Does your scalp become red, itchy, flaky, or unusually taut whenever you use certain hair care products? If you're starting to wonder, "Can hair styling products irritate my scalp?" you're not alone. For those with sensitive scalps, experiencing unpleasant side effects after using hair care products is a common occurrence. Let's look at the effects certain hair care products can have on your scalp and some methods to reduce irritation.
Can Hair Care Products Irritate Your Scalp?
Skin sensitivity can be caused by certain conditions and the oiliness of your locks. But there are many other factors that can contribute to skin sensitivity, including stress, the weather, and—you guessed it—hair care products that contain harsh ingredients. So, yes, certain hair styling products can irritate your scalp. Let's look at some common ingredients in hair care products that exacerbate skin sensitivity.
The Ingredients
Some cheaper products can have harsh ingredients that do a number on your skin. If you think your hair care products are the source of your irritation, the first thing you should do is inspect the label. Alcohol (the kind you find at the liquor store), fragrances, parabens, and sulfates are all common sources of redness, itchiness, and other unpleasant skin reactions.
Don't see any of these ingredients on the label? You may be allergic to one of the other ingredients. Set up an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist for help pinpointing the source of your discomfort.
How To Avoid Scalp Irritation
Here are a few methods you can try to help reduce your symptoms.
The Right Products
Hair care products that use natural and more hypoallergenic ingredients are ideal for those with sensitive skin. Check with the manufacturer that the ingredient list is complete so that you can avoid allergens and irritants such as alcohol, fragrance, and parabens.
Less Is More
How often do you wash and style your hair? If your answer is "every day," it's no wonder that your scalp is so sensitive! The average person only needs to wash their hair two to three times a week. Depending on hair type, some people can even go a few weeks without needing to wash their hair.
Over-washing your hair can contribute to scalp irritation, excessive oil removal, hair damage, and even hair loss. Over-styling your hair using harsh gels or hot irons can also damage and irritate your hair. Remember that sometimes, less is more!
Be Gentle
When you apply products to your hair, are you as gentle as a lamb? Or do you scrub in products with intense fervor? Aggressive brushing and touching can worsen scalp irritation by scratching or otherwise damaging your skin. Treat your scalp kindly to receive kind treatment in return.
Where Can I Find Quality Products?
Finding products for your sensitive skin isn't always easy. Most people don’t have the time to read every label at the store or parse through wordy descriptions online. That's why finding a company that you can trust is so important.
Max Green Alchemy provides customers with products that are natural and gentle on the skin and hair. Our sensitive scalp hair gel can help prevent redness, itchiness, and other problems that sensitive scalps face. Come and shop with us today!
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