If you’ve recently had a baby, you know that many things about your body change during the postpartum period. Some of the changes are to be expected and some you may never have heard of before and wonder if it’s normal. And postpartum itchy scalp may be one of them! If you’re experiencing an itchy scalp postpartum (or even during pregnancy), you’re not alone!
In this post we’re going to go over why you may experience postpartum itchy scalp as well as ways to help fix it and give you some relief!
Changes to Your Scalp Postpartum
You may experience many postpartum body changes after having your new baby, with your scalp being one of them. Most new moms experience some form of hair loss while others may experience that postpartum itchy scalp we mentioned.
Postpartum healing can take a toll on your skin due to the hormonal fluctuations, weight loss, and healing happening in your body. This can result in dryness and itchiness of your skin. Especially the scalp area which contains more nerves and blood vessels than the rest of the skin on your body.
Postpartum Hair Loss
You can thank pregnancy hormones for the nice, luscious hair you get when pregnant. The hormones prevent your hair follicles from falling out which is why your hair may feel so thick. However, once those hormones start to plummet after childbirth, you may also experience quite a bit of hair loss as well.
It may feel like you’re losing tons of hair because you’re shedding that excess hair that wasn’t lost before, plus some. The good news is that it’s temporary. And the hair loss should subside anywhere from 6-12 months postpartum. It can be quite different for each new mama.
Sometimes this shedding period can also cause a postpartum itchy scalp. If you’re experiencing excessive hair loss, definitely reach out to your doctor or a dermatologist for help.
Increased Sebum Production
Sebaceous glands are located beneath the skin and produce sebum, an oily substance that helps hydrate and protect your skin. Sebaceous glands are more densely present on the scalp than in other places on your body.
Because of postpartum hormonal changes, sebum production is increased and can cause a buildup of sebum on your scalp. The excess oil production can cause sebum buildup, which may appear as a white or yellowish oily substance on your scalp. This can cause the scalp to have flaking, or dandruff, which can cause even more itching.
Dry Scalp
Rather than developing an oily, greasy scalp hormonal changes may actually cause you to develop a dry scalp. Your scalp may also become more dry and itchy if it is dehydrated from your lack of fluid intake.
Dry scalp can exacerbate and cause dandruff, and the itchy, uncomfortable cycle continues.
How to Fix Postpartum Itchy Scalp
Scalp Scrub
If you’re dealing with a dry, itchy scalp, scaling, or dandruff then a scalp scrub may help reduce some of the flaking and relieve some of that itchiness. The exfoliation from the scrub will help remove any dandruff, excess skin cells, and oil.
Some scalp scrubs are made with a physical exfoliant like sugar while others may be made with a chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid. Just be sure if you’re breastfeeding to verify if any chemical products are safe while nursing.
One of my favorite scalp scrubs is the Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub. It’s rose-scented and made with sugar and coconut oil to become a gentle, physical exfoliant. It’s great at removing any dead skin and is also hydrating, but not heavy enough to leave your hair feeling greasy.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Yes to Tea Tree Scalp Scrub is a great option! It’s made from key ingredients that help prevent and relieve postpartum itchy scalp. There are thousands of 5-star reviews on Amazon stating that this scrub gave them instant relief.
Scalp Massager
Scalp massagers are great not only for removing dead skin and oils, but also help with stimulating hair follicles to promote hair growth. It can be so soothing and relaxing in the shower to rub this massager all over your scalp and relieve any of that itchiness.
This inexpensive scalp massager can be used for all hair types and has tons of amazing reviews on Amazon.
Mild Shampoo
If you’ve used any skincare products before, you know that different things work for different people. You won’t love every product you use, and it takes some trial and error. However, most all people can tolerate a “mild” (gentle) product, and the same goes for your scalp!
If you’re finding that your usual shampoo and conditioner you’re using is causing you irritation postpartum, try switching over to a mild shampoo and conditioner. Sometimes just making that switch is enough to calm your scalp down and reduce any irritation.
The Ouai Detox Shampoo is formulated with micellar water and apple cider vinegar to gently remove buildup and is gentle enough for daily use. This shampoo gets rid of buildup and oils and leaves your hair with a beautiful shine!
Baby shampoo is also the perfect option for this! Baby products are made with mild, gentle products so you may want to give one of those a try. Plus it’s a win-win because you can also use it on your little one! Many new moms rave about the Aquaphor Baby Wash and Shampoo for postpartum itchy scalp.
Dandruff Shampoo/Conditioner
If you’re experiencing dandruff, it may make you embarrassed or feel like you appear unhygienic. But that’s obviously not the case and thankfully, there are ways to help treat dandruff!
You could try a traditional over-the-counter dandruff shampoo like Head & Shoulders or Selsun Blue. Active ingredients like zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide are very effective.
However, if you have color-treated hair you’ll probably want to choose something that preserves your color.
Many women suffering from dandruff rave about the BIOLAGE Scalp-Sync Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner. They reported relief from their postpartum scalp itchiness and a huge reduction in their amount of dandruff. It’s a little more pricey, but it is salon quality and has amazing reviews.
