Why Does My Scalp Itch a Day After Washing?

Do you often catch yourself scratching your head and wondering ‘Why does my scalp itch a day after washing’? If so, you are not alone, many people experience this frustrating sensation on the scalp even after washing it.

In this blog, we will help you understand the underlying causes of an itchy scalp and share practical tips to help you find relief and enjoy a healthy, itch-free scalp. 

What is an Itchy Scalp?

The medical term for itchy scalp is scalp pruritus. While itching is something you can experience anywhere on the body, the scalp is one of the most common places where this sensation occurs.

Just like anywhere else on your body the head is also covered with skin which can easily become irritated due to various factors and lead to itching and tingling sensations. Sometimes poor hygiene or infrequent washing can be the contributing factor to an itchy scalp. 

But what if you are washing your scalp regularly but still experiencing itchiness? What might be causing this itchy scalp after washing hair?

Why is My Scalp So Itchy After Washing?

The answer to your question about what causes the scalp to itch a day after washing is a little complicated because there are various reasons for an itchy scalp. Pinpointing what might be causing your itch can be difficult at times, so if you are unsure about anything then consult a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. 

Some of the most common causes for itchy scalp after shampoo are:

1. Dry Scalp

If your scalp itches after washing, one possible cause for it is a dry scalp. A dry scalp is usually caused when the skin lacks essential moisture or natural oils, this can be caused by a number of factors from environmental factors to overwashing. 

Some people are even born with a dry scalp type. If your scalp itches a day after washing and you are experiencing small white flakes in your scalp there are chances your scalp is dry. 

Treatment

The best way to treat a dry scalp is to keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using a fragrance-free hydrating shampoo for a dry scalp to wash your hair and avoid irritants that may worsen your condition.  Consider washing the scalp less frequently, perhaps every other day. 

2. Product Buildup

Another possible reason why you might experience an itchy scalp a day after washing is the product buildup on the scalp. Anything that you apply on your scalp whether it’s coconut oil, serums, mask, shampoo, or conditioner if not washed off properly can cause complications.

These buildups may mix up with the sebum, dirt, and bacteria on the scalp and clog the hair follicles as a result you experience itching and irritation on the scalp. 

Treatment

To prevent itching caused by product build-up it is essential that you thoroughly wash your scalp after applying a shampoo or conditioner. 

3. Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema, which in much simpler words you can say is your skin reacting towards a certain irritant or allergen. The harsh chemicals in haircare products like shampoo and conditioners are some of the most common factors that can trigger irritant contact dermatitis. 

If you notice that your scalp itches after washing or a day after it, there are chances you are experiencing a reaction towards the products you use to clean your scalp. You may also experience redness and a burning sensation along with the itch.

Treatment

Use an itchy scalp shampoo that is fragrance-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free to wash your scalp and avoid irritation. Additionally, before using a new product patch test it to make sure your scalp isn’t reactive towards it. 

4. Dandruff

Dandruff is one of the most common scalp conditions that is believed to cause itching and flaking on the scalp. More than 50% of the population worldwide experience it annually. If you notice that your scalp itches even after you wash it and there are visible yellow or white flakes on your scalp, then you might have dandruff. 

Treatment

But don’t worry, this condition may sound embarrassing and irritating, treating it is quite simple. Most people think that washing their scalp with a regular shampoo can help them get rid of dandruff. It can help but may not solve the problem. 

For effective dandruff care, use a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo at least 3 times a week to wash your scalp and reduce the flaking, itching, and irritation associated with dandruff. 

5. Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition which is also known as cradle cap when it appears in babies. It is believed to be a more severe version of dandruff, that not only affects your scalp but can also cause symptoms in other parts of the body. 

Thick, greasy yellow scales, redness on the skin, and mild itching are some prominent symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. If you have seborrheic dermatitis and are washing your scalp with a regular shampoo you may experience itching after washing hair or a day after washing your scalp. 

Treatment

The best way to manage seborrheic dermatitis is to use a medicated seborrheic dermatitis shampoo. These shampoos contain pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide, or ketoconazole as an active ingredient that is known effective in eliminating flaking, scaling, and itching on the scalp and skin associated with seborrheic dermatitis. 

You can also use a cradle cap brush to remove excess flakes and scales from the scalp while shampooing. 

6. Scalp Psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that is believed to be caused by an autoimmune disorder. It causes raised, red, pink, or discolored patches on the scalp. It also causes silvery-white scales that look quite similar to dandruff flakes. 

So if you notice these scaly patches on your scalp and experience itching even after shampooing the scalp then you might be experiencing psoriasis. For an accurate diagnosis, it is best to consult a dermatologist. 

Treatment

Scalp psoriasis can be managed with the help of OTC medicated shampoo or topical steroids, and prescription medications advised by dermatologists. 

7. Tinea Capitis

Tinea capitis or scalp ringworm is another scalp condition that can cause itchy scalp a day after washing. It is a fungal infection that can cause itchy, red, scaly bald patches on the scalp. 

