Unbearably itchy scalp

**eri401** · September 5th, 2011, 09:39 PM

I'm having a bit of a problem here.

Since summer began, I began washing my hair daily and I switched from Garnier Triple to a Whole Foods non-sulfate shampoo soon after. However, I also started getting a very itchy scalp - unbearably itchy actually.

Initially I thought it was because my scalp had not re-adusted to frequent shampooing (ie too dry?) but I experimented and this is not the case. It is the END of summer now and the itchiness is still there.

Then I thought it was the new shampoo irritating my scalp. I alternated with my familiar shampoos but nothing helped. It seems unlikely given how gentle the Whole Foods brand is, too.

It is not dandruff as my scalp is not oily and I don't have 'flakes.' Still, I used a dandruff shampoo today and my scalp started to itch as soon as I got out of the shower.

I am not losing hair (not more than usual), have not changed anything else in my diet, and do not have unusually hard water. Nothing else has really changed other than the weather + gentle shampoo.

What is going on?!?

Does anyone have any self-diagnosis tips?

**xoerincolleen** · September 5th, 2011, 09:43 PM

I don't know what could be causing it, but have you tried doing an ACV rinse? Those help calm the itchies for me.

**McFearless** · September 5th, 2011, 09:47 PM

Do you have gunky, thick sebum build up on your scalp?

I second the acv rinse. It took me two weeks of frequent use(3 times a week) before the itchies stopped. Dandruff shampoos won't help you I don't think.

**Mairéad** · September 5th, 2011, 09:47 PM

I certainly am not qualified to lead anyone to a diagnosis of anything. But, I could give you ideas to try. How about you try ACV rinses? I hear these can help with scalp itchies.

Also, what conditioner do you use? My mom has scabs and itchiness on her scalp and using cone-less and SLS-free products seemed to help her problem. Have you tried using a no-poo method? Or at least alternate no-poo washes within your routine? If you've only begun washing this frequently your scalp may be overworked.

**emelnd** · September 5th, 2011, 09:49 PM

Maybe you should see a dermatologist. Unbearably itchy is very itchy

**eri401** · September 5th, 2011, 09:55 PM

Thank you all for the ACV tip. Hmm...

Originally Posted by McFearless

Do you have gunky, thick sebum build up on your scalp?

Yes? I am washing frequently so there isn't much buildup BUT the other day in the shower, I realized I had sebum under my nails after I washed my scalp. That was unusual and I thought my gentle shampoo was maybe too gentle to effectively wash my scalp. So I have been washing with a sulfate shampoo once a week (just a cheap Suave in lieu of a chelating shampoo). It hasn't stemmed the itchies that much though.

**McFearless** · September 5th, 2011, 10:03 PM

Originally Posted by eri401

Yes? I am washing frequently so there isn't much buildup BUT the other day in the shower, I realized I had sebum under my nails after I washed my scalp. That was unusual and I thought my gentle shampoo was maybe too gentle to effectively wash my scalp. So I have been washing with a sulfate shampoo once a week (just a cheap Suave in lieu of a chelating shampoo). It hasn't stemmed the itchies that much though.

I co wash to keep my hair happy but I still get that gross, chunky sebum buildup occasionally that I didn't when using an SLS shampoo. What helps is a scalp massage with olive oil before washing. It really loosens up all the build up. In the shower I scritch the scalp very lightly with my nails to remove whatever build up wasn't washed away.

**eri401** · September 5th, 2011, 10:06 PM

Originally Posted by McFearless

I co wash to keep my hair happy but I still get that gross, chunky sebum buildup occasionally that I didn't when using an SLS shampoo. What helps is a scalp massage with olive oil before washing. It really loosens up all the build up. In the shower I scritch the scalp very lightly with my nails to remove whatever build up wasn't washed away.

Ahh so it is the build up that is causing the itchiness?

I will try this and see if it works. Thank you all! LHC to the rescue of my hair (again)