You don't know what's causing your itchy scalp or dry flaking sometimes with redness and/or a scalp rash that drives you crazy
You have tried so many shampoos and treatments off the shelf but it keeps coming back and still your scalp is itching and sore.
You are constantly aware of the embarrassment of dandruff flakes falling on your clothes
You are worried about hair thinning and the long term effects of your itchy scalp condition on your hair and scalp
After all you have tried you still don't know why you have itchy scalp in the first place and where it came from Well then it will be no surprise to her that most of the scalp treatments that promise relief from dry scalp conditions only offer a temporary fix (if you are lucky). This is not an uncommon tale and there is reason for this. Firstly these products aren't focused on the cause just the symptoms. Herein lays the answer. If you can understand the reason(s) why people end up with itchy scalp and the effects that a lot of common ingredients in shampoos are proven to have on skin that is already out of balance then most of us would say "of course I have itchy scalp ".
Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLS) - What's that? Why do you have to call a Poison Control Center if you accidentally swallow shampoo? And what are those warning labels on the back all about? What does it do to your head if it's that toxic?
What you must know is that several chemicals, especially SLS, strip the natural oils from the skin and even corrode it, along with your eye membranes. Have you also noticed that your hair has been thinning? Well hair follicle damage is another little known but very common symptom of these chemicals.
Actually, most commercial shampoos & scalp treatments are designed to meet people's "sensory" expectationsoffering instant gratification and the illusion that they are doing their job. Again therein lays the problem. For example adding silicone to conditioner induces an artificial shine but in truth can create problems long term including sensitivities.
Most people expect a shampoo to:
Foam up nicely
Smell good
Take all the so-called "nasty" oiliness out of their hair
Make their hair feel squeaky-clean
And that's a reasonable ask - think about itif your shampoo didn't foam up, smell good, or leave your hair feeling squeaky-clean, would you trust it? Well, here's the thing: 90). Let's look at sensitizers and allergies for a minute
Sensitizers: Sensitivity is the result of a response by our immune system from being exposed to a substance or "foreign body" that it wants to keep out of the body. Sensitivity normally develops over several years (or months in children). The reason sensitizing chemicals often "slip under the radar" is because the first use of a sensitizer (e.g. from a synthetic colorant in hair dye) may not trigger a reaction, but subsequent or repeated use can cause a person to develop an allergic reaction to even very low levels of the original or related substance. A reaction can "hit you" seemingly suddenly, when really it is the result of a "build-up" of your immune system's response over a period of time.
Irritants: Irritants on the other hand are quite different to sensitizers and allergens which involve the immune system. An irritant is a non-allergic inflammatory reaction at the site of where the substance was applied (yes sensitizers can cause rashes elsewhere on the body). The difference is that dermatitis (a non fungal dandruff) is commonly the result of irritation directly from a product, whereas allergens and sensitizers (especially the highly sensitizing products used in hair dyes and colorants and henna tattoos) will effect your immune system in a way that is difficult to "get at" because once you develop a sensitivity, it's with you forever! Common hair dyes contain some of the most carcinogenic and sensitizing ingredients of all. If you have ever had a "fake tattoo" that is henna based, then beware there have been many cases of severe allergic reactions to the compound PPD (phenylenediamine) requiring hospitalization in people who have applied a hair dye (black or dark brown in particular) after having had a henna tattoo.
So what non toxic itchy scalp treatments, shampoos and natural remedies can help? Well as I stated above, there are many non toxic shampoos which are nourishing and conditioning while still giving you're the "foam effect", they smell divine with the addition of the natural oils they contain. So you do have a choice and it does NOT have to cost you more in fact most of them are less you just have to know what to look for.
Here are some of my favorite natural oils you can use for hair & scalp treatments that can be found in shampoos such as Akin.
Zinc Pyrithione: Wonderful stuff for dandruff & itchy scalp conditions. First synthesized in the 1930's, this is the most widely used active ingredient from a natural source. It's used to treat dandruff, seborrheic dermatitus, psoriasis, eczema and numerous other skin and scalp disorders. It has strong anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Zinc in a common ingredients in Scalpmeds treatments.
Jojoba: Is excellent as a scalp moisturizer and helps to rebalance sebum.
Tea Tree: Oily hair Treatment for dry scalp dandruff, lice, and under active sebaceous glands, enlivens the scalp and brings the cells & follicles to attention
Basil: Oily hair promotes growth
Chamomile: Fine to normal hair gives golden highlights
Heres a little about the oils above which can be mixed to create various formulas to treat different conditions and add condition to your hair.
Neem Oil: Derived from a type of tree bark it is an effective fungicide and insecticide (great for head lice when used with geranium, rosemary, lavender and eucalyptus oils). It has a very strong odor which can overpower other fragrances but its effectiveness is proven:
In clinical studies Neem extracts and oil were found to be as effective as coal tar and cortisone in treating psoriasis with none of the usual side effects accompanying the use of Neem as there was with Coal tar and cortisone.