Hair loss in bald patches is a common symptom that distinguishes this condition from psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. The fungus that causes this condition is known as dermatophytes.

Treatment

To treat the condition it is best to consult a doctor, who may prescribe the use of anti-fungal shampoo, creams, or oral medications. 

8. Head Lice

If your head itches after shampooing, at night, or a day after washing, or most of the time, then you may be experiencing head lice, lice eggs, and nits in your scalp. Lice are small insects that feed on human blood. 

They can cause extreme itching on the scalp. These can easily be transmitted through head-to-head contact or by sharing belongings with an infected person. 

Treatment

To get rid of lice, the doctor may prescribe the use of a medicated lotion in addition to combing the hair twice daily with a special anti-lice comb.  

9. Overwashing

Overwashing the scalp can often lead to dryness, itching, and irritation. Some people are born with a dry scalp type and if they wash their scalp daily it leads to intense itching. 

Treatment

So if you notice no other symptoms on your scalp like redness or flaking, but are washing your scalp daily and experiencing the itch, then try reducing washing frequency to only 2 to 3 times a week to see if that makes a difference. 

10. Hair Care Routine

Even though our hair care routine is supposed to take extra good care of our hair and scalp, however sometimes we make some mistakes that can actually cause complications like an itchy, irritated scalp. 

Some of the common mistakes are:

• Using hot water to wash your hair
• Excessive use of heat styling products
• Leaving coconut oil or any other home remedies on the scalp for a long time. 
• Overbrushing the scalp.
• Using hair products with harsh chemicals. 

All of these can irritate the scalp, cause dryness, and sometimes even lead to hair loss. 

11. Hair Growth Medication

Some hair growth medications such as Minoxidil and Finasteride can cause side effects in some people which often leads to an itchy scalp. You may also experience redness, irritation, and rashes on the scalp. 

Treatment

If you have been using any hair growth medication recently and started experiencing an itchy scalp then discontinue its use, or contact a trichologist for recommendations. 

Shampoo Ingredients That Can Cause Itchy Scalp After Showering

We all know how shampoo can have a huge impact on our scalp, but do you know what you put on your scalp can also affect it? We know you love coming out of the shower smelling like a bunch of roses, or a tropical breeze. 

But did you know that these strong fragrances can actually harm your scalp and hair? Along with these fragrances, there are various other skin-irritating chemicals added to the shampoo and conditioners we use that can lead to intense itching on the scalp. 

This is why it’s essential that you first examine the ingredients in your hair care products before using them. Some of the common harsh chemicals that you must avoid are:

• Sulfates
• Fragrances
• Parabens
• Phthalates
• Formaldehyde
• Dimethicone

Look for a shampoo for an itchy scalp that is free from these chemicals and contains scalp-soothing, hydrating natural ingredients like oatmeal extract, licorice root extract, or aloe vera extract. 

How to Make My Scalp Stop Itching?

If you are wondering how to stop a scalp from itching here is how to do it. All you have to do is make a few right choices to prevent and soothe the itch.

Choose the Right Products

As we have discussed before harsh chemicals in hair products are a common factor that can lead to itching on the scalp. This is why it is essential that you choose the products that are free from these skin-irritating chemicals. 

Choose a gentle fragrance-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free shampoo for itchy scalp to wash your scalp. If you are searching for a shampoo that is free from these chemicals and contains natural skin-soothing ingredients then try Happy Cappy Daily Shampoo.

It is a pediatrician-developed, and clinically tested shampoo that is safe to be used on itchy, irritated sensitive skin. 

Proper Hair Care Routine

Following a proper skincare routine to have a healthy scalp is essential. Some of the key things you must do are:

• Wash your scalp at least two or three times weekly to keep it clean.
• Use lukewarm or cool water to rinse the scalp instead of hot water.
• Use hair products that are free from skin-irritating chemicals.
• Rinse your scalp thoroughly after shampooing to prevent product buildup.
• Protect your scalp from direct sunlight. 

Treating the Root Cause

If your itchy scalp is caused by a certain condition such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, or ringworm, then you may not be able to get rid of the itch until you manage the condition itself. 

For scalp psoriasis and ringworm, the doctor will probably prescribe medications. For mild cases of seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff, an over-the-counter medicated shampoo that contains pyrithione zinc as an active ingredient should be the go to. 

Shampoos like Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo and Body Wash is a great option to choose from, it is a dermatologist-recommended shampoo that is specially formulated to eliminate flaking, scaling, and itching on the scalp associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. 

It is free from skin-irritating chemicals and is safe to be used on people of all ages, even babies. 

Conclusion

If your scalp itches a day after washing then there can be various causes for it, including dry scalp, product buildup, overwashing the scalp, or underlying conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, scalp psoriasis, and ringworm.

However, following a proper hair care routine, choosing products free from harsh chemicals, and treating scalp conditions can help alleviate itching and promote a healthy scalp.

If you are unsure about anything it is best to consult a health care provider to get the right treatment plan according to your condition, instead of trying different home remedies and making your condition worse. 

Shop Happy Cappy Products today to get a clean and itch-free scalp. 

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