Guide To An Itchy Scalp In Winter
After trying out several home remedies for dandruff and itchy scalp, are your problems still the same? We can imagine how terrified of winters you might have become! Those dry scalp scratches, white flaky dandruff, and the dryness of your hair are not something to look forward to. Winters can be very tough on your scalp and the dryness coupled with a few other things can really cause an unbearably itchy scalp.
Worry not, its not a problem that you are suffering from alone. Itchy scalp is often a symptom of dandruff. Statistically, about 50% of the population of the world goes through this problem daily. But that does not mean that there is no itchy scalp remedy out there.
During winters, if something bothers and irritates your head constantly, you can be sure that the itchy scalp is the one behind it. It has one job, and that is to make you scratch your head all the time, causing discomfort and finally ruining your day.
What Is Dry Itchy Scalp?
The skin on your head turns out to become flaky when it lacks moisture, which eventually makes your scalp dry and itchy. It can also be caused when you are exposed to cold or dry air.
At times, the itchy scalp comes with signs that are visible to our naked eyes. For example, your skin turns scaly or flaky. However, the other times, your scalp can be itchy even when there are no visible signs.
Causes & Symptoms Of An Itchy Scalp In Winter
One of the major reasons why your scalp itches in winter is because of dandruff. But apart from that, seborrheic dermatitis - an inflammatory skin condition, also plays a serious role in making your head itchy in winter. This condition could be a result of stress, pressure, overgrowth of yeast on the skin, change of seasons or change in hormones.
Some common symptoms of itchy scalp are,
- Bald patches
- Dry skin
- Irritated skin
- Pus-filled sores
- Redness
- Scales or patches on the scalp
- Scalp swelling
In this blog, we will be discussing some home remedies as well as some tips for you to avoid itchy scalp in winters.
Home Remedies For Itchy Scalp In Winter:
Here's the list of some home remedies that can help you wave goodbye to itchy scalp in winter!
1. Argan Oil:
Using argan oil for your hair is definitely a good choice without a doubt, as it is rich in antioxidants. It is also great for conditioning your hair as it calms the dry scalp, preventing itch. Apart from that, it smells really good and does a good job in moisturizing the dry skin.
The Steps:
You can start the process by applying a few drops on your palms. Then massage your head for about 10 minutes as this will boost the blood circulation on your head. After massaging, leave it on your head for 10 minutes.
And then the last step - rinse your hair well and get ready to flaunt it.
Also, repeat this process weekly if the condition is severe.
However, for a better result, you can try the Head & Shoulders Supreme Scalp Rejuvenation Shampoo with the argan oil and aloe vera variant.
2. Lemon Juice:
Lemon is rich in antiseptic properties, which can help you put an end to itchy scalp. It also contains Vitamin C and B. The Vitamin C has strong antioxidant properties that strengthen the hair follicles and repair the damaged skin cells, whereas the Vitamin B plays an important role in improving the skin conditions on your scalp.
The Steps:
Firstly, spray some fresh lemon juice on your scalp. If your problem is not very serious, you can dilute it with water. Now leave it on your head for 5-10 minutes and then wash your hair.
While you try this method, also try the Head & Shoulders Lemon Fresh Shampoo, and bid adieu to itchy scalp.
3. Neem Leaf Hair Pack:
When compared to all the other home-made masks, this is the best one you can choose to cure your itchy scalp. So, what's the wait for? See how you can do it!
The Steps:
Collect around 40 neem leaves, add it to boiling water and then leave it overnight. After you are done, grind the leaves until it becomes a paste. Finally, apply this hair pack on your head for half an hour and rinse your hair.
4. Aloe Vera:
The anti-microbial and soothing properties of aloe vera can help you escape from itchy scalp in winter. Also, if you wish for smooth, soft and dandruff-free hair, this natural moisturizer is the one you can blindly trust upon.
The Steps:
Apply the organic aloe vera gel to your scalp, leave it for about 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse it with water - lukewarm water. To witness better results, repeat this process twice a week.
Hair Wash Routine To Follow In Winter
What if we told you about a great, hassle-free, and easy to follow itchy scalp treatment is actually your hair wash routine? Yes, you head it right, a correct hair wash routine can go a long way to help you relieve your scalp irritation.
Read on to find out some things to take care of about your hair wash routine so you don’t get itchy scalp.
