Guide: How to avoid a sore and irritated scalp

Have you ever experienced a sore and irritated scalp? Don't worry, you are not the only one, many suffer with a sore and irritated scalp on a daily basis. An irritated scalp can have a big impact on your hair. It can be both painful and annoying, while at the same time preventing proper care of your hair. Here we have put together a guide on how to get rid of your sore and irritated scalp as best as possible.

What characterizes a sore and irritated scalp?

Having a sore and irritated scalp can be quite uncomfortable and even painful. The characteristics of a sore and irritated scalp are that the scalp feels inflamed and tender when touched. The scalp may appear red and swollen with possible peeling or scaling of the skin. Those dealing with an irritated scalp may notice in some cases, that bumps or blisters may form on the scalp due to the irritation. In addition to physical changes, people with a sore and irritated scalp may experience itching, burning sensations, burning, tingling or throbbing in the head, which can make one wonder, "why does my scalp hurt?"

Sore and irritated scalp

Why do I get a sore and irritated scalp?

If you experience a sore and irritated scalp, the most important step is to determine the cause. There are several factors that can affect an irritated scalp, including stress, an unbalanced diet and products that irritate the skin. It is also possible that an irritated scalp is due to an infection such as Seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis. Common environmental factors, like weather changes or pollution, can also contribute to scalp sensitivity. Finding the cause will not only facilitate treatment but also prevent future scalp problems.

Irritated and sore scalp due to dandruff

One of the main causes of a sore and irritated scalp can be dandruff, which is a condition that leads to itching, peeling and redness. It is caused by an overgrowth of fungi on the surface of the scalp, which then results in irritation and inflammation. This fungal growth, specifically a type called Malassezia, feeds on the scalp's natural oils, which can lead to excess flakiness and scalp sensitivity.

Dandruff-related inflammation often contributes to scalp discomfort and can be treated with anti-dandruff shampoo or medicated creams. For persistent or severe cases, consulting a dermatologist may be beneficial, as they can prescribe treatments tailored to manage both dandruff and its underlying causes.

If you want to know more about how to get rid of dandruff, you can read our blog post about dandruff right here.

What do you think is the cause of your sore and irritated scalp?

Stress and lifestyle

Use of certain hair products

Unbalanced diet

Climate and weather conditions

Other

Poor hair care can irritate your scalp

Poor hair care such as chemical treatments, heat styling or tight hairstyles can irritate the scalp and make it prone to damage. Chemical treatments such as perming, bleaching and coloring can cause damage to the hair follicles and weaken the protective barrier around the scalp, which can lead to soreness and irritation. Heat styling tools should always be used with caution as they can cause dryness and breakage, which can lead to a sore and irritated scalp.

Tight hairstyles such as braids or buns can also put too much tension on the scalp, which can lead to hair breakage, soreness, inflammation, and even traction alopecia, a form of hair loss caused by stress on the follicles. Giving your scalp breaks from tight styles and opting for looser hairstyles when possible can help prevent these issues and reduce scalp discomfort.

chemical treated hair

Extensions

Extensions can cause a sore and irritated scalp because they pull on your natural hair, leading to tension and inflammation. Hair extensions are often attached using glue, which can contain harsh chemicals that irritate the delicate skin on the scalp. If extensions are not applied correctly, they can become tangled in the hair, pulling it and creating knots that are difficult to remove. Also, oils from the scalp can be blocked from reaching the hair shaft due to the use of extensions, which can lead to dryness or excessive greasiness in some areas. Finally, regular maintenance of extensions is necessary to prevent bacterial build-up, which can result in unpleasant scalp conditions such as itching and dandruff.

Psoriasis of the scalp

Scalp psoriasis is another common cause of a sore and irritated scalp. It is an autoimmune disease that causes scaling and irritation due to an overproduction of skin cells on the surface of the scalp. These excess cells create thick, scaly patches that are often accompanied by discomfort. In some cases, it can result in itching, redness or even hair loss as a result of intense scratching or pulling of the affected areas to relieve discomfort from itching. For some people, scalp psoriasis can also extend beyond the scalp, affecting nearby areas like the forehead or behind the ears. Managing the condition often requires specialized treatments, including medicated shampoos or topical steroids, to reduce inflammation and scaling. Read more about scalp psoriasis here.

Allergies

Allergic reactions are another possible cause of a sore and irritated scalp due to contact dermatitis; it is when the skin becomes inflamed after coming into contact with certain substances such as chemicals in shampoo or fragrances in hair products to which you may be sensitive. These allergens can irritate the scalp, leading to symptoms like itching, redness, and ongoing discomfort that worsen over time if exposure continues. To treat this type of reaction, one should first identify what caused it (usually using a patch test) and then avoid using products containing the substance in question. Additionally, using hypoallergenic or fragrance-free products can help prevent future soreness and irritation and protect sensitive scalp skin.

