How to understand that you have sensitive scalp? The problem and its solution

More than just a bothersome sensation, feeling like your scalp is burning or itching all the time could indicate that your scalp is sensitive. Many people manage this problem without even being aware of the source of their discomfort. You’re not the only one who has ever experienced redness, tightness, or dryness on your scalp. Finding relief and keeping healthy hair start with understanding these symptoms.

Numerous things, such as harsh shampoos, frequent coloring, or even weather changes, can cause sensitive scalp. It’s critical to pay attention to your body’s cues and recognize when your scalp becomes uncomfortable. This knowledge can assist you in identifying potential scalp irritation and providing appropriate relief.

Selecting the appropriate products and determining the cause are both necessary steps in finding the best solution. Occasionally, using gentler shampoos or staying away from specific styling products can have a significant impact. Additionally, there are treatments specifically made to calm and balance sensitive scalps. You can have gorgeous hair and a healthier, more comfortable scalp with the appropriate strategy.

Signs of Sensitive Scalp	Solutions
Itchy or dry skin	Use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo and avoid harsh chemicals.
Redness or inflammation	Apply soothing conditioners or scalp treatments that are designed to calm irritation.
Burning or stinging sensation	Switch to a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic shampoo.
Flakiness or dandruff	Use an anti-dandruff shampoo with ingredients like zinc pyrithione or salicylic acid.
Increased sensitivity after hair products	Test new products on a small area first and choose those labeled for sensitive skin.

Why I started studying this issue

I have struggled with skin sensitivity for almost my entire life, or as long as I can remember. I was given the diagnosis of both allergies and atopy when I was younger, but the doctors did not do much to treat it, and I eventually "grew out of" it.

These issues now also occasionally surface (healthy people do not exist; only those who have not received enough attention). As an illustration:

• I cannot wear turtleneck sweaters and most scarves, because I itch wildly until they turn red spots whenever something comes into contact with my neck.
• I can"t stay in the sun for a long time and also itch after sunbathing. I think it is not worth mentioning that I expose my body to the sun only during safe hours and always apply SPF of at least 30.
• I itch from some surfactants (for example, Olefin Sulfinate, Coco Sulfate).
• well, and the cherry on top of everything is the wild dryness of the whole body in the cold season. Here I am trapped by two enemies at once: frost and batteries.

I won’t discuss my allergy to wool, frost, sunlight, or anything else right now. Neither doctors nor I can definitively say whether this is the case, or not. I will also avoid discussing serious medications because I try to use them sparingly and am afraid of their side effects. To manage such circumstances, it suffices for me to:

1. choose the right care and cosmetics
2. try to minimize the harmful factor
3. catch zen

It appears as though everything is easy. But is that really the case? Let’s solve it together.

Distinctive features of sensitive scalp

The fact that the exacerbation is only momentary is crucial. When under stress, when taking certain medications, when changing one’s lifestyle, when the weather changes, etc., the skin starts to rebel. Abrupt dryness, dandruff, or, on the other hand, oiliness, may occur. That is, if this was not the case previously and it suddenly became so, then the sensitivity of the skin has increased rather than the type of skin changing.

Strong reactivity and exacerbation of skin sensitivity are always transient. Skin sensitivity can be persistent.

Rushing to purchase "anti-dandruff" products or trying to restore the equilibrium of an oily scalp would be a mistake.

Your scalp is probably also sensitive if you have sensitive skin on other parts of your body, such as allergies to the sun and frost, wintertime peeling, or persistent redness after epilation and depilation. simply isn’t able to appear at this moment.

Excessive hair loss may also be a sign of a sick scalp. Moreover, heightened sensitivity frequently coincides with hair loss. For instance, tension results in both. I’ve had a lot of stressful things happen in my life, which has resulted in severe hair loss. However, I don’t itch.

What needs to be done first

• Change shampoo and strengthen care for the scalp. Do not forget about the length, but you need to concentrate on the health of the skin.
• It is necessary to remove the factor causing the reaction (if you were able to detect it). For example, I will definitely say NO to Olefin Sulfinate in cosmetics. For my skin, this is the most aggressive surfactant of those currently in existence. After using shampoos based on it, I almost always restore my scalp.
• Remove or minimize stress. I know that this is so difficult that it is almost impossible. But it is definitely worth doing, otherwise all the work will go to waste.
• Balance your diet, try to eat less harmful foods.

I’ll go into more detail about what I use, how I do it, and how soon I see results.

When stress attacked

It proved to be an eventful year. I occasionally get the impression that this year is a leap year, but I’m not. It appears commonplace. Just challenging. One more life-test.

