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An itchy scalp can drive you crazy and leave white flakes on your clothes and skin. Skin and hair care experts are convinced that using the best shampoo can give you the help you need to reduce your itchy scalp. My own experience shows that the most important point in this is to choose the right shampoo that will suit you. In this article, we’ve collected tips and tricks on how to choose a shampoo and an overview of different types of shampoos that are safe for children and adults.
Best Shampoo For Itchy Scalp: Buyer’s Guide
How to choose shampoo for itchy scalp?
The best itchy scalp shampoos usually provide deep cleansing. They can help balance the skin’s pH, fight dandruff and sebum production, and provide antioxidant protection. Some shampoos for itchy scalp contain antifungal agents such as selenium sulfide and sulfur, which can help fight fungal infections.
The best shampoos for itchy scalp can help soothe any sensitivity, remove impurities, and fight dandruff. Try to avoid any shampoo with ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which can irritate the scalp and dry hair. Instead, look to tea tree oil, oatmeal, and zinc pyrithione, an anti-dandruff ingredient.
Is There a “Right Way” to Use Anti-Itch Shampoo?
When you buy any new shampoo, you should read the directions to see what the manufacturer recommends in terms of use. Most shampoos do not require any special instructions, but they will ask that you apply an amount roughly the same size as a dime or a quarter. You should run that shampoo through your head and use your fingers to rub it into your scalp. It’s often helpful to wait two to three minutes for the product to work before you rinse it away. If you use a conditioner, you can apply it after rinsing and let it sit on your scalp for several minutes.
What are Some of the Benefits of a Tea Tree Oil Shampoo?
You might notice that many of the top shampoos for those with an itchy scalp are products that contain tea tree oil. Not only is tea tree oil a natural ingredient, but it has a number of benefits that can help when it comes to an itchy or painful scalp. This oil has healing properties that can treat the underlying reasons for your itching. It does a good job of reducing inflammation and can remove debris from your pores.
How Long Does it Take to See Results?
There really isn’t a one size fits all answer to this question because it depends on the cause of your itchy scalp and the type of hair that you have. While some people notice results just one time after using a new shampoo, others may not see any improvements until they shampoo their hair three or four times. If you choose a clinical product, it may take even longer because the formula needs more time to get deep into your scalp and heal it.
Tips for Treating an Itchy Scalp
| Shampoo Less | Though you might think that you need to shower every day, my hairstylist’s experience is that it can actually strip your body of the natural oils that it produces. When you strip the oils from your hair and scalp, you risk developing dandruff and seeing dead skin cells and other debris flaking off your head. Even if you must shower every day, you should avoid washing your hair each time that you step in the tub. You really only need to wash your hair once every three days or so. Some people can get by washing their hair even less. |
| Avoid Hair Products | Depending on your age, you might remember teasing your hair and adding enough hairspray that you could smell that product all over your home. While hair product formulas changed quite a bit since the 1970s and 1980s, the products that you use today can still clog your pores. Clogged pores are one of the leading causes of dandruff, but this is something that you can control. You can simply change the number of products that you use and use less of those items every day. This includes both hairspray and gel and any specialty products designed for curly or straight hair. |
| Change Your Diet | You might not think twice about your diet when dealing with an itchy scalp, but some of the foods that you eat can cause an increase in your symptoms. Processed foods are among the worst things that you can eat. This includes those trips to the fast-food restaurant on the way home from work and the sugary snacks that you grab between meals. Alcohol and gluten can make your scalp itch too. Even if you do not have a gluten intolerance, you may want to cut back on the amount of gluten that you eat. Some people experience an itchy scalp because they eat a lot of sugary and high-calorie foods too. |
| Use the Right Products | The best way to reduce the itchiness you feel on your scalp is with the right products. You really need to pick a good shampoo and use it as often as the manufacturer recommends. While some products are safe to use on your and your children’s scalps on a daily basis, others are a little harsher and are only safe for using a few times a week. You may want to use a combo set that includes both a shampoo and a matching conditioner too. |
FAQ
What Causes an Itchy Scalp?
The most common reason why your scalp itches are because you suffer from dandruff. Dandruff can occur because you have a dry scalp, which allows the oils produced to build upon your head. Those oils become large white flakes that you might see in your hair or on your clothing. Dandruff can also make the parts of your scalp that you see look inflamed or red.
Are There Other Reasons Why Your Scalp Might Itch?
