via Naturallycurly.com;
All commercially manufactured hair products contain preservatives to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi and to protect the product from “spoilage.” Many can cause sensitivity and itching. These are commonly irritating preservatives:
Benzyl alcohol
Imidazolidinyl urea
Diazolidinyl urea
Sodium Hydroxylmethylglycinate
Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl parabens
Phenoxyethanol
DMDM hydantoin
Quaternium-15
Methylisothiazolinone
Styling products such as daily gel could be the cause. Also if you don't allow wet hair to dry before putting it in a ponytail it can cause scalp irritation too.
I have been using sulfate free shampoo, leave in conditioner and extra virgin olive oil, and I'm experiencing itchy scalp any suggestions?
I think this post is very informative. I dont think it is meant to deter us from using products with these ingredients. Rather it is providing us with the knowledge of "why" our scalp is possibly itching. I myself can stop scouring my scalp and now add a little tea tree oil to my products to reduce the itching.
Agree with Michelle, the flip side to not having any preservatives is you can end up with more than just an itchy scalp.
lol as Im logging typing "curlynikki.com" into the search box, Im itching my scalp and didnt realize I was doing it until I see this title! lol
Phenoxyethanol is actually one of the milder ones. Many natural hair and skin care manufacturers are adding a small amount of this preservative to extend the product's shelf life. I have sensitive skin and this is one that has not caused me any reactions.