6 Reasons: Why You May Have Itchy & Inflamed Scalp

Have you ever thought "this style came out so cute, but my scalp itches really bad"? Or does your scalp itch or burn right after wash day? If you can relate, then this blog is for you. Having the best hair results for your go-to or newest hair style is exciting. However, when your scalp is itchy and inflamed, it can lower your confidence and make you feel uncomfortable in public places due to constant scratching. The causes of itchy and inflamed scalp are countless, but each cause has a solution. Some causes have easy fixes, while others require consistency, regimen adjustments, and sometimes a trip to your doctor. The good news is, The Kurldom has comprised a list of causes that might help you identify the reason behind your itchy/inflamed scalp. The causes listed are common; therefore, relying solely on this blog may not solve your scalp problems. Consulting your dermatologists is always your safest bet, in the meantime, we do hope this article unearth possible culprits for you.

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• Hydration and Moisture Loss
• Product Build-up
• Allergies to products/ingredients
• Stress
• Poor Diet
• Cleaning your hair accessories incorrectly

Hydration and Moisture Loss

 A hydrated and moisturized scalp is just as important as having hydrated and moisturized hair. It is also important to know the difference between hydration and moisture. Hydration makes the hair more receptive to absorbing moisture, while moisture prevents water loss by forming a barrier/coating over the hair stands. Most naturals skip this step in their haircare regimen because they do not know this step exists. Hydrating your scalp first makes it receptive to moisture. Of course it is also recommended that you drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Moisturizing your scalp with products that contain nourishing, strengthening, and stimulating ingredients is key to retaining scalp health. 

Product Build-Up

Build-up is inevitable because we layer products, sweat, shampoo infrequently, and experience the elements. However, not all build-up is considered normal. Product build-up can occur from using high comedogenic (pore clogging) ingredients. Clogged pores can lead to scalp acne, sores, inflammation, and eventually hair loss if left undetected over a period of time. Also, not rinsing your "rinse-out" products properly can leave behind sticky residues that  creams, oils, or butters will pile on top of. Your own natural oils can also cause build-up on your scalp. A oily/waxy substance called sebum that secretes from the sebaceous glands located in your scalp and on your face. Sebum is known for coating your hair and keeping the strands from becoming brittle and breaking off. However, some people have excess sebum that builds up and does not travel down the hair strands.

 Allergies to Products/Ingredients

Midway through the 10's-decade, coconut oil was the trending hair oil in the natural hair community. Considered as the "best detangling oil" many naturals used the oil during their pre-poo process, deep conditioning, and hot oil treatments. Unfortunately, some people began to experience burning, acne, rashes, and soreness. This was because they had a coconut allergy and was unaware. All products and ingredients should be patch tested prior to shellacking it all over your hair and body. Before buying the latest hair craze, research the ingredients and read reviews. Some products can contain carcinogens and other toxic chemicals that can harm your reproductive system. Also, if you have ever wondered why your face, neck, and back are breaking out, it could be due to the products you are putting into your hair. What goes in your hair can easily be transferred to your body.  Shameless plug, The Kurldom's favorite product for scalp relief is our Lavender & Cucumber Scalp Serum. Formulated without parabens, sulfates, and toxic chemicals. However, it is formulated with cucumber extract to hydrate your scalp, and rosemary essential oil to relieve inflammation and itchy scalp. 

Stress

 If you have experienced hair loss or plateaued during a stressful period in your life, this next factor may not be surprising to you. It is very possible that stress can cause itchy scalp. According to Leon et al., (2019) stress can aggravate the scalp, which causes your body to release chemicals that trigger your central nervous system. Stress can also promote the transition from anagen (rapid growth) to catagen (regression).

Poor Diet

 One of The Kurldom's favorite topics is healthy eating. Although we are not nutritionists and cannot suggest that you throw away every unhealthy item in your kitchen, we do hope that you begin incorporating foods that promote overall wellness. Consuming salty foods can dehydrate the body. In our previous blog, 6 Tips: To Achieve and Maintain A Healthy Scalp, we mentioned that a dehydrated body cannot feed the scalp, which can lead to dry and flaky scalp. The CDC says that eating a lot of salty foods can cause high blood pressure and studies suggest that hypertension correlates with hair loss. Researchers have also conducted studies that show women under the age of 50 are losing their hair due to poor eating habits.

Cleaning Your Hair Accessories Incorrectly

How do you clean your bonnets, scarves, or satin pillowcases? If you throw them in the washer and dryer with your clothes, this could be an issue. If you have sensitive skin, you probably wash your clothes with detergents made specifically for sensitive skin. Your scalp is also very sensitive; therefore, using detergents that you use on your clothes may cause allergic reactions such as rashes, inflammation, and yes, itchiness. Switch to a safer alternative such a handwashing thoroughly with your cleansing shampoo. The K.E.O recommends using Dr. Bronner's Baby Castile Soap because it gets rid of the dirt and oil and contains non-toxic ingredients. You can also clean your satin scrunchies, combs, and brushes using this same method.

 If you have noticed, we did not mention solutions to all of the culprits. That is because we have an article to help you achieve and maintain a healthy scalp. If you try any regimen changes and your problems persist, please visit your dermatologists. If you were able to identify what the culprit was, GREAT! Share this article with friends and family that may be experiencing scalp issues so they too can have a healthier scalp. We would love to read your thoughts or concerns about this blog. If you have any additional questions, we are happy to help, just leave us a comment or email us at info@kulturedkurlz.com