Scratchy Scalp? 5 Ways To Ditch That Itch

Have you ever struggled with dryness, Dandruff, or Seborrheic Dermatitis? You would know very well how quickly an itchy, irritated scalp can turn a sunny day into a stormy one. It's right up there with potholes, paper cuts, and people who don’t pick up after their pups.

But fear not, MooGoo’s got your back (or rather, your scalp). We're here to help you soothe that noggin with some solid advice and a sprinkle of humour. Let’s get to the root of the issue, shall we?

1. Break Up with Sulfates

Foam lovers, this one's for you: those big, bubbly shampoos might feel great, but they’re often loaded with synthetic sulfates like SLS or SLES (yep, those things that end in -fate). Sure, they give you all the suds, but they can leave your hair high and dry - and your scalp freaking out with flakes. Instead of focusing on foam, think about what’s really cleaning your hair.

Our MooGoo Milk Shampoo skips the sulfates and uses gentle, naturally derived cleansers that get the job done without turning your scalp into a desert. You might need a bit more elbow grease to lather up but think of it as a mini head massage. Trust us, your scalp will thank you.

Shampoo Without the Stress

Shampoos that promise to "wash away the flakes and dandruff" are often loaded with harsh detergents like SLS. These ingredients strip away the symptoms (aka flakes), but they inevitably return, often with a vengeance. This rough approach doesn't help your scalp; it just dries it out more, causing irritation and exacerbating the problem in the long run. If your scalp is suffering from Seborrheic Dermatitis, a shampoo with SLS is one of the worst things you can use. It disrupts your scalp’s natural microbiome and microflora, causing more flare-ups.

Our Milk Shampoo takes a holistic approach to scalp problems. It cleanses without stripping away essential oils from the scalp and hair, maintains moisture balance, and supports a healthy scalp environment. Much better, right?

2. Say Sayonara to Silicone

Most conditioners coat your hair (and scalp) with silicone-based ingredients (words that end in -cone), making it feel soft and slippery. While silicones detangle knots and make your hair feel like heaven, over time, they can build up, blocking your hair follicles and causing irritation. Even a little silicone build-up can prevent your scalp from breathing and regulating properly - not the best environment for healthy hair, in our humble hair opinion.

As silicone builds up, mixed in with dead skin, sweat and excess oils, chunks or bits of the build-up can slough or break off, causing flakes to appear on your scalp, hair and clothing. These flakes are often confused with Dandruff or scalp dryness, but they are three different things, although it’s quite common for them to go hand-in-hand. But silicone is not just a culprit of conditioners. It can also be found in high percentages in shampoos with claims like “less breakage” or formulas for “dry and damaged hair”.

Like a broken record, we repeat: always read ingredient labels!

Condition with Care

Thankfully, you don’t need all that gunk when there are natural alternatives. The MooGoo Cream Conditioner ditches silicone for Jojoba Oil, giving you that silky-smooth feeling without the baggage.

Our 5-star formula also contains Milk Protein, probably the most nutrient-rich protein, thanks to its complete amino acids. You'll love how it boosts your hair's manageability and body, plus it gives a serious hydration and elasticity boost. Say hello hair growth! So, give your scalp a break and let it breathe easy with ingredients that are as kind to the environment as they are to your hair.

3. Keep Your Cool

We’re still yet to meet anyone who loves an ice-cold shower, after all, nothing beats a nice, hot shower after a long, hard day. To our dismay, hot water can strip your scalp of its natural oils, leaving it red, raw and ready to rebel. On the flip side, cold water stops your hair follicles from opening and doesn’t allow for a deep, thorough clean. So, what’s a scalp to do? Go for the Goldilocks option - lukewarm water. It’s the perfect middle ground that cleanses without causing a revolt on your scalp.

Be Kinder to Our Caps

Since our scalps are often hiding under a head of hair, they can be easy to forget. A dry scalp is the first step to an itchy scalp, and moisturising with a full head of hair can be tricky. The best way to keep your scalp cool, calm and collected (just how we like it) is to avoid stripping it with sulfates and scalding water.

Your scalp is a clever little thing and produces moisturising oils to protect itself. Stripping these oils away with harsh detergents and hot water can kickstart oil-producing overdrive, leading to a greasy situation - unless you’re into that wet look. Save your scalp from a hairy situation and keep things lukewarm!

4. Avoid All Aerosols

Dry shampoo is a lifesaver, but most come in aerosol cans that can irritate your scalp and even your lungs. Aerosols contain volatile hydrocarbons like propane, n-butane, and isobutane. The spray combined with harsh chemicals can build up on the scalp, increasing symptoms of itchiness, dryness, Dandruff, and Seborrheic Dermatitis.

Kick the Can and Get Shaking

Since aerosols were off the table, we made a natural, aerosol-free powder version. MooGoo’s Natural Dry Shampoo absorbs excess oils so you can get a few more days out of that gorgeous mane. The talc-free formula adds volume and leaves it smelling lovely, all without aerosols, talc, harsh chemicals, and irritating buildup. Just shake it, sprinkle it, and you’re good to go!

5. Soothe Your Scalp

Your scalp deserves some TLC, just like the rest of your skin. From daily heat styling to weather changes and colour treatments, it’s no wonder so many of us deal with itchy, flaky scalps. Take some time to pamper your scalp with a gentle massage, a hydrating mask using our Cream Conditioner or Protein Shot Leave-In Conditioner, and maybe even a nice cup of tea.

What About Serious Scalp Situations?

And for those days when your scalp needs a little extra love, MooGoo’s Scalp Cream is here to save the day. It’s designed to soothe and bring relief to dry and inflamed skin on the scalp, hairline, ears, and face. These areas tend to be oiler and can easily become irritated, so this formula was designed to soothe and protect the scalp, returning skin to a healthy, happy place.

So, there you have it - five tips to help you say farewell to flakes and hello to a healthy, happy scalp. With a little care and the right products, you can ditch the itch for good!