If you are looking for beauty products to incorporate into your wash day regimen, take a look at these recommendations that will help keep your dry itchy scalp under control. While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my favorites list, which is now sensitive scalp friendly!
Pure Aloe
I recommend aloe for anyone that has scalp issues because of it’s great healing properties. Aloe vera contains proteolytic enzymes that repair dead skin cells on the scalp. It can help prevent dryness and flaking, itching, and even reduces dandruff. Pure aloe vera gel straight from the plant is best, and I recommend applying it directly to your scalp as a pre-poo treatment on wash day. Need a tutorial on this process? Let me know in the comments!
Adwoa Beauty Baomint Moisturizing Shampoo
The Adwoa Beauty Baomint Moisturizing Shampoo is a treat for anyone that has a dry itchy scalp. All of the ingredients in this cleanser are amazing, but I can definitely feel the peppermint and menthol working together to treat and soothe scalp irritation. Aloe (which is the second ingredient) also aids in reducing build up on the scalp, balances scalp pH, and has amazing healing properties.
Their website says that the benefits are cooling mint and scalp stimulation and they were not kidding. This shampoo is great– just don’t forget to pair it with a moisturizing conditioner afterwards. I also want to point out that this is a Black owned brand that just made it’s way onto the shelves at Sephora (yaay!) and they are all natural and cruelty free! Their claims: no sulfates, no parabens, no mineral oils, no petroleum, no phthalates, no synthetic colors, no dea, no drying alcohols, no propylene glycol and no silicones. vegan + cruelty-free.
Take a look at their clean ingredients list: water (aqua), *aloe barbadensis leaf juice, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium cocoyl isethionate, lauryl glucoside, sodium lauroyl lactylate, +glycerin, *adansonia digitata (baobab) oil, ricinus communis (jamaican black castor) seed oil, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, phthalates free fragrance, gaultheria procumbens (wintergreen) oil, *mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, mentha viridis (spearmint) leaf oil, hydroxyethylcellulose, polyquaternium-10, dehydroacetic acid, benzyl alcohol, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, opuntia ficus indica (prickly pear) seed oil, *cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed oil, *lavandula (lavender) spica oil, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf oil, menthol, urtica dioica (nettle) extract, citric acid.
Design Essentials Peppermint and Aloe Anti-Itch Shampoo
This shampoo was made to control scalp flaking and itching. I purchased this shampoo when I installed starter locs in my hair because the itching was INTENSE. Although I didn’t follow through with locking my hair, my scalp is still super sensitive and after about a week (if I make it that far) I’m in need of some serious relief from the itch and irritation. I will warn you, this product DOES contain sulfates, so if this is a NO GO for you, you’ll want to stay away. I try to save this product for emergencies only for this reason, but the tingle and refreshing feeling that I get every time I do is almost worth the splurge. I swear every time I use this shampoo, my scalp feels calm and refreshed for days long after wash day.
Nourishing scalp oils
It may seem like a backwards concept to put oils on your scalp because it could add to scalp buildup. I challenge you however, to do your research on natural remedies and ingredients that could help keep dryness, irritation (and even dandruff) at bay. My favorites essential oils for dry scalp are lavender oil, tea tree oil, and rosemary oil. Keep in mind, these oils have to be diluted with a carrier oil.
In May of 2020, I created Nourish, with my own scalp needs in mind. I was having the hardest time finding an oil that helped with my dry scalp, but didn’t weigh my hair down, make me feel super oily, or give me headaches. I selected sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, rosehip seed oil, lavender oil, and dried chamomile flowers for my all-star ingredients list. It’s perfect for dry cuticles, skin, and you guessed it- dry scalp! On a recent Instagram post, customer Kayla H. writes:
“I can’t brag enough about this oil. I use it on my face, nails, and most important my scalp. I have such a hard time with my dry scalp and this is the only product that truly helps! Takes away all the flakes and itchiness.”
Nourish is available for purchase on My Evolution store.
Scalp Massagers
I shared an IG post about the scalp massager that I purchased from Amazon, that has been a game changer for my wash routine. This gentle tool feels amazing on the scalp and the soft, silicone bristles really work magic on itchy spots.
What are your go to products for a dry itchy scalp?
