Looking for itchy scalp treatment products? Many mainstream products contain artificial fragrances which can cause health issues (like asthma, eczema, muscle pain, bloating, sinus pain, fatigue, eye irritation, gastrointestinal problems, headaches, dizziness and burning or itching skin irritations). So we would recommend using products (like Afrocenchix – we never use parabens, sulphates, phthalates, harsh preservatives or artificial fragrances), which are safe, natural and effective, that you use with your simple hair routine. However, to make things easier, we’ve outlined the key products below. 

1. Sulphate-free Shampoo 

Did you know that sensitivity to artificial fragrances (parfum) and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) can lead to itchiness? As we touched on earlier, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate can cause skin irritation especially for eczema sufferers. It is extremely drying on afro hair as it strips the hair of its natural oils. 

If you’re looking for a shampoo to help with your itchy scalp try switching to a mild, sulphate-free shampoo. You should aim to wash your hair every 7-10 days to ensure that there is no scalp build-up, that you remove enough sebum, and that dirt and dust is gone. 

Our shampoo, Swish, was formulated to be gentle enough to use once a week. It will give your hair a crisp clean and removes buildup without stripping your hair of moisture. 

2. Silicone-free Conditioner

At Afrocenchix, we avoid using silicone in our Afro hair products as unfortunately, long-term use of silicone-based products can leave your hair in distress. 

Silicone works by coating the hair strands to reduce and “smooth” frizz, gives hair a plastic-like shine and protects against moisture loss. Silicone also expands when heated so can make the hair appear thicker. 

As we touched on earlier, the downside is that silicones can leave your hair dry, not to mention, they can cause irritation to the scalp, don’t dissolve in water and aren’t environmentally friendly. 

Luckily, there is an alternative: using a silicone-free conditioner. We recommend using our conditioner, Swirl, which is silicone-free and still provides wonderful slip making detangling and conditioning easy. Remember to focus your conditioner on your hair (mid lengths and ends) and keep your shampoo focused on your scalp.

3. Scalp Oil

If you know your itchy scalp isn’t a symptom of something more serious, you can protect your scalp with oily products to compensate for the sebum lost while shampooing. Using a scalp oil with ingredients such as lavender and eucalyptus can relieve itchiness. Soothe was designed to help ease the itchiness that may have been caused due by scalp build up. Its anti-inflammatory properties also work to combat dryness and promote healthy hair growth. Applying such an oil to your scalp immediately after washing and a couple of times throughout the week should do the job.

4. Sheen

We know that our lightweight, refreshing moisturising spray is great at delivering moisture to dry hair. But did you know that it can be used on your scalp too? This little hair hack is a favourite with the Afrocenchix team. 

Sheen's formula features aloe vera and grape seed oil, which moisturises and revives curly and afro hair and your scalp. So you can combat hair breakage and your itchy scalp at the same time!

More Articles: 

Itchy Scalp? Here's What You Should Know

Why Is My Scalp so Itchy? 4 Common Causes and Fixes

Do I Really Need to Use a Scalp Oil for My Afro Hair?