1. Choose a moisturizing anti-dandruff shampoo
To relieve yourself of the itchy scalp you must use a moisturizing anti-dandruff shampoo, especially in winters. You can opt for the Head & Shoulders 2in1 Range. It has benefits of both shampoo & conditioner in one product. The 2in1 Range will not only keep your hair moisturized but protect your hair from dandruff-causing germs that cause the itchy scalp with active ingredients like zinc pyrithione.
2. Wash frequently
Usually, people wash their hair less frequently during winters. This results in recurring dandruff and scalp irritation. One must wash their hair at least thrice a week to keep dandruff and itchy scalp in check during winters.
3. Avoid hot water
We know winter calls for hot steamy showers. While this may feel good, it can strip your hair & skin of essential moisture. It is important to not use excessive hot water. Lukewarm to cold water does the trick well to keep your scalp & hair moisturized and to lock in that moisture.
4. Massage hair well
It is important to clean and massage your scalp well during every hair wash as it helps in blood circulation and keeps your hair clean & well washed.
Lifestyle Tips To Follow In Winter:
1. Meditation: We know that almost all of you are too lazy to meditate. It’s okay, it is quite common. But did you know meditation can have a lot of good effects when it comes to dealing with the problem of itchy scalp? Well, now you do!
Along with all the other factors, stress too plays a prominent role in causing itchy scalp, and in order to avoid stress, you need to meditate. Meditation helps you lower your stress, pressure and anxiety, which in turn helps you have a scalp that's free of itch.
So be ready with your meditation mats and vanish the itch away from your head.
2. Follow a Proper Diet:
Another method of getting rid of itchy scalp is following a healthy diet. When we say, "a healthy diet", we mean a diet that includes Vitamin B, zinc, and omega 3, as they are high in nutrients, mainly for your hair and skin.
If you are thinking of what foods you should be having precisely, the best sources of these nutrients are vegetables, eggs, fish, raw salads, bananas, and spinach.
Relish eating them and get rid of itchy scalp!
3. Don't Stress:
Along with the other factors mentioned above, stress too plays a major role in exacerbating the condition of itch on your head. Even though it is a serious issue, people have not realized what stress, pressure and anxiety are capable of when it comes to the problem of itchy scalp.
The only way you can beat the stress is by engaging in some healthy activities. It could be exercising, having a healthy diet, playing your favourite sport etc.
Also, you can stick to doing something that you love. For instance, watching your favourite movie, conversing with your friends, and more. These activities can relax your mind, which in turn reduces stress.
And when there is no stress, there can be no itchy scalp either.
4. Use a Humidifier –
Winters can result in low humidity. While low humidity can affect your skin & health, it can also affect your scalp. It is essential to keep your scalp moisturized during winters. You can do this by using a humidifier as it would avoid your scalp from drying out.
5. Use Scarves and Hats –
It is always important to keep all winter wear clean and washed for hygienic scalp health. One must also ensure that the hats are of breathable material so that there is more than enough space for air to flow otherwise it can get stuffy for the scalp.
6. Medicated Scalp Creams –
You can use some itchy scalp solutions like the medicated scalp creams that fight dryness and dandruff on your scalp, one of the most common causes of itchy scalp. Some medications that might work include antifungal creams, keratolytic like salicylic acid or coal tar, zinc pyrithione, topical steroids and more.
Which Hair Products To Use For An Itchy Scalp In Winter?
We can understand that in today’s day and age sitting down and doing extensive home remedies or medicinal hair and scalp treatments can get very tedious, time and energy consuming. Besides, medical or home itchy scalp treatments can have some side effects on some people who may be allergic to the processes or the ingredients.
Picking shampoos and other hair and scalp cleansing that have certain ingredients like salicylic acid, selenium sulphide, zinc pyrithione, coal tar. These ingredients reduce the yeast that is responsible for causing dandruff and extremely itchy scalp, Malassezia.
Head & Shoulders, being World’s No.1 Shampoo leads the way for all anti-dandruff shampoos. It also has all these ingredients as well as the dual benefits of shampoo and conditioner in a single bottle. The 2-in-1 range of Head & Shoulders is the perfect blend of shampoo and conditioner in one, giving the optimal solution for itchy scalp and dandruff-ridden scalp.
So, what are you waiting for? The perfect itchy scalp solution is yours for the taking! Head over to your nearest provision store and choose from three cool variants, Active Protect, Silky Smooth and Cool Menthol.
