Why does my scalp itch after applying oil? If you are touchy about the health of your hair, you might know about different home remedies and scalp care products that will help your hair grow longer and thicker. Among these remedies, oiling your scalp at least once a week will definitely be in your list. Besides, there is nothing better than having someone massage your scalp with oil to treat the headache you had, right?
Unfortunately, oiling the scalp isn’t as relaxing to some as it is to many. Many scalps start to uncontrollably itch soon after the application of oil. Sometimes the itch dies down in a minute or two, and other times it causes allergic reactions that leave your scalp a red mess.
But There are a number of reasons due to which that might happen, which we will go through one by one in this article.
Why should I oil my scalp?
Apart from being a wonderful medicine for the growth of your hair, oils give many benefits after being applied to your scalp. A few of them are:
- Massaging oil into your scalp will improve the circulation of blood through your head.
- The moisturizing properties give power to your hair, making it shine.
- You might be experiencing sever hair fall and hair loss due to lack of some unknown vitamins. Oils contain vitamins that will be sufficient to cover this lack.
- The moisture oils provide to your hair causes it to become less frizzy and dry, giving your hair a healthier look.
- The oil coat will protect your scalp and hair from dirt and UV radiations which will damage them otherwise.
- It helps in reducing dandruff in hair.
Causes of itchiness in scalp after applying oil
As mentioned before, oil can cause itchiness in many scalps which can lead to red patches to form on the scalp. Although this might relate to your protein intake and diet, there are other reasons that cause this itchiness, out of which some are:
A dry and dirty scalp
First, a dry and a dirty scalp are two different things. But they can both be treated the same way i.e., washing your scalp frequently, if not regularly.
When oils are mixed with the pollutants and dirt of a dirty scalp, they cause an inflammable reaction to take place which causes itchiness.
Similarly, a dry scalp is inflamed by the touch of cool moisture which will cause your scalp to itch. A dry scalp can form by the use of heating stylers (hair straighteners and curlers) as well as washing your scalp with hot water in winters. It is recommended to wash your scalp with cool water to avoid too much itching prior to oiling.
Sebaceous dermatitis
Sebaceous dermatitis is a condition that causes your scalp to turn red and itch uncontrollably. Most people who have this condition already have an oily scalp, and applying more to it will trap dust inside a scalp, leading to itchiness and infections.
Dermatologists do not usually recommend people with this condition to apply oil to their scalp, but if they take proper care of it, the itchiness can be reduced to a minimum.
Dandruff
According to dermatologists, are scalps are made up of bacteria and a yeast called Malassezia. Applying oil to the scalp may disturb the PH balance of the scalp, causing unhealthy bacteria to form. This bacterium is what we call dandruff.
There is a common misconception that applying hair oil to dandruff heals it. When in fact, oil removes the dandruff temporarily only to be formed again after a few days. This dandruff reacts to the oil applied and causes itchiness.
Contact Dermatitis
There are certain cosmetic hair care products (such as shampoos, conditioners, or even hair oils themselves) that contain allergens that don’t go too well with the mechanism of your scalp. These allergens react as soon as they come in contact with oils and cause itchiness.
You should always pay attention to the severity of the itch and if it gets too much, avoid the hair product at all costs.
Ways to cure and avoid this itchiness
There are a number of precautions one can take to avoid their scalp being itches when oil is applied. These are:
Choose your oil wisely
Choosing an oil that will work well with your scalp is very important, as these oils are a major source of vitamins for your hair.
A few of the best hair oils present out there are:
- Coconut oil
- Argan oil
- Jojoba oil
- Home-made oil
Also, make sure not to buy your hair oils from the local grocery store or the kitchen aisle of a supermarket. Better to go to a pharmaceutical drug store or ask your dermatologist to provide the best suited oil for you.
Apply oil the right way
Do not apply a massive amount of oil once a month and leave it overnight. Instead, oil your scalp at least twice a week for 10-30 minutes before showering.
Also, massage your entire scalp with your fingers after applying oil and oil the tips of your hair as well. Comb your hair after the application to even it out.
Do not get creative yourself
People usually advise others to mix things into their oils such as vinegar or baking soda. While that may work well for some people, they may cause a disaster for others. Get your PH checked before taking any such step to avoid destruction of your scalp.
Conclusion
The scalp is a sensitive part of the body that needs proper care and attention. While hair shines beauty mostly in females, it also causes the attractive feature to shine in male’s as well. Take care of your scalp and hair by applying the right oil the right way to it.
