Caring for oily, itchy scalp with dandruff or flakes

An oily, itchy scalp with persistent flakes can be frustrating, but you're not alone. This common condition is often linked to a variety of factors, from lifestyle habits to underlying medical conditions.

While issues like seborrheic dermatitis (a chronic form of eczema) or scalp psoriasis (an autoimmune disease) can be the cause, for many, the issue stems from a more simple imbalance. This can be due to an overproduction of natural scalp oils, a build-up of product residue, or simply using haircare products that are not suitable for your scalp type. Even a minor disruption to the scalp's delicate ecosystem can lead to itching and flaking.

Understanding the root causes—whether they are medical, environmental, or related to your routine—is the first step toward effective management and a healthier scalp.

Recognizing the Symptoms

An oily scalp and dandruff are often linked to a number of uncomfortable symptoms. Being able to recognize these signs is the first step toward finding a solution:

• Visible white or yellowish flakes

• Persistent itching

• Red, inflamed patches on the scalp

• Dandruff on eyebrows

• Hair fall or hair thinning

• Scalp or/and facial acne

Understanding the Causes of Scalp Imbalance

Dandruff and scalp itching are typically linked to one or more of the following factors:

• Excess Sebum Production: When the scalp's sebaceous glands produce too much oil, it can build up, clog hair follicles, and create an ideal environment for problems to develop.

• Microbial Overgrowth: The presence of the yeast called Malassezia is a common cause of dandruff. This yeast is naturally found on the scalp, but an overgrowth can aggravate skin cells and lead to flaking.

• Improper Washing Habits:

  • Not shampooing often enough can cause dead skin cells and oils to accumulate.

  • Over-shampooing can strip the scalp of its natural moisture, causing it to overcompensate by producing even more oil.

• External Irritants:

  • Over-brushing can create too much friction, leading to skin irritation and increased sebum production.

  • Head coverings can trap heat and moisture, which encourages microbial growth.

  • Excessive heat from styling tools or direct sunlight can also irritate the scalp.

  • Exposure to dust or dirt can contribute to clogged pores.

• Stress: High stress levels can disrupt your body's hormonal balance and worsen skin conditions.

Strategies for a Healthier Scalp

A Targeted Haircare Routine for Scalp Health

Tackling an oily, itchy scalp requires a holistic approach, starting with the products you use. Our haircare range is formulated with a powerful blend of botanicals and active ingredients to cleanse, soothe, and rebalance your scalp.

1: Cleanse with our Balancing Shampoo

Finding the right shampoo is crucial. You need one that can cleanse effectively without stripping your scalp of essential moisture. Our shampoo is designed for this purpose, with ingredients that work in synergy to restore balance.

• Seaweed Extract & Aloe Vera Gel: These natural soothers help to calm an irritated scalp and provide much-needed hydration.

• Green Tea & Chamomile: Known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, they help to reduce redness and irritation.

• Decyl Glucoside & SCI: These gentle, plant-derived cleansers effectively remove excess oil and buildup without the harshness of sulfates, which can often worsen scalp dryness and irritation.

• Cedarwood Atlas, Cypress & Turmeric: These essential oils and botanical extracts are chosen for their natural antifungal and clarifying properties, directly addressing the microbial imbalance that often contributes to dandruff.

• Pumpkin Oil: This ingredient helps to nourish the scalp while regulating sebum production.

  
  

2: Condition with our Hydrating Conditioner

While many believe conditioners are just for hair strands, using a scalp-friendly conditioner can provide essential moisture and prevent the scalp from overproducing oil. Our conditioner is formulated to do just that.

• Green Tea, Ginger & Chamomile: These soothing botanicals continue to calm the scalp and provide antioxidant protection.

• Glycerine & Seaweed Extract: Powerful humectants that draw moisture into the scalp and hair, preventing dryness that can lead to flaking.

• Shea Butter & Pumpkin Oil: These nourishing ingredients deliver deep moisture to the hair and scalp without feeling heavy, helping to restore the lipid barrier.

• Hydrolyzed Rice Protein & Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5): These ingredients strengthen hair from the root, providing resilience and shine, which can be particularly helpful for hair that is prone to thinning.

