Tell Tale Signs of an Irritated Scalp

What’s hiding beneath your head of hair?

It sounds like a bad horror movie, one that got three stars on Rotten Tomatoes. But it’s a question that often goes overlooked. We can see irritated skin on our face or hands clearly, but hair can hide one of the most important surfaces of skin on our body – the scalp.

We’re going to talk a bit about the signs of an irritated scalp, the causes and how to fix that dryness and inflammation.

First, how do you know if your scalp is irritated?

A normal scalp has a pH level of around 5 and a healthy amount of oils that keep the hair and scalp moisturized and protected. If you unbalance this pH or disrupt oil production the result can be a dry or irritated scalp.

1.    Your first sign is probably going to be itchiness. We’re not talking an urge to scratch your head a few times a day. The itchiness can range from mild to intense and severe. But if your head is itching you constantly and causing you distress, chances are that it’s from an irritated scalp.

2.    The second sign is a feeling of tightness, discomfort or pain. It can feel like the skin on your head is a size too small or it may even feel like your scalp feels rigid. For some people it can cause a strong sense of discomfort that makes the head feel like it’s burning or brittle.

3.    Next, get in there and look for signs of redness. Redness can come from chemicals, over-washing, or even conditions like eczema or psoriasis.  

4.    Be on the lookout for flaking or scaling. These flakes can come from a buildup at the follicles which suffocates the hair roots and causes inflammation. Or they could come from excess oils which cause dead skin to build up and fall off in thick flakes. A hairstylist can you determine what type of flaking you’re but this could also mean it’s time to go to the dermatologist.

5.    Finally, be on the lookout for anything abnormal in your hair. Overly dry or greasy hair, a dull, lank mane are all sings of an undernourished or irritated scalp.

So, we’ve got the signs down, how do we address an irritated scalp?

To begin, it’s best to talk to your stylist about your products, your routine and your lifestyle. Hair and hair care is unique to each individual, so talk it through with an expert to spot causes and seek out solutions. Your stylist can also tell you whether it’s a simple solution like switching out products or trying a new hair care routine or something that a dermatologist should look at.

Product use and abuse

One main thing a stylist will look at is the overuse or misuse of products. There are so many at-home treatments you can buy at the store that claim to soothe all your scalp issues. Don’t try them without intensive research. Better yet, come in for a consult and we can help you determine what your hair really needs. In addition, there are so many natural remedies that may be effective in some cases but they do not work for everyone. Coconut oil and apple cider vinegar are the top contenders here.

Wash less?

You could also be washing your hair too frequently. You can overdo it when it comes to “clean” hair. Your hair thrives when it’s at just the right balance of pH and oils and for many women this means washing less often.

Scalp cleansing and exfoliation

At least twice a month you should be using a product that cleanses your hair of excess buildup. Make sure you’re really getting in there and massaging that product in for at least 30 seconds, then let it sit for at least a minute before rinsing. Once a month you should do a deep exfoliation with a soft rubber-tipped brush or (carefully) with your fingernails. This makes certain that dead skin cells are cleared away, not obstructing healthy hair growth or oil production.

Hydration

Your hair’s natural oils are really good at what they do, but sometimes the season or excessive irritation might call for extra moisture. We’ve got great masks and scalp treatments you can come in and get applied or take them home.

So, we’ll ask again. What’s underneath your hair? Scalp health is hair health and both need to be taken seriously. Come in for an appointment today and we’ll get to the root of your scalp irritation.