Sensitive Scalp: 3 Big Symptoms & How to Treat

As much as we may hate to admit it, our bodies are very sensitive. From the food we eat to the products we apply to the humidity in the air around us, our body is constantly interacting with and being influenced by external factors. That said, our bodies are also resilient, and if our systems are working as they should, we can manage a great deal of fluctuation.

Why do we develop sensitivities? What does ‘sensitive’ really mean? And how can we build back a resistance?

When it comes to scalp sensitivity, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to explore the various symptoms, causes, and treatments for tenderness up top. 

The best way to know how to treat your scalp sensitivity is to talk to your dermatologist. In preparation for that conversation, take stock of how you treat your scalp. 

How often do you wash your hair, and with what products? Are you dealing with new stresses? Even a prohibitive diet plan can make an impact on the health of our scalps. More often than not, cases of scalp sensitivity are as simple as swapping in a new product or cutting back on heat damage. Let’s talk about some treatments you can explore.

If you remember one thing from this article, we hope it’s this: the products you apply to your scalp make a massive difference in how your skin feels and hair looks. When it comes to skin irritation, Mother Nature provides us with all the solutions we need. Many essential oils including lavender, peppermint oil, and rosemary are known to include antimicrobial and soothing properties that can be helpful in addressing a sensitive scalp.

Essential oils and Zinc Pyrithione make for a powerful team when it comes to treating dandruff. While you can topically apply essential oils, mixing a couple of drops with a milder carrier oil, we always recommend looking for products that include them to ensure that you’re applying the proper dosage. And if you’re looking to treat dandruff, make sure you use a shampoo that includes Zinc Pyrithione. It’s an FDA-listed active ingredient that curbs the growth of fungus, helping restore balance to your scalp’s microbiome. It’s safe and effective and has been the proven way to treat dandruff for 50+ years.

Our Balancing Shampoo includes both lavender and Zinc Pyrithione, stopping the growth of fungus on the scalp and reducing flakes. It’s sulfate-free and smells like heaven. You can find it in our Advanced Oil Control Trio along with our soothing colloidal oatmeal conditioner and Restoring Serum, perfect for fending off flakes with Zinc Pyrithione in between washes.

Take a look at the back of shampoo bottles, even the ones that claim to be all-natural, and you’ll likely find sulfates. 

Sulfates are cleansing agents that are a little too good at washing your hair. In fact, they strip your hair of the natural oils that prevent dry scalp, leaving your hair ultra-clean and your skin ultra-irritated. People with sensitive scalps often experience redness, cracking, and itching due to sulfates in their shampoos.

We really can’t overemphasize the necessity of protecting your scalp from the sun. Apply sunscreen to your scalp, especially along your part. Regularly switching up where you part your hair will also help reduce sun exposure. In addition to using SPF, try a baseball hat on sunny summer days or a wooly beanie on cold, snowy days. 

The air in the winter, especially in the northeast and midwest, is less humid, and as a result, our skin tends to become more dry and prone to cracking and dryness. Insulating your scalp from the elements can go a long way.

Furthermore, you should try to limit how often you’re applying direct heat to your head. We know the blow dryer is your best friend, but cutting back on heat damage can really make a difference for the health of your scalp, which ultimately is the most important thing.

If you’re experiencing build-up, a scalp massage can be an effective solution for clearing away skin cells and excess product.

Scalp brushes can help exfoliate, increase circulation to the scalp, and even fortify hair growth. Try it out on a dry scalp before a wash and see just how much cleaner your head will feel walking out of the shower. 

Bonus, scalp massages feel so good and are a gentle way to say goodbye to build up (which can lead to increased irritation)

Dry scalp and dandruff are easily solved, but if you’re experiencing chronic irritation and sensitivity or can see scaling, bumps, or irregular redness, your best bet is to talk to your dermatologist. 

Scalp health is nothing to mess around with.

Trust the experts and take your concerns seriously. As widespread as they are, the major symptoms of a sensitive scalp are frustrating. Prioritizing your scalp’s health is one of the most caring things you can do for yourself.