Has your scalp become noticeably itchy over the past few weeks? Dealing with an itchy scalp can be a difficult, and sometimes scary experience for anyone.
Some of our clients have told us that they experience an itching scalp before hair loss occurs. However, don’t despair over your natural hair yet. Read on to learn five at-home solutions for safely treating an irritated scalp!
Give Your Scalp A Break
First things first, make sure to always take off your wig at night! Your scalp needs a chance to breathe. And if your scalp is looking particularly irritated or flaky, try to schedule a few wig-less days to help your skin recover. Regardless of whether my scalp is itchy, during the dryness of the winter season
I always try to regularly apply a highly effective balm or spray like Scalpicin, zinc lotion, or organic witch hazel to help speed up the healing process, prevent infections, and remove any oil buildup! We recommend consulting with your doctor before using topical treatments on an irritated scalp.
Check for Dandruff
Dandruff and related skin conditions can happen regardless of whether you wear a wig. Make sure to thoroughly check your hair for these tell-tale symptoms:
● Visible dandruff near the roots of your natural hair or on the scalp.
● A red, scaly scalp.
● Oily hair. This is what differentiates dandruff from just a dry scalp—dandruff typically results from over-moisturized hair!
Dandruff generally goes away on its own, but for wig wearers, the healing process may take a little longer. Make sure to thoroughly rinse your natural hair (and wig) after any shampooing and conditioning, and consistently use a dandruff shampoo for a week or two and see if the itchiness clears up!
Find a High Quality Wig (And Take Care Of It)
As the saying goes, you get what you pay for! Cheaper wigs are great for one-and-done usage, but if you’re planning on using a wig for the long-term, you’ll want to invest in a well-made, well-reviewed wig. And even then, make sure to practice proper wig maintenance techniques—even a well-made wig can become uncomfortable if it’s not routinely combed and conditioned. Always make sure to check for (and remove) loose hairs at the base of your wig.
Also, if you use a synthetic wig, you may want to try a human hair wig instead. You could be allergic to some of the properties in synthetic wigs. On the same note, some of our clients have found that they find synthetic hair more comfortable and longer-lasting. Experiment and find out what works best for you!
Try a Wig Cap
While basic cap - or capless - wigs are generally considered more breathable, if your regular wig doesn’t have a cap, you may want to try one! Despite your past experience, your skin may have become more sensitive. Some of our clients have gone years using capless wigs, only to suddenly experience scalp itching. Also consider using a cotton wig liner—all wigs can become a little uncomfortable in heat, and a comfortable cotton liner can help absorb any perspiration.
Avoid Hair Coloring
Do you wear wigs, but love playing with your natural hair color? More than a few of our clients have reported experiencing an itchy scalp after hair coloring or bleaching alone—so immediately adding a wig into the mix can be a recipe for disaster. If you want to color your natural hair and still wear wigs, make sure to massage your scalp with warmed coconut oil after the color treatment. Leave in the oil for a few hours to help soothe your skin—your irritated scalp will thank you for it!
What is your go-to solution for an itchy scalp? Let us in on your secret in the comments!
