New to CG with very itchy scalp - Help!

curlyjillie

I'm new to CG and after reading some articles, thought that I may have dry scalp, not dandruff like I've thought for years. So, I quit using dandruff shampoo 4 days ago. I had just switched from Neutrogena T Gel Stubborn Itch to Dermarest and it made my hair itch more. After co-washing yesterday morning with cone-free condish, I was relieved to find that my hair didn't itch all day. But I woke up this morning with intensely itchy scalp again. Does this mean that I need to co-wash every day?

Furthermore, I still don't really know what's going on with my scalp. When I started having scalp itch, I had dry white flakes that got all over my clothes. That's when I started using T gel. I still had issues while using T Gel regularly--not itch, but oily flakes mostly right on the scalp and red bumps with a clear yellowish crystallized substance. Because of this, I thought I had dermatitis. But all that goes away if I just stop scratching. But I can't!
And I can't spend $23 ordering Max Green Alchemy Scalp rescue condish. Are there any conditioners $10 or less that will stop the itch, at least enough so that I don't have to cowash every day?

ewenique

Some like Giovanni Tea Tree condish for itchy scalp. If you just started CG, it will take 4 - 6 weeks for your scalp and hair to adjust. You should gradually decrease your cowashing to once or twice a week since your scalp seems to be sensitive. You may need to check your styling products to see if any are contributing to the itchiness. You could also try a brown sugar scrub and/or ACV rinses. Good luck!

Reeky

I suggest you try Trader Joes Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner.. its light enough to cowash with, the tea tree & peppermint will do a good job of soothing and healing your scalp. Its all natural and is $3 for a $16oz bottle!! Worth a try.. Also, do you use anything to oil your scalp? I like the way organic coconut oil absorbs into my scalp and hair when i grease (& massage) with it. I do it the night before i wash so it has a chance to absorb & condition. Try it !

curlyjillie

That sounds great. If I can find it in a store, I'll definitely try it. It's $9 on amazon.

I tried a bit of Argan oil on my scalp. It helped. My hair itches a little but not as much as before. However, my hair was pretty flat and lifeless after I plopped and air dried. I don't know if it was the oil (doubtful since I didn't use much and partially washed it out) or my new herbal essences gel.

Reeky

curlyjillie wrote: »

That sounds great. If I can find it in a store, I'll definitely try it. It's $9 on amazon.

I tried a bit of Argan oil on my scalp. It helped. My hair itches a little but not as much as before. However, my hair was pretty flat and lifeless after I plopped and air dried. I don't know if it was the oil (doubtful since I didn't use much and partially washed it out) or my new herbal essences gel.

it might have been the gel then, if u partially washed out the oil i doubt thats it. ive been meaning to try argan oil, but like i said try the coconut oil because it seems to absorb into the hair and scalp (mine at least) & when i wash it out my hair is really shiny! If you have a whole foods they sell it there.. mine was $7

jonquil

I had a similar problem, I thought for ages that I had dandruff and/or a dry scalp until a new hairdresser told me I had build up in a spot I couldn't even see. Slightly doubtful, I brought the shampoo she recommended and now have no more itchiness or flakes so I'm very glad I did The shampoo has sulfates of course, but no silicones so good for the occasional clean. Apparently my hair clings to everything, even cg products while using a low poo :rolleyes:

A cheap and sulfate free alternative is baking soda and apple cider vinegar but I didnt find it as quite as effective.