Nothing kills the vibe of freshly-done braids more than an itchy scalp. Just when you're feeling yourself and basking in the glory of not having to do your hair every morning, here comes a dreaded itch that has you patting your head every five minutes. Luckily, the best braid sprays for a dry or itchy scalp can soothe scalp irritation and add a healthy dose of hydration and shine to your protective style.
Below, read about the seven best braid sprays for itchy scalp. These hair treatments come in clutch when your scalp needs a calming spritz of hydration and can extend the life of your protective style.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Pharm To Table Scalp Relief Tea Tree Leave-In Conditioner, $12
- Allure Editor Favorite: Crown Affair The Calming Scalp Serum for Dry & Sensitive Scalp, $58
- Best-Smelling Formula: Camille Rose Mint Condition Braid & Scalp Spray, $12
- Best Anti-Itch: Mizani Scalp Care Soothing Scalp Lotion, $24
- Best for Greasy Scalps: Flawless by Gabrielle Union Nourishing Scalp Spray, $11
- Best for Dry Scalp: Mielle Organics Rice Water & Aloe Vera Braid & Scalp Moisturizer, $10
- Best for Cleansing: Sunday II Sunday Root Refresh Micellar Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar, $31
Best Overall: Pharm To Table Scalp Relief Tea Tree Leave-In Conditioner
Why It's Worth It: This do-it-all Pharm To Table Scalp Relief Tea Tree Leave-In Conditioner will make your experience with protective styles 10 times better. The easy-to-use spray spout dispenses a light mist that delivers the soothing benefits of tea tree oil, aloe, and mint to your scalp. While your scalp feels calm, cool, and collected, a blend of maracuja oil, coconut oil, and sunflower oil is also at work to deeply moisturize your scalp without leaving any greasy residue.
Editor Tip: "Tea tree is undefeated when it comes to its well-known antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties," says Atlanta-based board-certified dermatologist Patricia Oyetakin, MD.
Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, aloe, maracuja oil
Allure Editor Favorite: Crown Affair The Calming Scalp Serum
Why It's Worth It: If you need another reason to love Crown Affair, here it is. The Calming Scalp Serum lives up to its name and soothes itch and irritation instantly. The calming effect is likely due to tea tree oil, which Dr. Oyetakin says is great for soothing scalp discomfort.
Editor Tip: This scalp soother doesn't come in a spray bottle or with a nozzle so the best way to apply, is to pump a few drops onto your fingertips and massage your scalp.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, tea tree oil, aloe vera
Best-Smelling Formula: Camille Rose Mint Condition Braid & Scalp Spray
Why It's Worth It: The hydrating blend of sea moss and aloe vera makes the Camille Rose Mint Condition Spray a must-have if you wear protective styles often. It also has jojoba seed oil, which "is made of fatty acids that mimic natural oils that not only provide moisture but also have antimicrobial properties," says. Dr. Oyetakin.
Editor Tip: Want to flood your scalp with moisture and nutrients? Jojoba seed oil is "a nutrient powerhouse with many benefits for the skin and hair," says Dr. Oyetakin.
Key Ingredients: Jojoba seed oil, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, sea moss
Best Anti-Itch: Mizani Scalp Care Soothing Scalp Lotion
Why It's Worth It: If you were to ask your group chat which scalp-soothing product they all use, they'd probably say the Mizani Scalp Care Soothing Lotion. The nozzle applicator glides through thick coarse hair to reach the scalp without having to part your whole head. And once that nozzle touches your scalp, you can say goodbye to any itching and irritation.
Editor Tip: Aloe vera not only reduces itchiness but also delivers an instant soothing effect.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, avocado oil, eucalyptus
Best for Greasy Scalps: Flawless by Gabrielle Union Nourishing Scalp Spray
Why It's Worth It: Flawless by Gabrielle Union's Nourishing Scalp spray comes recommended by board-certified dermatologist Naana Boakye, MD. And if it's good enough for a dermatologist and Gabrielle Union herself, then it's good enough for us. This scalp spray is chockfull of ingredients including peppermint oil, rosemary, and aloe which are great at refreshing the scalp and keeping dandruff and itching at bay. The formula is also light on heavy oils making it great for those with oily scalps — you'll get all the soothing hydrating your scalp needs without any added greasiness.
