You’ve probably heard of dry shampoo unless you’ve lived under a rock. Dry shampoo is a water-free way to freshen up, remove oil, and fluff your hair between washings. Though dry shampoo has plenty of perks and benefits, a few cons (including itchy scalp) can come with frequent use, but luckily, there are ways to treat issues that pop up from using dry shampoo.
Itchy scalp from dry shampoo
Because dry shampoo disguises oil and dirt on your scalp, it can cause a buildup of that debris and the product itself. Itchy scalp is common when using too much dry shampoo, but you can treat it using products like clarifying shampoo or apple cider vinegar.
If you use dry shampoo regularly and have experienced product and dirt and oil buildup, this article will show you that an itchy scalp from dry shampoo is expected and how you can reduce it or be rid of it completely. Read on to find out more!
A Brief Guide to Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo has seen a surge in popularity primarily based on its convenience. These starch or alcohol-based products have sparked concerns among haircare experts, as though they’re a great way to achieve cleaner-looking hair, too much dry shampoo can lead to clogged follicles, breakage, or even hair shedding and loss.
Dry Shampoo and Your Scalp and Hair
Many consumers wonder if dry shampoo is terrible for their scalp and hair. In moderation, no, dry shampoo is not bad. Using dry shampoo occasionally is entirely safe for most people. However, using it too often or for an extended time can cause scalp problems and damage your hair.
First of all, dry shampoo doesn’t clean your hair. Instead, the starch or alcohol in the product absorbs the oil in your hair, making it less noticeable at the office or during a last-minute zoom meeting. Dry shampoo doesn’t remove grease or dirt like a good scrub with a high-quality shampoo and water can.
Second, too much dry shampoo usage can lead to hair breakage. Since aerosol hair products tend to contain alcohol, which we’ve already mentioned here, they can be very drying. When your hair becomes too dry, the fibers can crack and snag, which leads to breakage.
Third, overusing dry shampoo can clog up your hair follicles. If you use it every day or leave it in your hair for too long without washing it out, you’ll likely experience product buildup and dryness on your scalp. An accumulation of any styling product will inevitably make your scalp itch, leading to plenty of discomfort or folliculitis, a fungal or bacterial infection on the scalp.
Finally, washing your hair too infrequently can lead to scaly skin and dandruff on the scalp. No current studies state that dry shampoo directly leads to dandruff, but too much oil on the scalp can cause dandruff. If you leave the dry shampoo on for too many days, you leave the oil and buildup underneath it.
Oils on the scalp feed on a fungus strain called Malassezia, which can lead to extreme dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, which causes red, scaly conditions on the scalp. Overall, while a dry shampoo is great for certain occasions, too much usage is definitely going to lead you to an itchy scalp, whether it’s from skin infections or product buildup.
Treating an Itchy Scalp Due to Dry Shampoo
If you’re here, you’ve probably realized that your dry shampoo makes your scalp dryer and itchier than you’d like it to be. While washing more often is absolutely a great option, there are other ways to help the constant itch that comes with product buildup from dry shampoo.
Please note that if your dry shampoo over-usage has turned into a scalp infection, you must see your doctor for oral or topical antibiotics.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is notoriously antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, and it also has antifungal properties that can assist in reducing the itch caused by a dry scalp. To use it, you can try diluting apple cider vinegar in warm water (equal parts) and use it as a rinse after you shampoo.
Organic Coconut Oil
Naturally extracted from mature coconuts, organic coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is a saturated fat with antimicrobial properties. Lauric acid also helps the skin to absorb coconut oil, which makes it a soothing and naturally moisturizing treatment for the occasional itchy scalp. Coconut oil can be helpful for itchy scalps due to conditions like eczema and product buildup.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil could be quite effective in reducing dandruff and soothing itchy scalps due to product buildup. Try purchasing organic peppermint oil at your local supermarket or health food store, and mix it with another oil, such as olive oil or fractionated coconut oil.
Once you’ve diluted a few drops, you can massage it into your scalp and let it rest for 10 minutes before shampooing. This method can be super helpful in reducing the itchiness that comes with using too much dry shampoo.
Clarifying Shampoo
A reputable clarifying shampoo is a solid choice for removing buildup and itch from hair care products. Almost every shampoo and conditioner brand offers a clarifier in the product lineup, as they’re fantastic for removing products and bacteria on the scalp, including hard water and chlorine deposits.
Clarifying shampoos will thoroughly reduce all debris left from styling while locking in moisture and balancing the pH of your scalp. A clarifying shampoo is essential to your hair care routine if you use dry shampoo often and go a while between washes.
Not only will it completely balance your scalp and hair, but it can prevent the buildup, itch, and potential dandruff that can result from excessive dry shampoo use. Regardless of your dry shampoo situation, adding a clarifying shampoo is a good idea for most people.
Dandruff Shampoo
If the itchy scalp your experiencing is from dandruff and not too much product buildup (or maybe a little of both), you can try using a dandruff shampoo like Selsun Blue or Head and Shoulders. These products contain zinc pyrithione, which helps combat the constant itching and flaking of dandruff.
The Scalp Itch Takeaway
Scalp itch is a common complaint in many doctor and dermatologist offices across the globe. It can have multiple causes, and you can usually treat it at home, depending on the severity of your symptoms. If you’ve tried over-the-counter and home remedies to no avail, you’ll want to see a doctor as soon as possible, as a bacterial or fungal infection could be the cause.
Dry Shampoo and Itchy Scalp
There’s a good chance that the dry scalp you’re experiencing could come from an overabundance of dry shampoo in your hair care process. Dry shampoo is one of those things that, though convenient, you must use in moderation, a bit like fast food! But, an itchy scalp can also be because of some other factors. That’s why below I put a video from a dermatologist who is happy to tell you all about a dry/itchy/flakey scalp (why it happens and how you can treat it).
Dry shampoo is a genius invention that saves time in households worldwide, but it’s so essential to the health of your scalp to use it in moderation. Always consult your doctor or dermatologist when any new skin condition pops up or before using a home remedy.