Dandruff is far from the only cause of your itchy scalp. You might notice some itching because of an allergic reaction to a product that you recently used. If the itching comes on quite suddenly, you should look at whether you used any new products in the past. A build-up of sweat and debris can also make your scalp itch. This is common among those who wash their hair less frequently and those who go without bathing for several days. It’s also possible that your scalp might itch because you need to change your sheet or pillowcase.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Most of the more common reasons why your scalp itches are conditions that you can treat at home. You can try using any of the best shampoos for itchy scalp relief before deciding whether to talk to your doctor. If you experience any other symptoms with your itchy scalp, including inflammation that causes pain or itching that lasts for weeks or longer, you should talk to your doctor. A dermatologist might recommend that you use a prescription shampoo or that you make some lifestyle changes.
What is Cradle Cap?
Cradle cap is a type of medical condition that infants can develop. It often occurs because of the condition called dermatitis. Dermatitis occurs when the scalp is either too dry or too oily. Skin cells can build up on the surface of the scalp and turn a yellowish color. Infants and babies can develop a rash that is yellow in color and crusty or dry to the touch, which is a cradle cap.
Can You Use an Anti-Itch Shampoo if You Dye Your Hair?
Color-treated hair requires some general maintenance and upkeep. If you use the wrong products, you risk stripping that color from your hair or finding that the color fades faster than it should. Before you use any anti-dandruff or anti-itch shampoo, you should make sure that it’s safe to use on color-treated hair. Products that contain chemicals generally aren’t safe for use on that type of hair.
1. Amplixin Scalp Therapy Shampoo – Best All-Around Shampoo
Amplixin Scalp Therapy Shampoo - Dry, Itchy Scalp Treatment With Tea Tree Oil For Men and Women - Anti Dandruff, Psoriasis and Seborrheic Dermatitis Prevention Formula - No Sulfates or Parabens, 8oz
- Flaky Scalp Treatment - Specifically formulated with Tea Tree & Peppermint Oil to help treat dry, flaky scalp back to health.
- Ampligro Complex - Dry scalp can cause hair loss - our proprietary combination of Red Clover, Bio-Mimetic Peptides and Caffeine...
- Perfect For All Hair Types - Unlike other scalp treatment products, our shampoo can be used by everyone in the family and is safe...
Amplixin offers a Scalp Therapy Shampoo that offers some relief for those with dry and/or itchy scalp. Your scalp might itch because of the natural oils that your body produces or because you take too many showers. This shampoo is one of the only on the market that will work on all hair types, which makes it the best all-around shampoo.
Natural Ingredients
This formula uses natural ingredients that can soothe itchy scalps and get rid of dandruff. That formula features active DHT blockers that actually reduce some of the environmental damage to your skin and hair. It does not contain any of the sulfates or other ingredients that can worsen your itching. The company doesn’t test on animals and makes a cruelty-free shampoo too.
High Cost
The biggest issue that you might have with this scalp shampoo is its high cost. It costs significantly more than most other shampoos do. You may find that it doesn’t work for your specific needs and that it actually makes your dandruff worse.
Solid Ingredients
Made from a combination of ingredients that include caffeine and red clover, this shampoo may help with both itching and hair loss. The itching that you experience can occur because of medical conditions that lead to hair loss. When you use this shampoo regularly, you may notice a significant reduction in the amount of hair that you lose.
Made in America
This is one of the only shampoos for an itchy scalp made in the United States. The manufacturer actually works in an FDA facility and uses ingredients that it researched and found were the best for those with an itchy scalp. It uses a combination of both tea tree and peppermint oils to make your scalp tingle, which lets you know it’s working.
Pros
- Treats both hair loss and itchy scalps
- Uses caffeine and natural ingredients such as peppermint oil
- Suitable for all types of hair
- Reduces inflammation and redness on the scalp
- Comes in an easy to use pump dispenser
Cons
- May not work right for you
- High cost
2. Baebody Tea Tree Oil Shampoo – Best Tea Tree Formula
Baebody Tea Tree Oil Shampoo for Dandruff, Dry Hair & Itchy Scalp, 16 Ounces
- TEA TREE OIL SHAMPOO: This Tea Tree Oil Shampoo helps rid hair & scalp of impurities & restores natural luster. If you 've got...
- CLEANSE & MOISTURIZE: Tea Tree Oil is nature's calming & healing agent, known for its cleaning properties. It's an essential oil...
- BAEBODY: Our whole-body approach builds a bridge between inner & outer beauty and wellness – we’ve got your hair, skin, body &...
People all around the world have used tea tree oil for years, but this Baebody shampoo is the best shampoo for itchy scalp relief uses tea tree oil. This simple oil has healing properties that can help you combat the inflammation and swelling on your scalp, which might lead to a reduction in the itching that you feel. That oil makes the formula safe for use on all types of hair.