Editor Tip: "Aloe vera can calm a scalp irritated by dandruff by helping to eliminate dead skin cells and, thus, stop the uncomfortable itching," says Stacy Chimento, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami.
Key Ingredients: Peppermint oil, rosemary, aloe, bacuri butter
Best for Dry Scalp: Mielle Organics Rice Water & Aloe Vera Braid & Scalp Moisturizer
Why It's Worth It: This lightweight Mielle Organics Rice Water & Aloe Vera Braid & Scalp Moisturizer is great for everyday use, moisturizing your scalp to prevent a dry, itchy, and flakey scalp. The addition of aloe in the formula soothes the scalp while rice and rosemary extract promote hair growth.
Editor Tip: New York City-based hairstylist Shanna St.Cyr is always reaching for this scalp spray. Not only does it soothe and condition the scalp, but it smells heavenly.
Key Ingredients: Rice extract, aloe vera, almond oil, rosemary
Best for Cleansing: Sunday II Sunday Root Refresh Micellar Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar
Why It's Worth It: Sunday II Sunday's Root Refresh Micellar Rinse targets one of the main causes of dandruff and general scalp itchiness: improper scalp cleaning. According to Dr. Oyetakin, "Without a scalp cleansing routine, there is likely product buildup and residue which can lead to itchiness and irritation." The main star of the micellar rinse is apple cider vinegar which has a handful of benefits for the scalp. "[Overall, it can] promote a healthy scalp by [targeting] dead skin cells that contribute to dandruff, thereby reducing flakes," double board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD, previously told Allure.
Editor Tip: Diluted apple cider vinegar can remove product build-up on the hair shaft and act as a mild exfoliant, that "helps to lessen a scaly scalp," says Florida-based board-certified dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo, MD.
Key Ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, camellia leaf extract, micellar water
Frequently Asked Questions
Atlanta-based board-certified dermatologist Patricia Oyetakin, MD, explains that there are a few factors that contribute to an itchy or irritated scalp when wearing protective styles. "High tension protective styles and product buildup and residue can lead to scalp irritation and discomfort," says Dr. Oyetakin. The dermatologist says it's important to keep the scalp moisturized and clean to prevent issues like dandruff and flakiness. Keeping protective styles in for long periods (over four weeks) without cleaning or moisturizing your scalp can exacerbate irritation.
Dr. Oyetakin also suggests paying attention to the products and materials used in the braiding process, especially if you are prone to skin sensitivities. "It is possible to become sensitized to a brand of hair extensions or product which can cause severe itching and rash on the scalp," says Dr. Oyetakin. If intense itching and irritation persist even after taking out the hairstyle, Dr. Oyetakin suggests consulting a board-certified dermatologist to discuss a potential allergy and if testing would be beneficial.
Water is essential for hydration so Dr. Oyetakin recommends looking for water-based scalp sprays. "Also consider glycerin which is a well-known humectant that pulls in moisture and retains it," says Dr. Oyetakin.
The dermatologist also recommends sprays with jojoba oil which is a nutrient powerhouse made with fatty acids that mimic natural oils that not only provide moisture but also have antimicrobial properties. If you're looking to specifically target an itchy scalp tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and aloe are ingredients that can aid in soothing scalp irritation
Dermatologists recommend spraying the scalp every four to seven days. "You will also need to factor in sweating, climate, and scalp concerns," says Dr. Oyetakin. "Spraying too often may lead to scalp buildup and flaking while not spraying enough can lead to dryness and breakage, so pay attention to how your scalp feels and adjust accordingly." Board-certified dermatologist Naana Boakye, MD, echoes this saying you should be "cleansing the scalp at least once a week to remove product buildup and to allow the scalp to breathe."
Discover more scalp care stories:
- 15 Best Dandruff Shampoos for Intensive Flake & Itch Reduction
- 17 Best Scalp Treatments for Flake and Itch Relief
- Why You’re Suddenly Getting Dandruff for the First Time
Now, watch a natural hair wash-day routine:
