Natural Hair

How to Combat an Itchy Scalp With Starter Locs

January 11, 2022
A black woman with Locs in the budding stage

I’ve always struggled with a dry, itchy scalp. When I got my locs, it seemed like this concern became worse. The first few months were filled with days and nights of me scratching my scalp like crazy and dealing with flakes.

Since you shouldn’t manipulate your hair often during the beginning stages, I had to find ways to combat an itchy scalp without risking my starter locs unraveling or slowing down the locking process.

I’ve been able to find products and a routine that keep my scalp itch and dandruff free until my next loc retwist.

In this post, I’ll be sharing how you can combat an itchy scalp with starter locs and keep them flourishing on your journey!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.


Itchy Scalp Solutions for Starter Locs:

Heritage Store Rosewater + Glycerin

Rosewater and Glycerin toner

Keeping your starter locs and scalp moisturized is important. You want to find a lightweight spray to use that won’t cause build-up over time.

The Heritage Store Rosewater + Glycerin spray has helped me combat a dry, itchy scalp and provide hydration for my locs. I spray this all over my hair and scalp 2-3x per week.

Here are some benefits of using Rosewater:

  • Conditions + moisturizes
  • Maintains your hair + scalp’s pH balance
  • Helps to promote healthy hair growth
  • Can soothe scalp inflammation

This has been a game-changer and I’m glad I’ve been able to find ways to keep my scalp moisturized without using too much product. Less is always more!

Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Jamaican Black Castor Oil

After applying Rosewater, I follow up with Jamaican Black Castor Oil to seal in the moisture and soothe my scalp.

Since I have high porosity hair, using heavy oils works perfectly for me by helping to improve moisture retention and combat a dry, itchy scalp.

Here are some benefits of using this:

  • Has anti-inflammatory properties
  • Provides shine for your locs
  • Helps tame frizz
  • Improves blood circulation to the scalp
  • Promotes healthy hair growth

If this oil is too heavy for you, some other great alternatives for starter locs are Coconut, Jojoba, and Argan oil.

Scalp Massages

Once I apply the oil, I love doing a quick scalp massage. This is a step I’ve always done in my natural hair regimen because of the many benefits.

Here is why you should do regular scalp massages:

  • Promotes hair growth
  • Strengthens the roots
  • Prevents flakes and dryness
  • Conditions the scalp

Instead of using my fingers, I love this handheld scalp massager. Not only does it promote relaxation, but it also vibrates which accelerates blood flow to the scalp. It’s easy to use and reaches your scalp easily without causing tangles or frizz.

Witch Hazel

Dickinson's Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel is a natural toner that can remove excess oils and build-up on the scalp. It’s beneficial for those who sweat a lot from an active lifestyle or have an oily scalp + dandruff in general.

I apply the Witch Hazel to a cotton round and gently rub it on my scalp. This does a great job of soothing it and getting rid of any flakes that I have!

No More Itch Gro Spray

The Jamaican Mango & Lime No More Itch Spray can help you maintain healthy, well-groomed Locs. It’s a root stimulator and cleanser that promotes healthy blood flow to the scalp while moisturizing the hair.

Here are some benefits you can expect:

  • Helps reduce itching due to dry scalp
  • Minimizes the appearance of dandruff
  • Prevents breakage
  • Helps Locs look and feel healthier
  • Restores hydration

This spray smells really good and provides fast relief for an itchy scalp. Whenever I use this, my scalp feels brand new! This formula is non-greasy and perfect for conditioning dry Locs as well.


These are quick and easy ways I’ve been able to combat a dry, itchy scalp with starter locs without worrying about them unraveling.

The last thing I wanted was for something I did to mess up the locking process — it’s important to speak with your Loctician to figure out ways to keep your locs intact between your retwists.

Remember, you don’t need a lot of products to keep your locs and scalp moisturized. I had to learn how to simplify my routine and not spend money on unnecessary products.

I’m excited to continue on this journey and watch my locs transform!

You Might Also Like

3 Comments

  • Reply Brittany January 12, 2022 at 7:57 pm

    Thanks for the tips Maddy!

  • Reply Nina Carter September 8, 2023 at 7:40 pm

    Thank you so much for the tips!

  • Leave a Reply