Blend of Ingredients
Tea tree oil is one of the main ingredients in this formula, but that oil is far from the only ingredient used in this shampoo. It also features other types of oils, including avocado and coconut oils. These oils give the shampoo a silky feel that will transfer over onto your own hair. Those ingredients work together to soothe an itchy scalp and make hair feel silkier and softer.
Easy and Convenient
Though other shampoos come in small standard bottles, this one comes in a 16-ounce bottle with a pump dispenser on the top. Its larger size provides you with enough shampoo for months of use, even if you share it with others in your household. The pump dispenser rotates to lock the lid down for transport and to open it when you need some shampoo.
Unpleasant Smell
One of the biggest issues with this shampoo is that it has a harsh smell that can actually linger and stick to your hair. Some think it has an artificial smell, but others think it smells slightly medicinal. Though it does use quite a bit of tea tree oil, most users found that they could not detect the odor of that oil in this shampoo.
Tingling Treatment
When you use this shampoo, you will know it works because of the tingling sensation that it creates on your scalp. That tingling occurs because of the tea tree oil used in the formula, which will also treat inflammation and can reduce some of the pain that you feel too. This shampoo comes from a company based in the United States that does not test its products on animals.
Pros
- Large 16-ounce bottle with a pump dispenser
- Uses tea tree, almond, coconut and other oils
- Made entirely in the United States
- Safe for use on any type of hair
- Can make hair feel softer and look shinier and silkier
Cons
- Unpleasant scent
- May be too large for your bathroom
3. CLn Healthy Scalp Shampoo – Best Clinical Formula
CLn Shampoo for Scalp Prone to Folliculitis, Dermatitis, Dandruff, Itchy and Flaky Scalp (8 oz)
- HIGH PERFORMANCE SHAMPOO: CLn Shampoo was physician-developed to effectively and thoroughly cleanse normal-to-oily hair and scalps...
- FLAKE-FREE HAIR: Formulated with salicylic acid and sodium hypochlorite, CLn Shampoo removes unwanted oils, dead skin cells and...
- FRAGRANCE FREE: CLn Shampoo leaves nothing behind but healthy-looking hair and scalps. It is fragrance-free, and contains no...
Getting a clinical shampoo to help with dandruff and itching once required a trip to the doctor for a prescription. CLn now lets you care for your hair at home with a clinical shampoo that you can buy over the counter without a doctor’s note. This shampoo went through testing both at the clinical level and by dermatologists before landing on the market.
For Medical Conditions
No matter what type of medical conditions you have, you might find some relief when you use this shampoo. The manufacturer claims that it works on those battling dermatitis and folliculitis, which occurs when you suffer from inflammation and irritation in your hair follicles. This product is safe to use on facial hair too and can help treat itchy beards.
Not for Daily Use
If you want a product that you can use every day, this isn’t the best choice for you. Its clinical formula is quite harsh and can dry out your skin when used regularly. You shouldn’t use it on your face or scalp more than three times a week.
Cleans Pores
One reason why this shampoo is so popular is that it cleans your pores at the same time that it cleans your hair. The formula gets deep into your pores to remove the environmental toxins that you pick up every day. It can also remove skin cells and other debris to soften your hair and make your skin look better.
Safe for Sensitive Skin
As this is one of the only hypoallergenic shampoos on the market, it’s safe for those with sensitive skin. It does not have any harsh chemicals that might irritate your skin or any artificial fragrances that can clog your pores. This is a clinical shampoo that might improve the look and texture of your beard and hair as it reduces your itching.
Pros
- Formula is free from artificial ingredients and fragrances
- Comes in a convenient eight-ounce size
- Cleans and removes debris from your pores
- Safe for use on both the skin and head
- Hypoallergenic formula is suitable for anyone with sensitive skin
Cons
- Very expensive
- Not suitable for daily use
4. Pure Tea Tree Oil Shampoo and Conditioner – Best Value Set
After Swim Shampoo and Conditioner Set - Chlorine Shampoo and Conditioner for Swimmers with Tea Tree and Rosemary Oil - Clarifying Shampoo for Hard Water Chlorine and Saltwater with Replenishing Oils
- For Kids and Adults - Protect your hair better after swimming with the help of our swimmers shampoo and conditioner set made with...
- Bye Bye Build Up - Get a deeper cleanse with our chlorine removal shampoo and swim conditioner duo that thoroughly removes build...
