Are you finding your scalp itchy since ditching your sulphate shampoo.
Sulfates strip your scalp of its natural sebum making your scalp overproduce sebum. When you ditch your sulphate shampoo and use something less harsh on your hair it may take some time for your scalp to transition.
This could show itself in oily scalps, dry scalps, itchy scalps.
There are a few different reason as to why your scalp could be itchy though.
- Product building up on your scalp: When you are cleansing your hair and scalp, I recommend using a scalp brush. This will help to remove and build up of skin, oil, dirt and products. Try keeping your styling products off your scalp.
- Dandruff: You may have uncovered an underlying scalp issue now you’re using nicer products. Dry scalps can be caused from bacteria or fungus growing on your scalp called malassezia. The first treatment I would try is your apple cider vinegar rinse. It has anti fugal and anti bacterial properties. Try doing this a couple of times a week to see if it helps.
- You may have a reaction to the ingredients in your products. There are two ingredients well known for making scalps itchy and are commonly used in hair care products. They are called methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone. Also known as the “itchy M’s)
- Irregular washing of your hair can create an itchy scalp as oils will build up.
- Tying hair up wet or sleeping with wet hair. This creates the perfect environment for bacteria and fungus.
It is important to determine the difference between dry scalp and dandruff as they are treated differently.
- Dry scalps will be flaky and dusty. Will generally have tiny white scalp particles falling all over your shoulders onto your beautiful black outfit. This will need to be treated with rubbing some oil on your scalp before washing. Jojoba oil is a great one. This will help to protect your scalps moisture content when you are washing your hair. Try not to wash your hair as often, this is perfect when switching to the curly girl method as leaving a week to 10 days between washes is recommended, especially when your hair is on the dryer side.
- Dandruff is caused from bacteria or fungal growths. It can seem a little oilier or bigger chunks of skin. This is when you would use your ACV rinse a couple of times a week and search for a curly girl approved clarifying shampoo. You want to remove that oil so you don’t give bacteria and fungus the perfect playground to grow in.
If you want some guidance on what clarifying shampoos wont dry your hair out. Look for ingredients like cocamidopropyl betaine instead of ingredients like sodium laurylth/lauryl sulfate. This way you will still get a good cleanse without the harsh sulphates.
Curl Smith wash and scrub detox or Bounce curl gently clarifying shampoo are good ones to try out if you’re on the hunt for a clarifying shampoo.
Just remember to keep clarifying to once every 2-4 weeks.