Itchy, flaky scalp that won't clear up? Why your usual shampoo may not be enough

If you're tired of dealing with visible flakes, an itchy scalp or persistent dandruff, you're not alone. Research by Polytar – whose celebrity ambassador is Martine McCutcheon – found that over a third of women have a persistently itchy scalp (34%), almost one in three (27%) deal with a dry or tight-feeling scalp, and a quarter (25%) have increased flaking.

As we get older, our beauty routines inevitably evolve. Maybe the best shampoos and conditioners that once left your hair glossy and full of life no longer deliver the same results, or you find you need richer products or even one of the best scalp treatments to tackle dryness and sensitivity.

You might notice flakes appearing on your shoulders, find yourself scratching your head more often than usual, or experience an uncomfortable tightness that seems to come out of nowhere. It's tempting to assume you simply need to switch shampoo, but when the problem keeps coming back, it can be difficult to know what to try next.

Does your scalp change as you get older?

As we get older, our scalp can become more prone to dryness and irritation, while changes in haircare routines or the products we use may also play a part. Skin conditions such as dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis and psoriasis can cause persistent itching and flaking, so if your scalp feels uncomfortable, it’s worth taking the time to consider what’s behind the symptoms rather than simply switching shampoos.

Are you noticing occasional flakes, persistent itching, redness or patches of thicker scaling? Does the discomfort settle after washing, or does it keep returning? The answers can help you work out whether your routine needs a rethink or whether it's time to seek advice about a possible scalp condition.

An itchy scalp doesn't automatically mean your hormones are responsible, and not every flake is a sign of dandruff. But when signs of perimenopause first appeared in my mid-forties, an itchy scalp was one of the most frustrating symptoms I encountered. I tried switching shampoos, experimenting with different haircare products and even adjusting how often I washed my hair, but the problem persisted.

Dandruff, dryness or something else?

A dry scalp can cause similar symptoms – including itching, tightness and flaking – to scalp conditions such as dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis, making them difficult to tell apart.

If you're unsure what's causing your symptoms, a pharmacist or healthcare professional can help you decide on the most appropriate next step.

• Dandruff is a common cause of visible flakes and itching. It's associated with the shedding of skin cells and other factors, including the activity of a naturally occurring yeast on the scalp. Depending on the cause and severity, an appropriate scalp care routine or an anti-dandruff treatment may help.
• A dry scalp tends to feel tight or uncomfortable and may produce small flakes. Dryness may be linked to environmental factors or irritating haircare products – but other scalp conditions cause similar symptoms yet have different underlying causes, so may require specific treatments.
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis can cause inflamed skin and flaky patches, including on the scalp. It may also affect other areas of the face and body where oil-producing glands are more active.
• Scalp psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause raised, inflamed patches covered with scaling. It can vary in severity and may cause considerable itching or discomfort.

Why your usual shampoo might not be enough

When your scalp feels uncomfortable, changing your shampoo is often the first thing you try. Sometimes this can make a difference, particularly if a product is irritating your skin or is no longer suited to your needs.

But there's an important distinction between a shampoo designed primarily to cleanse your hair and one formulated to help treat a particular scalp condition. Everyday shampoos help remove oil, dirt and product build-up, while medicated shampoos contain active ingredients intended for specific therapeutic purposes – and the right choice depends on the underlying condition being treated.

Not everyone with a flaky scalp needs a medicated shampoo, which is why it’s important to understand what's causing your symptoms and choose a product that's suited to the problem.

Could a medicated shampoo help?

A medicated shampoo can form part of a treatment plan for certain scalp conditions. It's important to choose one that's appropriate for your symptoms and follow the instructions carefully, since different products contain different active ingredients.

One option is Polytar Medicated Scalp Shampoo, which contains a 4% coal tar solution and is formulated to treat, not just relieve the symptoms of, stubborn dandruff, scalp psoriasis, and eczema, while cleansing hair at the same time.

Coal tar has a long history of use in dermatological treatments. Coal tar has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and anti-itch properties that help soothe an irritated scalp, reduce itching and loosen excess flaky skin, making it a useful ingredient to consider if you're struggling with persistent scalp irritation and dandruff.

Small changes that can make a difference to your scalp routine

Whatever the cause of your symptoms, try these tips to ease scalp irritation:

If you're considering Polytar, read the label and patient information leaflet carefully to check whether it's suitable for you and how it should be used.

• Spot patterns – Notice when itching or flaking occurs and whether particular products seem to make things better or worse. This information can also be useful when discussing your symptoms with a healthcare professional.
• Be mindful of new products – Fragrances and other ingredients can irritate some people's skin. If irritation develops after introducing a new shampoo or styling product, stop using it and seek advice if symptoms persist.
• Try not to scratch – Scratching can further irritate the skin and cause damage. If itching is persistent, addressing the underlying cause is more useful than repeatedly trying to relieve the sensation.
• Seek help – A pharmacist or healthcare professional can help you identify suitable next steps.

In the end, switching to Polytar was the only thing that brought me relief when my itchy scalp got so bad that it started keeping me awake at night – as if hot flushes weren't doing a good enough job of that on their own.

It's not a product I use every day – the distinctive smell is a little less appealing than the usual lotions and potions in my bathroom – but whenever I feel that familiar itch, Polytar is always the first product I reach for.

Always read the label and patient information leaflet before use.