- Tea Tree Shampoo and Conditioner Set - Our chlorine shampoo for swimmers and beach bums is packed with nourishing tea tree oil...
With this set, you get both a bottle of shampoo and a separate bottle of conditioner. You can use each product on its own or use both together to get the maximum results of the formula. This set uses tea tree oil and has a pleasing scent that might last between shampoos. It can help reduce dandruff and itching.
Moisturizing Formula
While some people might claim that you should avoid moisture when you suffer from dandruff, adding more moisture to your scalp can actually reduce the appearance of those white flakes. This shampoo and conditioner set has a moisturizing formula that can hydrate your hair and scalp. That hydration might reduce the white flakes that you see on your hair and clothing.
Natural Help
The tea tree oil used in this shampoo can reduce the number of microbes and fungi found on the human scalp. You can pick up microbes and other environmental toxins every day that you step outside of your home. This formula uses both tea tree oil and rosemary oil to remove the flakes that make your scalp itch and to help your hair grow.
Possible Problems
As with other shampoos for itchy scalp relief, this product might not give you the results that you want. Some users found that it made this dandruff worse or that it caused their hair to feel dry. Some thought that it had a medicinal or chemical smell.
Convenient Size
As one of the smallest anti-itch shampoos on the market, this set weighs less than three ounces. Each bottle is perfect for tossing in your bag before your next work trip or vacation. You can use the shampoo and conditioner together or separately at home and on the go.
Pros
- Does not contain any parabens or sulfates
- Uses both tea tree and rosemary oils
- Can reduce dandruff and improve your hair’s texture
- Adds the extra moisture that your hair and scalp need
- Safe for everyday use
Cons
- Has a very strong smell
- May worsen your dandruff or make your hair feel dry
5. Children’s Flake Fight Shampoo – Best for Kids
Nourishing Kids Shampoo for Dry Scalp - Gentle Dry Scalp Care Shampoo for Kids with Cleansing Essential Oils for Kids - Clarifying Shampoo for Build Up and Dry Flaky Scalp with Tea Tree Oil for Hair
- Flake Fighter - Our kids and toddler shampoo hair build up remover helps tackle dry scalps to wash away flakes thanks to...
- Kids Formula - Go clean with our nutrient rich paraben and sulfate free shampoo for kids formulated with a scalp cleanser for...
- Kids Hair Products - Give your kids the the hair care they deserve with our deep cleansing shampoo build up buster for soft glossy...
Kids can suffer from the same itchy scalps that adults do, but they may not know how to communicate their issues with their parents. If you see your child constantly scratching his or her scalp or see white flakes on your child’s clothing, you should look for a shampoo designed for kids such as this one. It has a therapeutic formula that is just as safe as the cry-free formula that you already use.
Safe for Regular Use
Unlike other shampoos that are so harsh you’ll want to alternate them with other products, this formula is safe for daily use. Not only can you wash your child’s hair every day with this shampoo, but it’s so gentle that it will reduce some of the tears you usually see in the tub. You can also use this shampoo with any conditioner that you would like.
Nice Scent
Though the Flake Fight Shampoo uses only natural ingredients, it has a nice and light fragrance that both kids and their parents like. This formula uses lavender, which can soothe a fussy baby or child at bedtime. It also uses tea tree oil to heal irritated spots on your child’s scalp and to reduce itching.
Too Much Like Regular Shampoo
Some parents found that this formula functions too much like regular shampoo and not enough like an anti-dandruff shampoo. Though some noticed improvements in just two to four washes, others used an entire bottle without seeing any improvements.
Good Standards
As a parent, you want the best for your children, which is why you might want to try this shampoo. The company that makes it established its own standards for what each bottle should look like and what it must contain. Each bottle that it ships will meet or exceed those standards. You also get a 100% money-back guarantee that ensures you will get a full refund if you are not happy with the shampoo.
Pros
- Safe for daily use
- Gentle enough for babies and children of all ages
- Works on all types of hair
- Can reduce cradle cap
- Uses both tea tree oil and lavender
Cons
- May take multiple uses before you see any results
- Some parents did not see any improvements
Tips from a Pediatrician : How to Control a Kid’s Dandruff
Conclusion
An itchy scalp can wreak havoc on your personal and professional lives. No one wants to look twice at that gal or guy who constantly scratches his or her scalp. If you have white flakes from dandruff sticking to your clothing, you might lose out on job promotions at work and have clients hesitate to work with you. The best shampoos for itchy scalp relief use tea tree oil and other natural ingredients that will help you combat that itching. You might even feel a little more confident because the right shampoo cures your dandruff too.
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