When applied to the skin, Neem extracts and oil removes redness and itching while improving the condition of the skin while being treated. In the case of eczema clinical studies demonstrate that even the application of weaker Neem leaf extracts effectively cured acute conditions of eczema with the fresh cold pressed oil with its high concentration of active ingredients.
Neem effectively kills the bacteria that cause Acne and studies prove that Neem will reduce inflammation caused by acne and other bacterial infections.
It's also good for other skin conditions such as Dry Skin, Wrinkles, Dandruff, itchy scalp , Skin Ulcers and Warts which can be effectively remedied with soaps and other products containing Neem oil.
Lavender Oil: Lavender is known for its calming properties both emotional and physical. There are different varieties of lavender and certain ones are favored more than others for medicinal treatments. Lavender is effective to soothe itching from skin and sore scalp inflammations such as burning red itchy scalp, and dandruff to insect bites as well as having a powerful calming effect to treat s scalp itching and irritated scalp as well as relax you and help you nod off to sleep.
In one study of 86 people with alopecia areata (a disease of unknown cause characterized by significant hair loss, generally in patches), those who massaged their scalps with lavender and other essential oils daily for 7 months experienced significant hair re-growth compared to those who massaged their scalps without the essential oils. It is not entirely clear from this study whether lavender (or a combination of lavender and other essential oils) was responsible for the beneficial effects. Scalp massage is also highly beneficial to stimulate follicles and blood supply to the skin's surface.
Aromatherapists also use lavender as a tonic in inhalation therapy to treat headaches, nervous disorders, and exhaustion. Herbalists treat skin ailments, such as fungal infections (like candidiasis), dandruff, eczema of the scalp wounds, scalp acne, with lavender oil. It is also used externally in a healing bath for circulatory disorders and as a rub for rheumatic ailments (conditions affecting the muscles and joints).
Tea Tree Oil: One of the strongest known natural antiseptics. Also has punative skin penetrating capacity as an anti-inflamatory, anti-bacterial, germicide and fungicide. The scientific name for it is Melaleuca Alternifolia. Fantastic for dandruff by wiping out the yeast that causes it. Found in Thursday Island Shampoos for instance.
Rosemary Oil: Rosemary oil has a pronounced action on the brain and the central nervous system and is wonderful for clearing the mind and mental awareness, while having excellent brain stimulant properties, as well as improving memory.
It helps with headaches, migraines, neuralgia, mental fatigue and nervous exhaustion and the antiseptic action of rosemary oil is especially suitable for intestinal infections and diarrhea, easing colitis, dyspepsia, flatulence, hepatic disorders and jaundice and relieving pain associated with itchy flaky scalp, rheumatism, arthritis, muscular pain and gout. It also helps for arteriosclerosis, palpitations, poor circulation and varicose veins.
The diuretic properties of rosemary oil are useful with reducing water retention during menstruation, and also with obesity and cellulite.
On the respiratory system, it is effective for asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, sinus and whooping cough. Because of its astringent action, it is also effective for countering sagging skin. Its stimulating action benefits scalp disorders and encourages hair growth.
On the skin, it helps to ease congestion, puffiness and swelling and can also be used for acne, dry inflamed scalp, dermatitis and eczema, but a very popular use of this oil is the use in hair care products, as it has a pronounced positive effect on the health of the hair and scalp ... It increases the circulation to the scalp and is therefore also effective for promoting hair growth after having conditions such as dandruff or scalp sores causing hair loss, causing hair loss, scalp itching and scratching.
Rosemary oil is effective for mental fatigue, circulation problems, pain relief for the muscular system, decongests the respiratory tract and is a skin and hair booster.
Shampoos such as Akin (by puristusa.com) and Aveda are gentle on your hair and if you want a good antidandruff shampoo then go for one that contains Melaleuca oil. It is unnecessary to spend a fortune on creams and antidandruff shampoos in most cases. There are so many alternatives many found in your garden and cupboards even. So once you are informed and KNOW what is making your condition persist you have the power to eliminate it and start nourishing your hair and scalp. Your scalp will feel soothed and healthy your hair can shine!
[Please note that as with any natural substance some oils such as Thyme can in some individuals cause mild irritation on rare occasions and some oils should NOT be used at all while pregnant It is recommended you patch test all oils/formulas before application or addition to your shampoos. That said, it is quite normal for application of the oils Manuka and Eucalyptus to sometimes result in a "tingling" or "cold" sensation. This is due to their stimulatory properties which increase circulation to the areas they are applied to.]
Mia Wadsworth owner of http://www.dryitchyscalpremedies.com helps sufferers of dandruff, itchy scalp conditions understand the cause then soothe relieve and heal it fast with natural scalp home remedies.
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