My body experienced its highest level of stress in September and the end of the summer. Ironically, tests conducted at this time when I went to see the doctors revealed that I was virtually in space in terms of health. I’ve never visited a psychotherapist, so I’m ignorant of mental health issues. Let’s avoid the jokes, though. This is the reason the cuckoo wanted to fly far, far away, and I didn’t rush to the doctor when my sleep was disturbed and I began to lose weight suddenly.

To be honest, during these times, your hair is the last thing on your mind. I gave it no thought at all. I simply used shampoo from the pharmacy, mass-produced conditioner, and a comb. On occasion. She took use of what was available despite not being at home, which is why it was such an odd care.

I would really like to spend a lot of time and energy withdrawing into myself, but I have to pull myself together because I am surrounded by people who depend on me to be normal.

How to quickly bring yourself to my senses

Being depressed, I can honestly state that I have experienced stress throughout my entire life—not just this year and the past few months. Real or imagined, it is no longer relevant. The outcome matters in the end. I triumph and reach the harmonious state required for a regular life.

Every individual has unique ways of influencing the nervous system. Here’s what gets me better and faster:

• get yourself outside. Fresh air and exercise are some of the main helpers. I always try different things: from slow thoughtful walks in the park and admiring nature, the sun, the sky to wild games and jumping with children on the playground. Yes, even just walking to the store on foot (especially useful for delivery lovers) sometimes inspires and drives sad thoughts out of your head. And physical activity tones the body.
• drink. I am talking about soothing teas and herbal drinks. Alcohol, of course, also helps, but very short-term, and then there are more problems from it than relaxation, especially if you are already 30+. The best relaxing effect for me is green tea with various additives: lavender, lemon balm, currant leaf, mint, dried rose buds. I buy additives separately, brew with tea immediately before use. Wow effect, but you need to drink a lot, not one mug a day.

Herbal tea is a better option for hypotensive patients instead of green tea, which is a great antidepressant but can lower blood pressure.Additionally, you shouldn’t overindulge in tea drinking after six o’clock because it has a potent diuretic effect and drinking a lot of liquid right before bed can cause swelling.

Green tea and hypotension

I mentioned earlier to use caution when consuming this beverage. Green tea is something I drink as a hypotonic. My usual range for blood pressure is 60-70/100-110.

I have a cup of coffee every morning, make sure to drink enough water throughout the day, and switch between green tea and herbal teas (like chamomile or currant leaf) to avoid lowering my blood pressure any further.p). Then, the pressure is maintained within normal bounds, and the high level of relaxation provided by the tea and herbs persists.

Another thing that can help is

• vacation or a change in main activity
• yoga, meditation
• New hobby and new pleasant interest dating
• drink – take 2. Here are already pharmacy products, but not yet killer and not prescription. Valerian, motherwort, glycine and magnesium. Only glycine works for me, because.. tinctures lower blood pressure, and magnesium works intermittently.

Like many others, I always try to get by without going to the doctor. However, if your body keeps sending you signals, it’s time to take care of your health because it’s not your imagination.

Cosmetics by themselves, unfortunately, will not help, or will only help very temporarily, if you do not eliminate or at least reduce stress.

New cosmetics for a new skin condition

This is the easiest part for me and the most interesting.

Despite how strange it may sound, length care needs to be neglected. The scalp should receive special attention. It is emphasized until the situation is balanced. Once the hypersensitivity has subsided, you can resume using the new products you purchased during the course and your regular favorite care regimen.

When my scalp’s reactive condition gets worse, I make sure to take three essential products at minimum:

1. Peeling with acids
2. Soothing shampoo
3. Moisturizing and soothing mask for the scalp

I haven’t started buying the lotion for moisturizing the scalp, but it is an additional option for the care. For me, these three products were sufficient.

I’ll outline the products I use as the foundation of my care below, along with a plan for applying them to get the best results as quickly as possible.

Hair growth scalp peeling mask ICE Professional by Natura Siberica

Whenever I have a problem like this, I first purchase a peeling to further cleanse my scalp deeply.

Peelings and scrubs designed to increase scalp sensitivity are contentious products. A reaction to acids is not excluded when using a peeling, and rough particles in a scrub can harm skin that is already delicate. Since they always assist me and I am aware of how my skin responds to acids, I purchase a peeling without hesitation. If you are unsure of how your skin will react, it is best to test the elbow bend a day before using it, or to forgo this step completely.

