Itchy scalp: what to do and which routine to choose

Itching, tight skin, constant discomfort that distracts you throughout the day: when your head itches, it's rarely just a minor issue. Often there is flaking (dry or oily), sensitive skin or an imbalance. The good news? With the right steps, you can restore your scalp to a feeling of comfort and real cleanliness - without improvising.

Why does the skin itch?

There can be several causes, which sometimes overlap: microflora imbalance, stressed skin barrier, overly aggressive (or infrequent) cleansing, hot and humid weather, sweating, hats, periods of stress. This is why ‘scratching’ or randomly changing products often makes things worse.

The ESTĒREL rule: first cleanse thoroughly, then rebalance

When itching is accompanied by flaking or irritation, cleansing works best when it combines two actions:

• gentle exfoliation (to remove dead cells, flakes and residues)
• purification and rebalancing (to support turnover and microflora)

This is exactly the logic behind the ESTĒREL Method: not a product, but a ritual.

Recommended cosmetics (and why)

Phyto Action Purifying Shampoo +

Suitable for dry or oily dandruff and flaky conditions: it cleanses in a targeted and gentle way, helping to slow down flaking and restore balance, leaving hair soft and light.

Exfoliant Shampoo

Exfoliating treatment that helps remove flakes and impurities; it has a unique texture (not the classic foam), more similar to a cleansing emulsion. It is also recommended when itching is severe and the scalp is “charged”.

If you want a more complete action (intensive ritual):

• AP Hydra Pure Mask: designed for dehydrated scalps with dandruff/itching/flaking, with a moisturising-purifying action.
• Mousse Antipellicules: a leave-in mousse treatment for daily use, useful when you want to prolong the effect of the ritual.

Regular cleansing routine (1–2 times a week)

• Wet your hair and apply Exfoliant Shampoo, massaging gently.
• Leave on for 2 minutes. Do not rinse.
• Apply Phyto Action Purifying Shampoo +, emulsify with a gentle massage and rinse thoroughly.
• For repeated washes during the week, keep this ‘regular’ routine as a basis.

Intensive Cleansing Ritual (once a week)

• Exfoliant Shampoo (leave on for 2 minutes, do not rinse)
• Apply Purifying Phyto Action Shampoo +, emulsify and rinse
• Apply AP Hydra Pure Mask to the entire scalp: leave on for 5 minutes, then rinse
• Apply Anti-Dandruff Mousse and dry as usual (without rinsing).

Quick FAQs

Is it dandruff or simple flaking?

It's not always easy to tell: dandruff is often linked to an imbalance in the microflora and can cause itching and redness; flaking is more like skin that ‘peels off’, typical of dryness/stress. If you're not sure, it's best to start with a ritual that combines exfoliation + purification and ask for support.

The Exfoliant Shampoo doesn't lather much: is this normal?

Yes: it is designed as a cleansing emulsion (not a “classic” lather).

Does the mousse need to be rinsed off?

No, it is a leave-in treatment.