Imagine this: you're having a fabulous hair day, and we mean fabulous hair day, and your curls are shiny and oh so full of bounce. But suddenly... the itch strikes. You feel it concentrated right on your head, that itchy sensation that doesn’t allow you to focus on much else. You ask yourself, “Why is my scalp so itchy?”

Figuring out the source of your itchy scalp can be SUCH a challenge. But fear not, because today we're taking you on a journey to uncover the reasons behind that itchiness.

Here are five reasons why your scalp might be itchy:

1. Product buildup

We all love experimenting with different hair products, but sometimes our precious curls pay the price. Product buildup can happen when we don't thoroughly cleanse our scalp or when we use too many heavier styling products like gels and mousses. These can leave behind residue on our scalp, causing irritation and itchiness. Just try to clarify your hair regularly, to keep that buildup at bay!

To manage buildup, we would def recommend gentle scalp tools like a silicone brush. These can absolutely help exfoliate your scalp and remove dead skin and product build-up. If you suspect buildup might be one of the main reasons behind your itchy scalp, we’ve prepped a whole guide about how you can tackle buildup.

2. Skin conditions

Sometimes, the itchiness goes beyond product buildup. Some health conditions including seborrheic dermatitis (a condition that makes your skin red and inflamed) and psoriasis (an immune-related condition that causes scaly patches on the skin) can also lead to an itchy scalp. 

If you have a feeling that a skin condition might be the culprit, it's best to book a consultation with a trusted dermatologist. They can help you to reach a diagnosis and even come up with a treatment plan to guide you.

3. Heat styling tools

We all love a bit of heat styling every now and again. But a little too much of it can wreak havoc on our precious scalps! High temperatures from flat irons and blow dryers can strip our scalp of its natural oils, leaving it dry and itchy. So why not embrace your natural curls, and give your scalp a vacay from the heat every once in a while?

4. Hard water

Another cause of an itchy scalp is hard water, water is high in minerals such as calcium and magnesium. If you live in the South East of England, there’s a chance that the water flowing from your shower will be hard. This kind of water can leave large mineral deposits on your scalp, causing irritation and dryness. 

To manage the effects of hard water on your scalp, try incorporating a moisturising element into your hair care routine. Give the 01 Shampoo a go. It contains the natural extract from the Mojave Yucca Plant, which is a BOMB natural cleanser. The baobab oil will also help return some of the softness that the hard water has taken away.

5. Allergies

Just like the rest of our skin, our scalps can be sensitive to certain ingredients in hair care products. If you notice an itchy reaction shortly after testing out a new product, you might be experiencing an allergic reaction. Keep an eye out for other common allergens like sulphates, fragrances, and certain preservatives. Opt for gentle, natural products, and always do a patch test before going all-in.

Now that we know some possible causes of an itchy scalp, here's one lovely way to soothe it. Use a serum! The new 06 Oil Serum is filled with rosemary seed oil, which has plenty of scalp-loving antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

We hope this guide has helped in some small way! We hope you can give your hair the love and care it deserves and maintain a healthy scalp environment. Take note of your symptoms, assess your hair care routine, and make adjustments according to whatever works for you. x