Do you have sensitive skin? Does your skin get red or itchy for seemingly no reason at all? Have you ever tried a product only to find it stinging right after you put it on? Chances are you likely have a sensitive scalp as well. If so, you know how difficult it can be to find hair care products that don’t cause irritation. In this blog post, we will discuss the reasons your scalp might be sensitive and tips for caring for a sensitive scalp. We’ll even look into common ingredients that inflame sensitive skin and cover the best ways to style your hair if your scalp is sensitive.
Do you have a sensitive scalp?
There are a few ways to tell if you have a sensitive scalp. The most common sign is an itchy scalp that seems to flare up for no reason. If your scalp feels tight or dry after using certain products, that’s another indication that you might have a sensitivity. Some people also find their scalps become irritated and red after using certain hair products.
Reasons for sensitivity
You might have a sensitive scalp for any number of reasons. Some people are simply born with sensitive skin, and this includes the scalp. Scalp sensitivity can also be caused by changes in hormones or certain medical conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Even some autoimmune disorders have symptoms such as sensitive skin. Excessive sun exposure, stress, and allergies can also contribute to scalp sensitivity. Environmental factors like air pollution and smoke can also aggravate the scalp.
Tips for caring for a sensitive scalp
If you have a sensitive scalp, it’s important to be gentle when handling your hair. Use products that are designed for sensitive skin.
Look at the ingredients and try to keep track of the ingredients in products that have caused reactions in the past. We suggest keeping a log in your phone so you can simply snap a photo of the ingredients on the bottle so you can learn what specific ingredients are causing you personally to react.
The best way to avoid any scalp issues is by using natural ingredients as much as possible. Look for products that contain gentle and soothing ingredients such as tea tree oil, oatmeal, chamomile extract or lavender oil.
Avoid using anything that is high in sulfates, as these ingredients can be harsh on your scalp. You might also want to avoid using products with alcohol, as these can be drying.
Ingredients everyone should avoid include: fragrance, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates as they are unhealthy for everyone.
Styling your hair
When you’re styling your hair, try to use minimal heat. If you do need to use heat tools, make sure to use a product that will help protect your scalp from the heat. You might also want to limit how often you color or bleach your hair, as these can also be harsh on your scalp.
Balding and sensitive scalps
If you’re experiencing balding, it’s even more pertinent that you take special care of your scalp. Make sure to use a gentle shampoo for scalp sensitivity and avoid using any products that are high in alcohol or sulfates. You might also want to consider using a scalp treatment to help nourish your skin. Be sure to moisturize after showers with a gentle moisturizer and protect your skin from sun damage.
Caring for a sensitive scalp can be tricky, but with a few simple tips you can keep your scalp feeling healthy and happy! If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to talk to your doctor or dermatologist.