MIL gets her hair done weekly, same salon for 25 years. Recently, her head itches excessively. Grateful for ideas to minimize her scratching.

Find out if the salon has recently switched shampoo or conditioner brand.

We can develop allergies (or sensitivities) at any point in our lives.

I agree with BarbBrooklyn to ask the salon about any change in product.

My mom took her own shampoo (actually it was left with the hairdresser with her name on it).
Have you checked her scalp for rashes or (god forbid) head lice?

If it were me I would wash my scalp and hair at home with the same shampoo that has not given me problems and see if it goes away. If it doesn't by the next hair appointment I would speak with the salon and if there were no changes to their shampoo and the issue continues I would go to a dermatologist.

Check side-effects of meds, especially any new meds she’s taking. Stop meds, if itching is a sign of a bad reaction: ask doctor what to do.

Also check if bed bugs, mosquitoes, insects, are biting her scalp. Also see dermatologist if necessary.

Years ago I suddenly developed itching in my scalp. Turned out it was red wine so I definitely think it is an allergy. If it happened after salon visit, I agree that it may be the shampoo or conditioner. I am also allergic to a common ingredient in shampoo quaternium.

Years ago I suddenly developed itching in my scalp. Turned out it was red wine so I definitely think it is an allergy. If it happened after salon visit, I agree that it may be the shampoo or conditioner. I am also allergic to a common ingredient in shampoo quaternium.

Has she recently started a new medication? My 84 year old mom starts scratching her head about an hour after taking one of her medications. You can check with her doctor as well.

My mother complains of scalp itching and has tried numerous shampoos. So far, Neutrogena T-Gel has helped the most.

Paul Mitchell tea tree oil shampoo.

Also, does she use conditioner? That's important if she has dry scalp.
Is her hair only washed once a week when she gets it done? She may need to get it washed more than that.
The stylist may also have to try different styling products with her. She could have developed an allergy to what they've always been using on her.

Hi there is your mom colouring her hair. The scalp thins quite a bit and products affect it more even if it’s just hair spray. Same with my mpm

Have her PCP informed. The PCP may need to assess her for allergic or other medical changes that are contributing to the " itching". Aging brings increased sensitivities and, the medical assessment should be first course of assessment and options to address her " itching".

Good Morning,

Make sure your loved one's iron or any type of electrodes are where they should be. This would be a blood test, I hate to have the elderly go for unnecessary blood draws.

It could be an oxygen problem, etc. Earlier this Summer I had itching like you couldn't believe. I am in my late 50's. I thought it my new shampoo or perhaps, a hair color.

Turns out, I was persistent for a scrip for blood work and my iron was so low I had to go immediately to the ER for iron infusion. No more itching. Anemia can cause this. They check me for an "Occult Bleed" basically a stool test and I had iron infusions plus I am on a high level of Ferrous Sulfate on-going. It takes (3) months to restore. I am fatigued.

The doctor's think my Celiac Disease (allergic to gluten) may have caused this. This is just my story but potassium levels, iron deficiency--anything like that in the elderly can affect their oxygen and blood flow. I would have some blood work done along with what the other people suggest on this forum.

I hope I was of some help.

94 year old aunt was frantically scratching her head and complaining of itching. We switched to Aveeno baby bath wash & shampoo. Argan oil massaged into her scalp really seemed to relieve her extremely dry scalp. At her age it was very hard to keep her skin moisturized. All day long she gets Aveeno body lotion massaged into her skin. She has recently stopped coloring her hair. I am sure those chemicals did not help her dry scalp.

Make sure it's not a medical condition, like dandruff or shingles, which can happen on the scalp. Examine her scalp closely for dryness and rashes such as shingles. If you see a rash, consult with her doctor and have her examined. Shingles can be treated, and can be dangerous when it's on the scalp. If it's not the above, she may have developed an allergy or sensitivity to an ingredient in the hair dye. Try switching to a dye with all natural ingredients, with no amonia or parabens. You may have to bring it to the hair stylist, if they don't have it. Sometimes it's necessary to stop the hair dye until the condition clears up. Some people are lucky, and their own natural grey or white hair is very attractive.

Believe it or not it could be coming from the inside. Her nerve endings might be acting up. I had this problem once not too long ago. Give her a tablet of vitamin B12 under the tongue once a day maybe twice. It made a big difference for me. As usual make sure it won't complete with any other medications you may be taking.
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Check for adult cradle cap. My mom started scratching her scalp in a few localized spots. I took a look under her hair and there were thick crusties (eeew). Exfoliating pre-shampoo treatment once a week (nizoral makes it) and I added tea tree oil to her favorite shampoo. It has alleviated most of the issue. Good luck!!

Could be dermatitis. Have your MIL's scalp evaluated by a dermatologist.
For example, I am allergic to hair colorings, so I stopped coloring my hair. Selsun Blue shampoo helps stop the itching.

Dermatologist

(The old standard was "Head and Shoulders."

Those chemicals they use are harsh and once a week isn't enough. Needs twice a week. Hair spray might make her itch. My mom was put on a blood thinner that made her itch. Any med changes?

A few years ago I had terrible intertrigo (skin fold rash) and saw a Dermatologist. While there, I also had the itchy, incredibly painful scalp sores I've had for several years. Diagnosis-Atopic Dermatitis and a some staph on my scalp. Prescribed me Clindamycin topical solution for 2 weeks. I get flare ups often & certain shampoos, soaps,lotions make it worse. Might be worth a trip to the Dermatologist. Some OTC preparations make it worse. Good luck

I have not read all responses but 1. have her checked by doc. 2. There is an anti itch liquid for scalp (otc, Walgreen’s, etc.) which worked great for my mom.

Good luck!

The comment that we can develop allergies (or sensitivities) at any point in our lives is true. A dermatologist tested 70 antigen spots on my back that I could not see, and that were covered. They checked days later and then again after that to see the areas that still had welts. I had developed true allergy to some fragrances. I already knew through trial and error, that I now needed to use fragrance free products after many years of having no trouble with them at all! This can apply to anyone, including our loved ones who are now dementia and/or Alzheimer's patients.

Also, psoriasis and eczema can cause itching and can develop later in life.

Cocomae: Ask the salon if perchance they've switched products. She could have developed an allergic reaction if they have done so.

Does she get her hair washed more than once a week? If not, styling product may be building up on her scalp. Otherwise, the products the hairdresser uses may have too many drying ingredients - ask her about moisturizing products for that weekly visit. If you notice a lot of "damp build-up" on her scalp, she may have a yeast infection. There are shampoos to help with yeast issues.

As strange as this sounds…
I googled BORAX - and the whole story… boron is something the body needs… not too much.
One of many things borax is good for is washing the scalp. And if it dries you head out or hair, use a lil coconut oil.

my hair person says I need to switch to head n shoulders due to my age. He says it a great product..

so check out dead n shoulders and Borax.

borax I’m going to use it to wash my cat over the weekend.. supposed help with fleas too

Try prescription liquid solution of CLOBETASOL PROPIONATE TOPICAL SOLUTION 0.05%. Put on scalp & let sit for awhile.

Head & Shoulders Itchy Scalp Care

Dermatologist recommended Vanicream Shampoo, about $10 on Amazon. Bring to salon for them to use. No fragrance, parabens, etc.