Kvinde med øm og irriteret hovedbund

Sore and irritated scalp and hair loss

A sore and irritated scalp can have a detrimental effect on the health and appearance of the hair. The hair follicles, which produce strands of hair, need a healthy environment to function optimally. When the scalp is sore and irritated, it disrupts the production process for the hair strand, which in some cases can help inhibit the hair growth cycle and thereby produce thin hair or end in hair loss. In addition, an unhealthy scalp tends to produce more oil than usual - this can make hair greasy and dull. It can also in some cases help to inhibit the hair's growth cycle and thereby produce thin hair or end in hair loss.

In addition, persistent scalp irritation often leads to itching and flaking - something that not only feels uncomfortable, but also affects the hairstyle. It often causes damage to the individual hair strands or tangling - both of which further damage the quality of the hair by, for example, causing split ends.

A sore and irritated scalp simply makes it difficult for healthy hair to grow, while the existing strands appear dull and lifeless. Therefore, it is very important to take proactive steps to restore the balance and well-being of the scalp as soon as possible.

hair loss

How can I treat a sore and irritated scalp?

There are a number of measures you can take to treat and relieve a sore and irritated scalp. Try them out and see if something works for you.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil can be fantastic for giving the hair and scalp a lot of moisture and care and relieving irritation and soreness. This natural oil is rich in fatty acids that provide hydration and create a protective barrier, which helps prevent dryness and soothes discomfort. What you do is gently massage coconut oil into the scalp to relieve itching and soreness and reduce dryness. If you are interested in reading more about coconut oil and its effect on the scalp and hair, you can read our blog post about coconut oil for hair here.

Choose gentle hair care products

Use a mild shampoo when washing your hair, and avoid shampoos or styling products that contain harsh chemicals or alcohol, as these can further irritate the scalp. It is especially important to look for sulfate- and silicone-free shampoos or hair products. Sulfate in particular can contribute to worsening the condition of the scalp, it can even be the reason why your scalp is sore and irritated. In particular, you should look for the sulfates SLS and SLES, these are among some of the harshest sulfates that help dry out your scalp. Opting for gentle formulations helps maintain scalp health without aggravating dryness or discomfort. You can read much more and sulfate- and silicone-free shampoo in our blog post here .

Wash your hair less often

Washing your hair less often can help relieve sore and irritated scalps because overwashing removes the natural oils that protect our scalps. Washing your hair too often can also damage the protective acid mantle of your scalp, leading to dryness, irritation and inflammation. Washing your hair just a few times a week with a mild shampoo can help restore the natural balance of the scalp's oil production while keeping dirt and product build-up at bay. For those with a sensitive scalp, it’s also important to ensure that all shampoo is rinsed out thoroughly so that no residue remains. In addition, it is gentler on the scalp to use lukewarm water for both shampooing and rinsing than hot water.

Avoid heat styling the hair

If you have a sore and irritated scalp, it is often because it is dry. Therefore, you must avoid heat styling tools such as blow dryers, curling irons or straighteners, as these can cause excessive drying of the scalp and worsen the irritation. Instead, consider some heat-free alternatives such as the heatless curl method .

Varmestyling er dårligt hvis du har øm og irriteret hovedbund

Avoid getting chemical treatments on your hair

Chemical treatments such as hair dyes and bleaches can be harmful and irritating to the scalp if done incorrectly or too often. When the scalp is already sore and irritated, it is even more vulnerable and susceptible to further damage. In such cases, it is best to avoid chemical treatments altogether.

Using certain chemicals on a sore and irritated scalp can further worsen the condition. There can be a risk of infection due to scalp wounds. The chemicals used to dye or bleach hair are not only potentially irritating, but can also be harsh on sensitive skin because they contain strong alkalis that strip away protective oils from the surface of the scalp.

If you often get dyed or bleached hair, you can benefit from reading our blog post about bleaching hair here.

Use moisturizing products

It is important to use a moisturizing hair care product when you have a sore and itchy scalp. Moisturizing shampoos, conditioners and other hair care products are specially formulated to help moisturize the scalp and relieve irritation. The moisturizing ingredients in these products can help reduce the burning sensation caused by an itchy scalp. They also provide extra nourishment to the scalp's natural barrier so that it can better retain moisture and prevent further drying out.

To get the most out of moisturizing shampoos or conditioners, you should use them at least once or twice a week as part of your regular hair care routine. This will ensure that your scalp is adequately hydrated and has enough nutrients to stay healthy. If you have a particularly sensitive scalp, it may be beneficial to use a product specially formulated for sensitive skin, as they usually contain more moisturizing ingredients and fewer potential irritants.

If nothing works, contact the doctor

If you feel you have tried everything and all the good advice you have been given, but your scalp is still sore and irritated, it may be a good idea to contact your doctor or a dermatologist. If you are also dealing with hair loss, persistent scaling, or a burning sensation, a doctor can help identify underlying conditions that might require specific treatments. They will often be able to guide you to products or possibly medicines that can help treat your scalp problems.