When selecting a peeling, I consider the following compositional elements:

1. acids – main active ingredients. There should be several of them and it is very desirable that they are not located at the end of the composition.
2. menthol – without it, I do not feel the freshness and cleanliness of the skin (here it is also very important to know the reaction of your skin to menthol)
3. soothing herbs – chamomile, calendula
4. absence of silicones (the scalp does not need them)
5. absence or a minimum amount of alcohol

Not as much, but nonetheless significant to me:

• Price. The product should be from the budget segment, it has a huge consumption
• Packaging. Those who have been reading me for a long time know how I love beautiful jars.
• Aroma. Pleasant fresh or unscented
• It should be available in the stores or marketplaces closest to me, because I do not buy this kind of product for future use, but it is needed occasionally, but always "right now"

In fact, I almost discovered all of this. Ta-da-am

This peeling is excellent! After using it for the first time, the itching issue disappeared right away (of course in conjunction with two other products). I had no allergic reaction, and my roots remained clean for two days.

It contains a conditioning ingredient in addition to the four acids (lactic, glycolic, salicylic, and citric). It doesn’t make hair "stiff," and I can easily run my fingers over the roots before and during the application of shampoo and mask. In addition, the mixture has no silicones or alcohol and contains calendula and menthol. However, benzyl alcohol exists.

Full composition:

Aqua, Maltodextrin (and) Lactobacillus Ferment, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Juniperus Sibirica Needle Extract, Pinus Sibirica Seed Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Aralia Mandshurica Root Extract, Inula Helenium Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Heptyl Glucoside, Dipropylene Glycol, Parfum, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, Sorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Linalool. (*) refers to organic components. (WH): Siberian wild plant organic extracts.

Cons of the packaging include the excessively thin plastic, the barcode that stores glue on, which is impossible to remove without damaging the appearance, and the overpowering smell (just like the Barex line with seaweed and bananas). The entire bathroom is filled with aroma.

Elevated consumption. But my peelings all disappear in an instant.

I give the product a strong B+. I’ll be happy to recommend it and might even write a separate piece about it. In complex care, it merits more than a passing mention.

L"Oreal Professionnel Expert Sensi Balance Shampoo for sensitive scalp

I didn’t even have to think long to realize that this shampoo is tried and true because I’ve already purchased it three times (the first two were in a different design, but the results remained the same). This, I believe, is a sign of my devotion to it and total faith in it in the event that an issue like this occurs. It accomplishes the task flawlessly!

1. Gentle to the length – This is a very important indicator for me, since my length is already approaching 80 cm from the crown and 90 cm if measured from the forehead. I still constantly think about the length and its quality.
2. Soothing – This is felt immediately during the second lathering. I always withstand shampoos for sensitive scalp during the second application for about a couple of minutes. Relieves itching during use + itching occurs less often and goes away almost completely after about 3 weeks of constant use
3. I am happy with the composition. Favorite and most suitable surfactant for my skin – SLES. Also contains acids: salicylic and nicotinic; sorbitol, glycerin, hydrolyzed wheat protein and amino acids.
4. Conditions the root zone and length. Hair gets tangled less during the application of subsequent products.

Full composition

Aqua / Water, Disodium Ricinoleamido MEA-Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Polyquaternium-10, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Magnesium Sulfate, Aspartic Acid, Glycine, Arginine, Glutamic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Parfum / Fragrance.

I can always declare my love for it. I can now completely switch to using this shampoo for regular care, but there are others who must wait for their turn to test.

It does have a drawback, though: the packaging is now made of extremely thin plastic and creases easily. If the price of Natura Siberian peeling makes me overlook this, then this isn’t really fair. It appears expensive and professional.

Since Loreal enjoys updating things, I hope they do so soon.

Kerastase Specifique Hydra-Apaisant Masque, a mask that soothes and moisturizes the scalp

A miracle mask is the last and most fundamental step in skincare. I have already written about it in a post that also addressed the scalp’s sensitivity. Over time, my position has only become stronger. For skin that is rebellious, this is the perfect mask. This is my third jar as well.

I’ll start by discussing the drawbacks with you:

• Huge consumption (applying to the roots and length). A jar is enough for me for 10-12 times, that is, about a year with maintenance therapy (when used once a month). With increased skin sensitivity, the number of uses is 3 times a month and you can estimate for yourself how long the jar will last.
• Price. Expensive. Very expensive for such consumption. This is one of the most uneconomical masks of the brand.

You can continue reading if the drawbacks didn’t annoy you.

The term "scalp moisturizing serum" was what I used back then. For me, that is now the situation. After it, the scalp and hair (I apply it throughout the length) look fantastic. You can view the proofs below.

Put succinctly, the skin appears to absorb it. There is nothing like this sensation. I adore the scalp so much and am willing to pay for it because of its comfort.

Slightly cools and deeply hydrates skin and hair. As far as I’m aware, the only ampoules that can match its moisturizing power are Restructur Kaaral ones. Nothing else is incredibly moisturizing. With knowledge of the subject, I say this. Nearly three years have passed since I wrote the last review, and in that time I’ve tried a lot of different things.

