Do you suffer from a no poo itchy scalp?
If you do not. Then, you must have spent time reading and implementing a good no poo book.
But if you keep scratching your head without any eureka moment. Then, you are much like most of the other beings.
Yeah! The itch on the scalp is real. Most of us suffer from it. Though it is common with a no shampoo method of cleaning the hair.
When you go on to experiment with various no poo shampoo methods without knowing their pH levels. Then, you run into a risk of getting an irritated scalp.
An itch on the scalp comes within days of a wrong no poo shampoo method.
This itch might make you chuck the no poo method. And you might want to go back to those expensive salon shampoo bottles?
No. Do not give up on no poo till you read further.
What Is A No Poo Itchy Scalp?
The itch on the scalp is its reaction to the no poo method of hair wash. The scalp takes time to adjust to the newfound ways of cleaning.
On a more common term. It is the no poo transition time that follows the no poo method of hair wash.
Moreover, the skin on the head turns dry due to the cleaning. Hence, it signals its discomfort with an itch.
After a no poo shampoo. You can experience a little discomfort. Though the issue happens in the initial phase of making a shift towards the no poo.
But in some cases. The itch may continue for longer periods as well.
If you are a newbie on a route to no poo. Then, you know the susceptible reason for the itchy scalp.
But the itch can happen to others as well. More so for the ones who use the regular methods of shampoo.
Popular Reasons For An Itch On The Scalp:
Although the itch due to a shift towards natural means of cleansing hair is normal. At least it is normal in the initial days of transition.
But as a matter of fact. The itch on a scalp can happen even when you do not use the no-poo methods.
In fact, I often find people who are regular with the usual methods of shampoo suffer more from it.
The reasons can be as follows:
1. Acute dryness
You must be familiar with the discomfort that comes with dry skin. The skin becomes parched and creates irritation.
A similar feeling happens when the scalp turns dry.
Blame it either on your dry skin tendencies. Or on the excessive squeaky clean capability of your shampoo.
The result is an irritable scalp. Most of us know the situation as dandruff.
2. Infection
An external agent is bound to make your scalp irritating. Also if the agent happens to be a bad guy like an infection. Then, you are in trouble.
It can be dandruff. Or can be some other infection on the scalp skin.
Some regions have a humid climate. Some other places are nearby industrial and pollution sources.
This causes the infection in hair. In extreme cases, the infection advances to lice infestations as well. Yuck.
This is a situation no one wants to be in. The tiny insects using your head as a breeding joint is horrendous to even think of.
3. Build up
This is by far the most common reason for an itch on the scalp. Build up refers to the accumulation of any foreign material on the scalp.
Be it dirt and dust. Or even the leftover stuff from hair care products.
The regular SLS-induced products cause a lot of build up. But even with no poo cleansers. The build-up can happen.
In particular, if the no poo cleaner is too basic. For instance the no poo baking soda method. Or the rice cleansers.
To keep things simple. Build up refers to a mere accumulation of stuff that does not get wiped off with usual cleansing. Rather, gets added more and more with each cleansing schedule.
This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you purchase any of the products mentioned in this article through routing via the links in this post. Then, I may end up receiving a certain monetary percentage from the sale. Though the one who purchases through the link does not end up paying anything extra apart from the mentioned MRP on the product. Full disclosures on the Affiliate Page.
How To Reduce A No Poo Itchy Scalp:
As per the reason for the itch. So, is the respective solution.
1. Dryness Induced Itch
For combating the dryness induced itchiness. You can apply some conditioning agents to your scalp.
A potent oil best cuts the solution. You can use any of your favorite oil. Though the heavier oils may make your hair strands full of grease. This may further prompt you to wash your hair again. Thereby starting the chain of itch and dryness again.
To skip this routine. Whipped coconut oil provides a solution. In a whipped state, coconut oil feels less greasy. In fact, it seems almost like those hair pomades. An electric hand blender does the whipping job well. Be sure to use a good quality organic coconut oil. Else, you will expose your scalp and hair to mineral oil and silicones. These will cause itchiness and also cause hair fall and other damages.
Hence, it works best for all sorts of dryness. Including the no poo dry scalp.
2. Infection-Induced Itch
In the worst-case scenario. If you end up with an infection on your scalp. Then, do not think and wait much.
The situation needs quick action.
Use some disinfectant oils like neem and tea tree to get relief from the situation.
You can mix these oils with your regular oils. That way they will spread in an even manner all over your scalp. Also, using a handmade wooden neem bark comb will also help ease the itching issue. It increases blood circulation to the scalp and also keeps infections at bay.
3. Build Up Induced Itch
Chelating products are the need of the hour for getting rid of product build-up.
Most often the build-up is alkaline in nature. On the other hand, the chelates are acidic.
Chelates cling to the basic products on the scalp. Thus, forming a bond. This bond suspends in water and hence gets removed. Thereby, setting one free from both the buildup and the associated itch.
Acidic ingredients like apple cider vinegar work best for this situation. Adding disinfectant essential oils to vinegar heightens the therapeutic properties.
Cure The No Poo Itchy Scalp Forever
The best way to cure a no poo itchy scalp is to prevent it from happening. You can always use moisturizing coconut oil or a disinfecting tea tree oil. But the best way is to test the pH of no poo shampoo before using it.
Determining the pH of shampoo is a broad subject. It is explained in detail in the No Poo book that I refer to. You can read it to make informed decisions regarding your no poo journey. Else, you will remain stuck in the transition phase and end up spoiling your locks. The book works as a fast pass to getting a deep dive into natural handmade hair care.
Conclusion
Everyone suffers from an itch on the scalp. Irrespective of how often you shampoo. Or what you use as a shampoo.
The scalp tends to develop an irritation within days of a shampoo.
It may be due to excessive dryness. If not dryness. Then, it could be due to an infection.
Moreover, at times, the product gunk could also be the culprit. It becomes a buildup with the consistent use of hair care products.
This buildup from the cleansing products causes itch. The act of cleansing associated with the products breaks up the product’s bonds.
A broken part sticks to the dirt/ oil on the mane and scalp. The other part remains stuck to the scalp.
This leftover remaining part causes the itch. If left that way, it will stay on your head for long. It does not get wiped off on its own. Also, it even does not wash off with water.
The solution to their removal is by attaching them to an acidic ingredient.
It is because most of the buildup is basic in nature. Thus, it builds up an affinity with the acid stuff. And when you wash both of them together. They do get washed off. That is why understanding the pH of the shampoo is essential.
Below Image Courtesy: Pixabay
Planning to Read this article later? Why not save it as a Pin by clicking on the Image below.
Leave a Reply