If your scalp stings after washing, itches by the evening or turns pink when you change shampoo, you are not alone. A sensitive scalp is one of the most common hair complaints we hear about, especially once European winters arrive with cold wind outside and dry central heating inside. The right sensitive scalp treatment is usually about doing fewer things, more gently. Here is what tends to trigger a reactive scalp, and a calm routine to try.<\/p>\n
The scalp is skin, just with more hair follicles and oil glands than most of your face. When it becomes reactive, people usually describe some of the following:<\/p>\n
If you have thick, yellowish scales, patches that weep or bleed, sudden hair shedding, sores, or symptoms that do not settle after a few weeks of gentle care, please see a doctor, dermatologist or pharmacist. Conditions such as seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis, contact allergy and fungal infections can look similar and need proper diagnosis.<\/p>\n
Strong cleansers, very hot water and scrubbing with your nails can strip the scalp’s natural oils. Without that protective layer, the skin loses moisture faster and becomes easier to irritate.<\/p>\n
Heavily perfumed shampoos, dry shampoo, hairspray and some hair dyes are frequent culprits. Residue that sits on the scalp all day can build up and leave it feeling itchy or tight.<\/p>\n
Cold air holds little moisture, and radiators dry indoor air even further. Many people notice their scalp is calm in summer and reactive from November to March.<\/p>\n
Oil, dead skin cells and product residue can collect around the roots. A scalp can be irritated and congested at the same time.<\/p>\n
Stress, hormonal changes and some medicines can also play a part, another reason to speak to a doctor or pharmacist if it persists.<\/p>\n
Keep it simple for three to four weeks, and introduce one new product at a time so you can tell what suits you.<\/p>\n
Choose a shampoo made for reactive scalps, such as our Sensitive Scalp Shampoo<\/a>. Use a small amount, work it into the roots with your fingertips (not your nails) and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm rather than hot water. One lather is usually enough.<\/p>\n Apply conditioner from mid-lengths to ends and keep it away from the roots so it does not leave residue on irritated skin. If your ends are dry, the Moisturising Conditioner<\/a> with shea butter and argan oil is a comforting choice. If your hair is also dry overall, you can alternate washes with the matching Moisturising Shampoo<\/a>.<\/p>\n Pat hair with a soft towel instead of rubbing, and keep the hairdryer on a cool or warm setting, well away from the scalp.<\/p>\n A wide-tooth comb and a light leave-in mist reduce pulling at the roots. Spray the Keratin Shine Leave-In Hair Mist<\/a> onto the lengths only, then comb from the ends upwards.<\/p>\n If build-up is part of the problem, a scalp scrub once every week or two can help lift it away. The Deep Cleanse Scalp Scrub with rosemary and mint<\/a> has a fresh, cooling feel. Because mint and other botanicals can be too lively for some reactive skin, patch test first, massage very lightly and skip it completely when your scalp is red, broken or flaring.<\/p>\n Some people with a dry, tight scalp enjoy a short oil massage before washing. A few drops of Rosemary Hair & Scalp Strengthening Oil<\/a>, left for 15 to 30 minutes and then shampooed out, can make the scalp feel more comfortable and leaves the ends softer. As with the scrub, patch test behind the ear first. You can read more about how to use it in our guide to rosemary oil for hair<\/a>.<\/p>\n2. Condition the lengths, not the scalp<\/h3>\n
3. Dry gently<\/h3>\n
4. Detangle without tugging<\/h3>\n
5. Exfoliate rarely, and only when calm<\/h3>\n
6. Optional: a pre-wash scalp oil<\/h3>\n
Weekly plan at a glance<\/h2>\n