliness, heavy build-up, oily roots with dry ends, or a sensitive scalp that looks oily quickly.
The best way to deal with oily hair: wash once a week with a clarifying shampoo, then use a gentle, balancing shampoo, and apply hydrating care only through the lengths. Dry shampoo can help in between, but it won’t give the long-term balance you get from carefully selected shampoos and a consistent routine. If you’re looking for the best shampoo for oily and greasy hair, here’s how to choose one that balances your scalp without stripping.
With the right approach, you can prevent greasy roots and keep your hair fresher and lighter. In this article you’ll find practical choice help, a simple wash routine, and clear tips from our experts.
What is oily hair and what causes it?Oily hair or an oily scalp is the result of excessive sebum production on the scalp. Sebum is natural and protects your hair. But sweat, dust, or leftover styling products make hair look greasy quickly. Washing too hot or too often does the same. Several triggers can make your hair oily.
Common triggers for oily hairWashing too often, too harshly, or with water that’s too hot.
Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or in times of stress.
Running your hands through your hair frequently.
Using the wrong products with lots of silicones or heavy oils.
Working out regularly without rinsing properly afterwards.
A scalp that naturally produces more sebum.
Expert tip: When shampooing, focus on the scalp (not the lengths). Always shampoo twice. This cleanses the scalp properly and helps prevent the ends from drying out.
Which shampoo for oily hair suits me?Not all shampoos for oily hair work the same. The best results come from a shampoo that matches your scalp and hair type.
1) Normal to slightly oily hair For daily freshness without drying out your hair, choose a mild, balancing shampoo such as Keune Derma Regulate Shampoo. It removes sebum and residue gently yet effectively and respects scalp comfort.
2) Persistent oiliness or lots of product build-up Wash twice: start with Keune Perfect Clarity Shampoo for a detox that thoroughly removes styling residue, dry shampoo, and pollution. Follow with Keune Derma Regulate Shampoo to balance sebum without drying out the hair. Finish with a nourishing conditioner or mask on the lengths so your ends don’t dry out.
3) Oily roots + dry ends Cleanse the roots with a balancing shampoo like Keune Derma Regulate Shampoo. Then apply conditioner or a hair mask from ear level to the ends. This keeps the roots light.
4) Sensitive scalp that looks oily quickly Go for mild, fragrance-free, and soothing, such as Keune Scalp Sensitive Shampoo, and avoid harsh degreasers with strong sulfates. Follow with Keune Scalp Sensitive Conditioner to hydrate the lengths. A calm scalp is less likely to become unbalanced and therefore less likely to become oily.
Quick selection guideOily roots, normal lengths: Derma Regulate keeps roots fresher for longer; ideal for frequent use.
Heavy product build-up: Perfect Clarity removes heavy build-up for visibly lighter hair. Always wash a second time with a balancing shampoo (e.g., Derma Regulate).
Sensitive, reactive scalp that looks oily: Scalp Sensitive calms and reduces oiliness on a reactive scalp.
Unsure whether you need balancing, detox, or calming? Have your scalp assessed in-salon; a stylist will align wash frequency and products with your scalp and lifestyle. Find a Keune salon near you!
How often should you use shampoo for oily hair?Start by washing every other day and gradually reduce to 2—maximum 3—times per week. Between washes, use Clean Slate dry shampoo targeted at the roots and blow-dry briefly on the cool setting to create volume.
Wash routine for oily hairWet hair and scalp thoroughly with lukewarm water.
First wash: use a small amount of shampoo and massage for 30–60 seconds. Rinse.
Second wash: repeat; it will lather better and cleanse oily hair more deeply.
Apply conditioner or mask only to the lengths. Avoid the roots.
Rinse well and finish lukewarm-to-cool for a fresh feel.
Too hot water – stimulates sebum and keeps the cuticle raised, so roots look greasier.
Washing too often – frequent, intensive washing can dry the scalp and trigger more sebum.
Scrubbing with nails – irritates the scalp; always massage with fingertips in small circles.
Too much or too heavy product at the roots – rich creams, oils, or wax at the roots weigh the hair down. Choose light leave-ins or volume products at the roots, and apply hydrating care from ear level down to the ends.
Spraying regular perfume on hair – alcohol can upset scalp balance. Want to use a fragrance? Use a dedicated hair perfume, such as So Pure Hair Fragrance.
Applying mask from the roots – use mask/conditioner only on lengths and ends.
Anti-dandruff formulas without need – can unnecessarily strip color and shine; only use for real dandruff concerns.
Overly harsh cleansers – “hard” stripping dries the scalp, which can drive excess sebum. Choose mild, pH-balanced care and add a clarifying step once a week for deep cleansing.
Use volume powders, texture sprays, or light mousses at the roots.
Avoid serums or oils at the roots; apply them only to the ends.
Always use heat protection when blow-drying or styling; heat can spread sebum faster.
Sun/pool: rinse out salt/chlorine and protect scalp and hair in summer with a hat or cap.
Can you use shampoo for oily hair every day? You can, if the formula is mild and skin-friendly. Still, we recommend phasing out daily washing gradually. This gives your scalp time to self-regulate and prevents hair from appearing oilier due to over-washing.
What is the best shampoo for oily hair? The best shampoo balances the scalp without stripping. Use a mild, pH-balanced shampoo for regular use such as Keune Derma Regulate Shampoo. Add a weekly clarifying step to reduce build-up with Keune Perfect Clarity Shampoo. Apply conditioner only to the lengths so roots stay airy.
I work out a lot, do I need to wash every day? After a workout, rinse the scalp with water or do a quick wash with a mild shampoo; on other days, use dry shampoo.
Oily roots, dry ends, is that possible? Yes, it's very common. The scalp produces sebum quickly while lengths dry out from heating tools, chemical treatments, or sun, wind, and friction. Wash with a balancing shampoo and focus on the scalp/roots. Apply conditioner or a mask from ear level down to nourish ends without weighing down the roots.
Help, clarifying makes my hair feel drier. Limit clarifying to every other week and alternate with a mild shampoo. After washing, use a light conditioner or mask on the lengths and rinse lukewarm. You’ll remove build-up without drying your ends.