Are you currently experiencing discomfort, like pain or tenderness, when combing your hair? This may be one of the signs that your scalp is sensitive and that you need treatment to make it better.
A sensitive scalp in Singapore requires special care, but very few treatments are suitable for everyone. Hence, it can be an aggravating process to get that special care. Additionally, a sensitive scalp is susceptible to irritation, which can cause secondary problems, including:
- Dandruff
- Redness
- Itching
- Inflammation
If you are suffering from a sensitive scalp, here are some ways to treat it and alleviate the discomfort.
What Is A Sensitive Scalp?
A sensitive scalp is defined by the presence of pain caused by stimuli that should not produce such sensations. These sensations include:
- Tingling
- Burning
- Pain
- Itching
There are many causes of scalp sensitivity, varying from person to person. Even where you live and the environment you are exposed to can have an impact. It is critical to know how to address your sensitive scalp so that you can find the best treatment.
Sensitive Scalp Symptoms
To help you quickly spot the warning symptoms of a sensitive scalp, take a closer look at typical symptoms of a sensitive scalp:
Inflammation or Redness
You may have a sensitive scalp if you experience redness or inflammation along with a tight sensation. This is due to the possibility of having open sores, which might sting when you wash your hair or use hair products.
Another important thing to be aware of is the excruciating discomfort on your scalp. In some circumstances, you can even develop a scalp infection.
Itchiness
One of the earliest signs of a sensitive scalp is itchiness, which causes frequent scratching. Even after the initial few scratches, itchiness from a sensitive scalp usually persists.
Generally, when you have constant itching, your scalp is dry and susceptible to irritation from hair products.
Flaky Patches or Dryness
You may have a sensitive scalp if you notice flakes of dandruff accompanied by itching. However, scratching it may damage the outer layer and worsen the issue.
If your dandruff flakes are red, you may have psoriasis, a scalp condition where your skin cells multiply more quickly than usual. Apart from that, tightness with visible flakes is another sign that your scalp needs moisture as it gets extremely dry and sensitive.
What Causes Sensitive Scalp
Once you understand the symptoms of a sensitive scalp, you first need to understand what causes them. Common causes of sensitive scalp are:
Too Much Exposure To Heat
Do you often spend time outdoors in the sun? Outdoors and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause a sensitive scalp. Excessive heat exposure from heat styling tools such as hair curlers or hair dryers can also increase your scalp’s sensitivity.
Harmful Ingredients in Hair Products
Harsh chemicals, such as sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), can be particularly damaging to your scalp. SLS can irritate the skin, causing it to be more sensitive than before. It can damage your natural skin barrier, which protects your scalp, allowing harmful chemicals to penetrate the skin’s epidermis.
Infection
Most infections are caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi, resulting in scalp soreness. Here are some infections that can lead to a sensitive scalp:
- Furunculosis
- Folliculitis
- Carbunculosis
- Tinea versicolor
Both the hair follicles and hair glands will be affected by furunculosis and folliculitis. On the other hand, carbunculosis results in the development of red bumps that are filled with a white pus-like substance.
Tinea versicolor is a fungal infection that causes scalp sensitivity and hair loss in children.
Hair Extensions
Do you use hair extensions every day? While hair extensions give your hair more volume and fullness, doing so can be bad for the scalp. They can be heavy, exerting force on your scalp. Their synthetic material may also trigger allergies.
Chemically Treated Hair
One of the leading causes of a sensitive scalp is chemical treatment and bleaching. Using peroxide-containing products in these treatments can make your scalp more sensitive. You may want to avoid these products when dying your hair, or you may want to avoid colouring your hair completely.
Perming can also trigger scalp irritation because of the chemical relaxers remove used in the process. During the perming process, the roots of the hair are treated with chemical relaxers. However, due to their proximity to the scalp, research has suggested that these relaxers may irritate the scalp, resulting in dryness, scaliness, and occasionally even redness.