Another great option for color-treated hair is the L’Oreal Ever Pure Scalp Care Detox Shampoo. You could use this detox shampoo once or twice a week with a mild shampoo on the days in between. It’s also really inexpensive.
Scalp Relief Shampoo/Conditioner
Some shampoos are designed specifically with products to provide scalp relief.
The Derma E Scalp Relief Shampoo and Scalp Relief Conditioner are created with a therapeutic Psorzema Herbal Blend that contains neem, burdock, and bearberry as well as tea tree oil, menthol, and salicylic acid. All of these ingredients combined help to provide a cooling and soothing effect to the scalp and instantly relieve postpartum itchy scalp! They’re also safe for color-treated hair!
The Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo is a combination of all of these shampoos we talked about! It’s an exfoliating, sulfate-free scalp scrub shampoo that helps dry, itchy, and flaky scalp. It also contains tea tree oil to help provide a cooling effect and relieve itchiness. It’s on the pricier side but it helps with dandruff and reduces oil buildup, as well as cleanses!
Shower Often
One of the harder parts of being a new mom is finding time for yourself. Many new mothers will skip a shower on a rough day, but if you’re experiencing postpartum itchy scalp, do your best to get in the shower every day!
I know it can be tempting to pack on the dry shampoo rather than go through the whole process of washing and drying your hair. But dry shampoo may only further your skin issues and flaky build-up on your scalp.
Conditioner Only on the Ends
Conditioning on the ends of your hair only is more important for women who are experiencing excess oil production. If you’re dealing with an oily scalp, putting conditioner directly on your scalp will cause further moisture which isn’t necessary in this case.
If you have fine hair, this tip will be even more beneficial for you so that the conditioner doesn’t weigh your hair down and make your scalp even more greasy.
Eat Nutrient Dense Foods
Eating foods with lots of antioxidants and nutrients may protect your hair follicles and promote hair growth. Lots of fruits and vegetables would be really beneficial for your skin and hair health.
Avoid Tight Hairstyles/Headbands
Tight hairstyles or headbands can cause or exacerbate hair breakage and hair loss. If you’ve ever worn your hair in a tight ponytail, you may know that familiar itchy feeling. So these types of hairstyles are not great when you have an already itchy scalp.
You should also avoid brushing too aggressively. Wear your hair down or in loose hairstyles like a braid.
Tea Tree Oil Scalp Treatments
Tea Tree oil is an essential oil with antimicrobial properties. It works great in products designed to reduce dandruff and scalp irritation. However, keep in mind that tea tree oil can be irritating to some people and its benefits may take a few weeks to show for some. Be sure to always patch test when trying a new product.
With that being said, many people swear by tea tree oil for their itchy scalp because of its cooling and soothing effects. You may find it in the form of shampoos/conditioners, serums, and masks.
Some people like to use tea tree oil directly on their scalp. Just be sure to use a carrier oil and do a patch test first!
If you’re looking for a serum you can apply for instant relief to certain spots that are bothering you, I highly recommend the Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment. It detoxifies, helps remove buildup and impurities, and you can feel its soothing effects immediately. It also contains many other amazing ingredients like spearmint and peppermint to help with cooling, witch hazel to help soothe, aloe, and biotin for hair growth.
If you struggle with more of a dry and itchy scalp, you may want to try a hair mask. The Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Scalp Treatment Hair Mask moisturizes while also soothing the scalp. You can feel the cooling and tingling when you apply it. It’s color-safe and not too expensive for salon quality.
Apple Cider Vinegar Treatments
Apple cider vinegar can be beneficial for postpartum itchy scalp because it helps remove impurities without stripping your hair of its natural oils. Apple cider vinegar can also help control scalp dryness and irritation, which causes that itchiness.
It also has many benefits to your hair such as sealing the hair cuticle with locks in color, softening and strengthening your hair, and maintaining the pH of the scalp which results in shiny hair.
dpHUE has a wonderful line of ACV products that soothe and calm the scalp while also providing other great benefits to your hair. The Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse is great to use in between shampoo uses and the Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub with Pink Himalayan Sea Salt helps remove any dandruff and impurities while also soothing and calming the scalp.
If you choose to use just apple cider vinegar (not an ACV-based product) be sure to dilute the ACV well. About 2-3 tablespoons of ACV to 16 fluid ounces of water. About be careful to not overdo it as it can actually irritate and burn your scalp if you leave it on too long or don’t dilute it enough.
See a Dermatologist
If your postpartum itchy scalp becomes significantly uncomfortable and none of these methods listed above are providing any relief, you should consult a dermatologist. If it ever interferes with your quality of life, you should definitely reach out for an evaluation. Or if you become concerned for any reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does postpartum hair loss make scalp itchy?
Postpartum hair loss and an itchy scalp can both occur due to the same postpartum hormonal fluctuations. Hair loss from the follicles can cause some itchiness. But you’re usually itchy due to dry scalp or excess oil production causing dandruff.
When should I go to the doctor for postpartum itchy scalp?
If you’re experiencing any symptoms like dryness, itchiness, flakiness or dandruff, or oily scalp that is interfering with your day-to-day life, you should go see a doctor. You may try hair treatments first like the ones recommended above, but if you’re still struggling it’s definitely time to reach out for help.
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