12 reasons you have an itchy scalp, plus an expert-approved guide to treating them fast

A yeast-like fungus called Malassezia is responsible for the snowy white flakes that drift down and settle on your shoulders. There are many over-the-counter products laced with antimicrobial agents, such as piroctone olamine, you can use to treat dandruff. Try Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. 

Hair stylist Kala Kilshaw recommends choosing a shampoo containing zinc [such as Redken Scalp Relief Dandruff Shampoo] to help relieve the itchiness and calendula extract [found in Weleda Calendula Shampoo & Body Wash] for soothing and calming the scalp. Kala also maintains that drying your hair thoroughly and not going to bed with damp hair will help to prevent scalp fungus and irritation. 

2. Psoriasis or eczema

Another common cause of an itchy scalp is psoriasis or eczema, which are inflammatory skin conditions that can appear on the scalp. “They’re not contagious and can’t spread from person to person. However, you can be more likely to develop psoriasis or eczema if someone in your family has it,” says Wil Fleeson, owner of Rainbow Room International’s Stirling and Buchanan Street Salons and director of Trichology Scotland.  “Both conditions cause red, scaly and itchy patches on the scalp, but, like dandruff, these conditions can be treated to reduce the symptoms,” he continues, adding that you should always visit a trichologist to work out the correct treatment plan based on the severity of your condition. 

3. Dry scalp

Another common cause of itchiness is a dry scalp, which is more common during the winter months when you are moving between the cold weather outside to a centrally heated house. “Harsh weather conditions can strip the scalp of its natural oils, so make sure you use moisturising hair products, particularly conditioners and hair masks with the word ‘hydrating’ in the product description,” says Wil. 

Dial down the temperature of heated styling tools, too, as volcanic temperatures from your blow dryer and tongs can dry out the scalp. 

4. Allergic reaction

Fragrance is often an allergen, but your diet can also be a factor. “Similar foods that affect the skin on your face also impact your scalp,” Anabel says, noting that the main culprits are dairy products and very sugary and spicy foods. “Other scalp aggravators are white wine, champagne and red peppers,” she adds. Trigger foods aren’t the same for everyone, so it may be a case of working out yours based on a process of elimination.   

5. Head lice

Head lice or nits are tiny eggs that attach themselves to your hair strands and are usually picked up from head-to-head contact. “With hair lice, the key is to treat them as soon as you spot them and there are plenty of products on the market that can help to get rid of them, including medicated lotions and sprays, tea tree oil remedies and special head lice combs [try Nitwits All-In-One Headlice Solution],” says Wil.

6. Atopic dermatitis

Skin that shows up as red and itchy could be atopic dermatitis, a skin condition that also typically affects the elbows and backs of the knees. It’s usually genetic but it’s worth avoiding fragranced hair products, which could exacerbate the symptoms, and investing in a super hydrating conditioner or hair mask such as Coco & Eve Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque for added relief. 

7. Scalp ringworm

Scalp ringworm appears as a round patch with raised borders and is caused by a contagious fungal infection (often transferred from a pet). Your GP will be able to determine whether you need oral or topical anti-fungal medication. 

8. Product build-up

Product buildup can make your scalp really dry, itchy and irritated. Many hair styling products, shampoos and conditioners contain allergens and irritants and the longer these are left on the scalp, the more likely they are to cause flare-ups. “Product build-up can also interrupt your natural shedding rate,” warns Wil. “Naturally, we should lose between 50-100 hairs a day, but product buildup can interrupt this natural shedding process and cause hair to become, dry flaky and itchy. To avoid this, try to stay away from using too much product on your hair, particularly products that contain silicones.”  Try introducing a clarifying shampoo like Bumble & Bumble’s Sunday Shampoo, £20.

9. Overuse of dry shampoo

Infrequent shampooing – as in lathering up with water – can cause a build up of dry shampoo on the scalp’s surface. “Like the skin on your face, your scalp sweats, contains sebaceous glands and sheds dead skin cells,” Anabel says. “Unlike an actual shampoo, which is rinsed away with water, dry shampoo does not remove dirt and product debris.” According to Anabel, the longest you should rely on dry shampoo is a day or two.

10.  Seborrheic dermatitis

According to the Mayo Clinic, a telltale sign of seborrheic dermatitis is greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales and stubborn dandruff. It usually affects oily areas of the body and is a common skin condition that mainly affects your scalp. Although irritating, it’s not contagious – your local pharmacist may just recommend using a medicated shampoo to clear up symptoms. 

11. Skin cancer

If skin cancer develops on your scalp, it may itch. “Your scalp can burn, just like the skin on your face,” warns Anabel. “While this can lead to short-term effects of discomfort, flaking and peeling, repeatedly causing sun exposure to your head may result in serious changes on a cellular level, such as skin cancer.” If you’re concerned, Anabel recommends seeing a board-certified dermatologist, who will examine your scalp and determine whether you need to be tested for skin cancer or if something else may be causing the itch. “You can also use daily protective sprays containing PABA sunscreen to mitigate damage caused by the envrionment, such as the Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence,” she adds.

12. Iron deficiency

It’s well-known that an iron deficiency can impact hair growth but a lesser-known side effect is an itchy scalp. While the exact reason is currently unknown, low iron levels are thought to make the skin thinner, causing more water loss. “Hair is, physiologically, not an essential tissue so it is the first part of the body to be withheld from, and the last to benefit from what we eat,” says Anabel.