  
  

3: Rebalance with our Pre-Wash Hair Oil and Mask

Using a pre-wash oil treatment is a key strategy for managing an oily scalp. The principle of "oil dissolves oil" helps to gently lift and dissolve excess sebum and buildup, allowing the shampoo to work more effectively without stripping the scalp.

Our Nourishing hair Serum Oil is formulated specifically for this purpose, using a blend of Grapeseed oil, Hemp seed oil, and Jojoba oil—all of which are lightweight and non-comedogenic. Essential oils like Rosemary, Cypress, and Lavender provide natural antiseptic and soothing properties to calm an irritated scalp.

Our Pre-Wash Hair Mask, with a rich base of Shea butter, Sweet almond oil, and Virgin coconut oil, can be used to deep condition and provide an extra layer of soothing relief to a dry, irritated scalp before shampooing.

4: Nourish with our Hair Tonic

A leave-in hair tonic can be a powerful tool for ongoing scalp health. Our tonic is formulated to provide nourishment and support to the scalp environment.

• Caffeine & Peppermint Essential Oil: These ingredients help to stimulate blood circulation to the scalp, which can promote nutrient delivery to hair follicles.

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps soothe irritation and can improve the scalp's barrier function.

• Hydrolyzed Rice Protein & Panthenol: Continue to strengthen and moisturize the hair and scalp throughout the day.

• Pumpkin Seed Oil: Helps to regulate oil production over time, keeping the scalp from becoming too greasy.

A Complete Routine for an Oily, Itchy Scalp

Here is a step-by-step routine designed to rebalance your scalp, soothe irritation, and nourish your hair, incorporating your specific products and application preferences.

Step 1: Overnight Scalp Prep with Hair Tonic (The night before wash day)

Use the tonic to prep your scalp and allow the active ingredients to work overnight.

• How to apply: Use the pipette to apply a few drops of the Hair Tonic directly to your scalp. Part your hair in sections and use your fingertips to gently massage it in.

• Why it works: Ingredients like Caffeine, Niacinamide, and Peppermint Essential Oil help stimulate the scalp, reduce inflammation, and regulate oil production.

Step 2: Deep Nourishment with Hair Oil or Mask (The morning of wash day)

The next morning, apply either your Hair Oil or Hair Mask as a pre-wash treatment.

• How to apply: Gently massage the Hair Oil or Hair Mask into your scalp and then work it through to the ends of your hair.

• Wait time: While even 20-30 minutes is beneficial, leaving it on for a few hours is ideal for deep conditioning and dissolving excess sebum.

• Why it works: The Hair Oil (with grapeseed, hemp seed, and jojoba oils) effectively breaks down excess sebum. The Hair Mask (with shea butter, sweet almond oil, and virgin coconut oil) offers intensive moisture to soothe the scalp and hair.

Step 3: Cleanse and Condition

Now, cleanse away the buildup and product, ensuring your scalp is clean but not stripped.

• Shampoo: Rinse the oil or mask out with lukewarm water. Use your Shampoo and massage it into your scalp. A second shampoo may be beneficial if your hair feels particularly oily. The gentle cleansers like Decyl Glucoside will get the job done without over-drying.

• Conditioner: After rinsing, apply your Conditioner to the lengths and ends of your hair, avoiding the scalp. Rinse thoroughly.

Step 4: Post-Wash Moisture and Shine

Once your hair is towel-dried, you can use the hair oil again as a finishing serum.

• How to apply: Take just a few drops of the Hair Oil and rub it between your palms. Gently smooth it through the mid-lengths and ends of your damp hair.

• Why it works: This final step locks in moisture, adds shine, and tames frizz without weighing down your hair.

  
  

This comprehensive routine provides a systematic approach to scalp health. It uses the tonic to rebalance, a pre-wash treatment to cleanse and nourish, and a post-wash oil to protect and style. This method will help you effectively manage your oily, itchy scalp with consistent results.

With a systematic routine and the right products, a calm, flake-free scalp is within reach. Our range is formulated to provide the targeted support your scalp needs to restore its natural balance.

Explore our full collection and find your path to relief.

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