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Original poster

flaky itchy scalp

29 replies

Madigan · 18/01/2011 20:29

i have suffered from this for as long as I can remember ............. Kerastase Anti-Dandruff shampoo used to work, and no longer does now. "Strong" shampoos such as head and shoulders or T-Gel make the problem a lot worse. I have recently been trying Liz earle's shampoo (which has no nasty chemicals) and have noticed a little improvement but not much. It is definitely linked to stress (having a horrible stressful time at the moment) ........... please please can someone recommend a shampoo/treatment that might work? My itchy scalp is driving me mad, and I am fed up seeing flakes in my hair and on my clothes -sorry, so gross.

OP posts:
Original poster
Madigan · 18/01/2011 20:30

oooops, sorry, not sure how I have managed to post same message 3 times Blush

OP posts:
planestrainsautomobiles · 18/01/2011 20:35

I've had this previously (a few years back) - I also suffered when I had a particularly stressful job / time.

I found the Kerastase Anti-Dandruff Shampoo worked really well after a kerastase anti-dandruff treatment at the salon. It literally disappeared within 24 hours - mine was more itchy / scabby (sorry TMI) spots rather than all over flakiness.

Have you tried the kerastase treatment? I didn't expect it to work but it was amazing.

Only other thing I've used is T-Gel but looks like that doesn't work for you.

Hopefully you might get some more advice.

Original poster
Madigan · 18/01/2011 20:36

Oh, I have not heard of the treatment .......... what treatment is it??

OP posts:
planestrainsautomobiles · 18/01/2011 20:42

I'm not sure exactly - but I'm assuming it was a kerastase treatment as the salon mainly used their products.

Maybe you could ask at your salon - just googled and came up with this

HTH - unfortunately can't check as its a salon I went to when we were living in Sydney.

RambleOn · 18/01/2011 20:46

I have the same problem at the moment (also linked to stress). Googling threw up a sugar scrub, tried it last night and today haven't scratched once since!

Just mixed about 2 tablespoons of thick conditioner with demerara sugar until it became a thick paste, then scrubbed it into scalp (bliss!), rinsed out and air dried.

Scalp had been very dry and flakey, and now it's virtually flake free. May do it again tonight actually Grin

planestrainsautomobiles · 18/01/2011 20:46

PS my scalp feels really itchy now Confused

Pinkflipflop · 18/01/2011 20:56

Oh I can totally sympathise!! In fact, I went to the doctor about this issue last week. I told him that my scalp was actually driving me beserk with itch. H had a good look, Not psoriasis, NOT dermatitis, NOT yeast infection, NOT eczema - in fact he said it didn't look too bad at all.

I get the flakes on my shoulders (black top today) bad look Sad

I have literally spent hundreds of pounds on trying to help it, Liz Earle, Alphysol, Capasal, coconut oil, everything - nothing helps.

Mine is stress related too, I think as my teaching job can be intense at times.

Will read this with interest...

GreenLion · 18/01/2011 22:33

I found that switching to really gentle products without any parabens or SLS helped (as did ditching the stressful job!). Have you tried the Naked range (available in Boots)? Their sensitive scalp shampoo is lovely.

Am loving the sound of the home-made scrub though as well...

WhatsWrongWithYou · 18/01/2011 22:38

I have to be careful with what use as well - agree with greenLion that it's often the nasties in products causing the problem.

I find most organic/natural ranges okay (apart from Green People), atm using Australian Organics from Waitrose which isn't too expensive.

Also have to be careful with styling products - ideally don't use them at all, just a dab of Moroccan oil and occasionally a styling thing. But I couldn't regularly use a mousse or styling spray as flakes are the immediate result.

Havingkittens · 18/01/2011 23:08

I find Oilatum shampoo works really well for this problem.

PersonalClown · 18/01/2011 23:09

The new Head and Shoulders is working wonders for me.
The itchy scalp care one.

Original poster
Madigan · 19/01/2011 19:13

ok, loads to try here ........ thank you. Will report back on what works!

OP posts:
merrywidow · 19/01/2011 20:02

Nizoral Shampoo _ follow directions to the letter! ( only available over pahrmacy counter )

Cut back on the dairy in your diet as it can make itchy flakiness worse

bodencustomer · 19/01/2011 20:06

Do you think it's psoriasis?

RamblingRosa · 20/01/2011 09:44

I second Nizoral. The one you get over the counter, not the one that's on the shelves (doesn't have the active ingredient). I don't think it works on all types of itchy scalp but good for yeast infections and certain types of dermatitis I think. Best check with GP.

As a general rule I would say go for more natural products (eg. Faith in Nature or Naked or something like that). But if it's a proper skin condition you might need something like Nizoral to shift it.

Oh, and I get the Boots own version of Nizoral over teh counter and it's much cheaper.

BooBooGlass · 20/01/2011 09:47

I agree with personalclown on this one. I was being driven mad by an itchy scalp, then I realised it was being caused by my new Aussie shampoo, when I've never reacted to them before. It was the Frizz Miracle stuff, lord knows what they put in it. I tried T Gel, but it made me smell like a tar pit, and so tried the new Head and Shoulders and it worked wonders. I stick to that and Lush shampoos now, and haven't had a problem since.

hugebelly · 20/01/2011 11:16

I've suffered with a dry itchy scalp on and off over the years and I'd put it down to dandruff and bought all the shampoos, all of which turned out to be too harsh. All my scalp wanted was tlc, so I've started using intensive conditioners and massage them into my scalp a bit - works a treat.

lagrace · 21/01/2011 20:13

The Body Shop Monoi Miracle Oil as a soothing scalp treatment, then Ginger Shampoo, absolutely guarantee that will sort you!

NormaStanleyFletcher · 21/01/2011 20:15

Nizoral - a bloody miracle

TigerseyeMum · 22/01/2011 19:14

Used to use Nizoral when it was script only but the OTC stuff just doesn't work for me :(

I notice that cold weather, aircon and SLS/parabens set it off so I am using the Dr Organic shampoos and tha helps but is not a cure.

I am trying to get hold of a Korres scalp product which has mixed reviews and see if that works - these things are very individual, depending on what type of scalp roblem you have, different things will be effective.

If I manage to try the Korres thing I will report back :)

Meanwhile, might try the sugar scrub idea - can you use a body scrub like the Ren Otto Rose one? I have that here...

Original poster
Madigan · 25/01/2011 16:38

Just tried to buy the body shop ginger anti-dandruff shampoo online, and it is out of stock .....................

OP posts:
macmama · 25/01/2011 16:56

For me T-gel was always best when problem got bad.

Regular washing and really working scalp with fingertips can help.

But you hit nail on head re reducing stress being best...

I can sympathise I have had psoriasis really chronically before on my scalp

lololizzy · 25/01/2011 17:02

i get it and i honestly think it's the chlorine in tapwater as have tried every shampoo under the sun..
what has really helped however..is applying Kiehl's Ultra Facial cream to my hairline as soon as i've washed my hair. (i get it really bad only on the hairline)
SOS cream by Barefoot Botanicals also good. but i've never been able to stop it flaring up from hairwashing..all i can do is calm it down (until next wash) after.
However i do my last rinse in apple cider vinegar and it seems to be improving slightly.
When i have washed hair in soft water areas it has also improved.

lololizzy · 25/01/2011 17:03

although i havent cured it with shampoos, any with parabens and sodium laurel sulphate has made it far far worse.

lololizzy · 25/01/2011 17:04

also a bit of diluted grapefruit seed extract rubbed in is great for itchiness

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