Product Buildups
Products containing silicone or oil-based ingredients are the most common causes of product buildup on the scalp and hair over time, which can lead to a sensitive scalp.
Pregnancy
Don’t panic if you’ve just had a baby and noticed that your scalp is sensitive. It’s due to your hormones causing your scalp to produce excessive fluids that feel itchy. When your hormones become more regulated, your scalp irritation should go away in a few months.
How To Choose A Shampoo For Sensitive Scalp
Finding the ideal shampoo is the first step in developing a healthy, sustainable hair regimen for those with sensitive scalps. Here are some factors to keep in mind when looking for the best sensitive scalp shampoo in Singapore.
Determine which common chemical irritants to avoid
Knowing what your skin can and cannot handle will help you choose the best hair care products for a sensitive scalp. Recognise common chemical irritants and allergens, and always read the label before purchasing a product.
A dermatologist or allergist can assist with patch testing if you’re unsure what is causing your skin to react.
The following ingredients, which can irritate a sensitive scalp, should generally be avoided:
- Harsh surfactants and sulphates: Cocamidopropyl betaine and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS)
- Formaldehyde releasers: DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, and quaternium 15
- Parabens: methylparaben and propylparaben
- Preservatives: methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) and methylisothiazolinone (MIT/MI)
“Fragrance-free” does not always mean fragrance-free
Fragrances are the main cause of skin allergies, so avoiding fragrances in hair care is advisable. However, they may contain plant extracts or essential oils that irritate those with sensitive scalps or who are allergic to fragrances.
If you are unsure of the ingredients listed on the label, removing the cap and performing a smell test can reveal whether a strong fragrance is present.
Check the pH levels in the shampoo
When searching for shampoo for sensitive scalp, ensure the product is either non-alkaline or has a balanced pH since these are the least drying and the most suitable for scalp and hair.
Select products with a gentle and mild formulas. Generally speaking, the best products for lowering the possibility of allergic responses are those with simple formulas. TrichoLab’s Sensitive Scalp Shampoo with Niacinamide, contains no chemical irritants.
How To Soothe A Sensitive Scalp?
When irritation from a sensitive scalp gets too overwhelming, there are some home remedies you can try to soothe your scalp. However, keep in mind that these home remedies are not permanent solutions, and it is important to seek professional advice for proper treatment.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has many purposes, from baking to caring for your gut health. Due to its antibacterial and antifungal qualities, coconut oil has long been used to treat skin conditions, including dry skin. Therefore it should be no surprise that it has great advantages for your hair and scalp.
While remove applying coconut oil directly to your scalp may help to reduce sensitivity, it can quickly lead to extremely oily hair. Alternatively, use shampoos and conditioners containing coconut oil.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is well-recognised for relieving the pain of sunburn, but you might need to be made aware that it also works well for easing the symptoms of scalp sensitivity. It reduces inflammation as well as relieve itching and flaking.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a simple yet efficient technique to reduce the symptoms of scalp sensitivity, despite the fact that it may sound unusual. As it has antifungal characteristics, it can lessen itching and even help treat dandruff when applied to the scalp.
What Treatments Are Available For Sensitive Scalp?
Sensitive Scalp Treatment in Singapore is available at TrichoLab for individuals suffering from a sensitive scalp. With this anti-irritant treatment, the goal is to calm inflammation from a hypersensitive scalp. Ingredients that can be found in the products used for the treatment include:
- Niacinamide
- Vitamin B5
- Oat protein
- Green tea extracts
Besides their calming effect, these ingredients can also boost immune functions, protecting the scalp from further irritation.
Some of the key benefits of this Sensitive Reduction Treatment include:
- Clearing environmental buildup
- Soothes redness and irritation
- Prevents itching
- Protects the scalp from further irritation
Don’t Let Your Sensitive Scalp Affect Your Self-Confidence
If your sensitive scalp is becoming worse, you should seek professional advice.
TrichoLab consists of certified and trained scalp specialists. For more information, contact us or speak to one of our professionals at +65 6336 1106.