The ingredients list does not match the brand’s aesthetic: menthol (which I adore), antioxidants (a great thing for aging skin), fatty alcohols, glycerin (which I also adore, despite the fact that many people are afraid of it), ceramides (restoration), and no silicones (there is Quaternium-87). And there’s wax.

Full composition:

Aqua / Water — Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate — Glycerin — Quaternium-87 — Cetearyl Alcohol — Behentrimonium Chloride — Rhamnose — Tocopherol — Phenoxyethanol — Candelilla Cera / Candelilla Wax — Menthol — Propylene Glycol — Isopropyl Alcohol — 2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol — Caprylyl Glycol — Carnosine — Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Extract — Disodium Phosphate — Citric Acid — Glycine Parfum / Fragrance — Soja Oil/ Soybean Oil

If exposed for an extended period of time or used frequently, it can overnourish and overmoisten.

After washing or styling your hair, keep an eye out for any symptoms of discomfort, redness, or itching to determine whether you have a sensitive scalp. These signs may suggest that your scalp is not responding well to environmental or product-related stimulants. Knowing these symptoms will enable you to select the best products and treatments to calm your scalp, which will eventually result in healthier hair and reduced irritation.

Effect and system of application of products

1. While fighting skin reactivity, I refuse growth stimulants and hair loss products. Because they make the situation much worse. In September of this year, I really didn"t want to give up the anti-hair loss spray (since.. the hair loss was very severe) and I endured until the last, until the skin on my temples began to peel and flake!
2. I try not to dye my roots during this period, the reason is immediately clear. I endure as long as possible.
3. The manufacturer advises using the peeling 4 times the first month – every week, then reduce to using it once a month. I agree with this system and always do the same – at first I use it every 7-10 days (this time it worked out once every 10), then I reduce it or remove it altogether (I"m not a fan of this stage of care). I"ll repeat again – peeling for reactive skin is not suitable for everyone, but without it the effect is much weaker for me and the skin condition improves slowly. With peeling – almost immediately.
4. Shampoo and its secrets of application. It is when using shampoo for sensitive skin that I really like the Kerastase technique (applying the product undiluted with water to four zones of the head and then foaming it at the roots. They also offer to "wash" it afterwards and length, but I do this of course I don"t). I"ll attach a video below to make it clearer what I"m talking about. Shampoo to solve the problems of scalp I always I apply it twice and the second time I leave it for a couple of minutes on the root zone. I don’t apply it to the length. You can protect it with a conditioner or mask applied before washing.
5. Mask. The hair is divided into partings and the composition is applied with a spatula or hands. Then I do a light massage of the skin, distributing the product. Then I apply it to the length and twist it into bundles. Hold for 10-20 minutes without additional heat. Time is very important in this case. It is bad to under-hold or over-hold. I always apply the mask both to the scalp and to the length. You can also apply any other suitable rinse-off care to the length.

How to combine with other care

Of course, don’t overlook leave-in conditioners and restorative masks. Alternatively put, keep a balance in your care.

Washing my hair every other day is how I combine my rinse-off care regimen:

Sensi Balance Shampoo	every wash, without alternation
Ice Natura Siberica Peeling	once every 10 days
Hydra-Apaisant Kerastase Mask	once every 10 days
My Promise Paul Rivera Restorative Mask	once every week
Kerastase Fondant Densifique Milk	the rest of the time

That is, since the hair is damaged, I am now placing my bets on moisturizing it while also considering restoration.

Kerastase Nutritive thermal protection, applied to damp hair after each wash, and Kerastase Chronologiste oil, which offers silicone protection, carry out the nutritional role as leave-in care.

How you take care of your skin and hair can vary greatly depending on whether or not you have a sensitive scalp. It could indicate that your scalp is sensitive if you’re itching, red, or uncomfortable. Additional signs such as excessive oiliness or dryness could also point to an issue. Being aware of these symptoms early on will enable you to respond appropriately to them.

Thankfully, there are workable ways to ease a sensitive scalp. Start by staying away from harsh chemicals and selecting mild, fragrance-free shampoos. Including moisturizing treatments in your routine could also be beneficial. If over-the-counter remedies don’t seem to be helping, seeing a dermatologist can offer you individualized guidance and possibly customized treatments.

In the end, the secret to finding comfort and preserving healthy hair is to pay attention to and respond to the signals sent by your scalp. You can successfully manage sensitivity and take advantage of a healthier scalp with the appropriate strategy.

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Schwarzkopf. Hair treatment, hair loss, sensitive scalp, dandruff, hair loss.