My scalp itches without flaking. I wash my hair everyother day, and I have tried many many shampoos without much help. The anti-dandruff shampoos help the most, but they dry out my hair even when I use conditioner.
I didn’t have this problem when I lived in a desert climate - in fact, my dry skin issues increased once I moved to western Washington…which is odd, considering the wet climate.
I know scratching is bad, but its hard not to. rubs head
I’ve had this problem since I moved to Calgary, 16 years ago. I’ve tried about every shampoo under the sun, including stuff recommended by a dermatologist, and the only one that helped was Herbal Essences dandruff shampoo and dry scalp conditioner. I can no longer buy them here in Calgary - if you can find them where you are, try them, and send me an email so I can get you to supply me.
This may have absolutely nothing to do with your shampoo-related issues, but I use organic-type shampoos (some are “organic” and some are just detergent-free–effectively I’ll use anything that doesn’t use detergents like SLS) because the detergents in normal shampoos fry my hair and give me wretched itchy scalp. I have ass-length hair, and detergent based shampoos make it frizzy and cause it to mat. Not cool.
Two that I like: Avalon Organics and Giovanni 50/50. Just a thought
Something else you might try (especially after using shampoo bars, which are basically soap and therefore can leave build-up) is a dilute apple cider vinegar rinse. I use a tablespoon of vinegar in four cups of water; the smell goes away after your hair dries. Wisdom from my great-grandmother. It can really help clear up minor scalp issues. Pour it over, let it sit a minute, then rinse briefly with fresh water.
I came to recommend this. Many dandruff poos have failed me but Tea Tree oil makes my scalp feel like it just ate a York Peppermint Patty. Use a generous amount so that it actually gets to your scalp, not just the hair.
The only shampoo I can use consistently is Nizoral. You can buy it in non-prescription strength at any store. It’s expensive so I rotate it next to Suave aloe and waterlily shampoo to keep the price down.