Three steps to help fix scalp irritation

It’s time to shed some light on scalp irritation and how to best treat it.

Step 1 | Tackle the cause

Scalps are simply an extension of skin and, so, are impacted by similar aggravators from a host of areas. Depending on your Dosha type, some will affect you more than others. Review your routine, work out the culprits and make the changes to prevent concerns inflaming further.

It may be seasonal change; the arrival of very cold, or hot, weather. Or routine errors; too-hot showers and blow-drying, not fully rinsing away shampoo or going too long between washes, letting dry shampoo clog pores. There are possible triggers from sulphates, silicones, parabens and artificial colour or fragrance in haircare products (all excluded from Chāmpo formulas), as well as the effect on scalps of excess dairy, sugar, spice or alcohol.

Step 2 | Adopt a soothing routine

The right haircare routine goes a long way to soothe, rebalance and restore a noticeably healthier, happy scalp.

Daily treatment
Take action the moment you experience itching or irritation with a targeted scalp treatment. Applied daily on areas of concern or the whole scalp, Pitta growth serum helps calm signs of irritation, restore the skin’s acid layer and foster harmonised scalp condition. 99% natural, lightweight and silicone-free, it can be used on a damp or dry scalp leaving no greasy residue.


Sulphate-free shampooing
Our shampoos are sulphate free. While common in our industry, synthetic foaming agents like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) are said to strip natural oils, weakening the scalp and hair plus exacerbating existing irritation. Those using sulphate-based formulas may delay shampooing for an extra day or two, hoping to stall sensitising. All this achieves is excess oil, dirt and product inducing further itching.

Switching to plant-based cleansers like ours, derived from Coconut, Corn and fruit sugars, is gentler on the scalp yet no less effective at cleansing. Wash hair when you need to, worry free.


Tip | Massage in your Chāmpo shampoo with our Shampoo brush. Its soft, flexible bristles are more gentle than fingers (and nails!), cleaning deeply without risking breakage.

Silicone-free conditioning & styling
Like sulphates, silicones are another conventional ingredient used to tame frizz and restore smoothness and gloss. Some are water-insoluble though, lingering on strands, which many of you have said left your scalp irritated and hair heavy and dull.

Our conditioners, treatment and styling formulas are silicone free. We include lightweight, antioxidant-rich, nourishing plant actives such as Coconut, Macadamia Seed and Amla. The enhanced condition you feel is authentic and the shine, manageability and smoothness you enjoy comes without buildup.

Step 3 | Oiling for better balance

As well as laying the foundations for modern haircare routines, Ayurveda has also advocated scalp oiling for centuries as the most potent way to restore and maintain balance and condition.

Long used and loved by our founder Kuldeep, this homemade, Ayurvedic remedy for irritated scalps is rich in antimicrobial, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties plus gently exfoliating and moisturising.


- 3-4 drops of Tea Tree Oil
- 1 tbsp Rose Oil
- 60ml Sweet Almond OIl
- 160g Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Castor Oil

1. Mix ingredients together
2. Apply to scalp and massage in for 3-5 mins
3. If using as a pre-shampoo treatment, rinse away with warm water and shampoo to follow
4. If enjoying as a leave-in treatment, gently twist hair into a loose topknot and rinse away later