7 Reasons Your Scalp Might Be Itchy

An itchy scalp? Yeah, that’s no fun. A little itch here and there is one thing—but when your scalp just won’t quit, it’s worth paying attention.

Here are seven common reasons things might feel off up top, plus tips to help soothe and reset.

Common itchy scalp causes 

1. Dryness

Just like the rest of your skin, your scalp can get dry—especially in colder months or if you're washing too often. When your scalp lacks moisture, it can feel itchy, tight and uncomfortable. You might also notice flaking (sometimes mistaken for dandruff) or sensitivity when brushing or styling.

Try this: Swap in a hydrating shampoo and conditioner made with gentle, non-stripping surfactants. Look for ingredients like glycerin, aloe or vitamin E to boost moisture levels without weighing your hair down (take our hair quiz if you need help finding the right formula). Our Rejuvenating Scalp Serum is also great for daily scalp soothing and moisture without leaving hair greasy at the roots.

2. Product buildup

Stretching your wash days? Same. But without proper cleansing, all those dry shampoos, stylers and oils can build up, clogging hair follicles and irritating your scalp. Cue the itch.

Try this: Add a clarifying or chelating shampoo into your routine once a week to give your scalp a clean slate. Our Clarifying Shampoo is gentle yet effective, removing buildup while keeping your hair and scalp feeling balanced (it’s award-winning for a reason).

3. Dandruff

If your scalp is oily and itchy with large, yellowish flakes, it could be dandruff (aka seborrheic dermatitis). Dandruff is super common and results from an overgrowth of yeast on the scalp, often triggered by stress, hormones or seasonal shifts.

Try this: Look for a dandruff shampoo with active ingredients like pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide or salicylic acid. And go easy on heavy products that might add irritation. If flakes persist, check in with a dermatologist.

4. Scalp psoriasis or eczema

Frequent itching with redness, thick patches or silver scales? These could be signs of psoriasis or eczema, chronic skin conditions that often require professional care.

Try this: A dermatologist can help you identify and manage flare-ups with medicated shampoos, topicals or lifestyle changes. In the meantime, reach for gentle, sensitive skin-friendly products like the ones in our Ultra Sensitive collection—they’re 100% fragrance-free and accepted by the National Eczema Association.

5. Allergic reaction or sensitivity (contact dermatitis)

If your itchy scalp showed up right after switching products, you might be experiencing a reaction to a certain ingredient, like fragrance or preservatives.

Try this: Choose fragrance-free formulas made for sensitive skin, and always make sure to patch test new products to see how your skin reacts.

6. Stress 

Itchy scalp as a stress response? It’s a thing. When you’re stressed, your body pumps out more cortisol, a hormone that can directly affect your hair follicles and scalp health. Elevated cortisol can trigger inflammation, dryness or increased oil production, all of which can lead to itching and discomfort.

Try this: Make space for whatever self-care helps you recharge, whether that’s meditation, movement, an early bedtime or turning your wash day into a soothing ritual. A scalp massage? Highly recommended. 

7. Head lice (rare, but possible) 

If the itch is intense, constant and mostly around your ears or neck, it might be lice. It’s not common in adults, but still worth a mention, especially if you have kids.

Try this: Check your scalp closely under bright light. If you suspect lice, use an OTC treatment or reach out to a medical professional.

When to call a doctor

If the itch won’t quit, gets worse, or comes with pain, redness or hair loss, check in with your dermatologist. They can help get to the root of the issue and recommend the right treatments.