Does your hair hurt when its dirty?

Notice A Painful Scalp in Between Wash Days? The Reason Why May Surprise You…

It’s true: Your hair wash routine—or lack thereof—can cause your scalp to hurt. But the reasons why are more nuanced than you think. Ahead, board-certified dermatologists Dr. Havens Cary and Dr. Anetta Reszko of Reszko Dermatology share exactly why your hair hurts when it’s dirty, what a healthy hair wash routine looks like and extra steps you can take to heal your scalp if you do go a little longer without washing.

Here’s Why Your Scalp Hurts When It’s Dirty:

If your scalp feels sore when your hair is dirty, it’s likely due to a buildup of oil, sweat and hair products that lead to inflammation.

Here’s a breakdown of how different factors can lead to a tender scalp between wash days:

• Oil and Product Buildup: Excess oil and styling products can clog hair follicles, leading to inflammation and discomfort.
• Scalp Tension: When hair gets greasy, it can become heavier, pulling on the roots and causing tenderness.
• Bacteria and Yeast Growth: A dirty scalp creates the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive, leading to mild inflammation or irritation.
• Increased Sensitivity: When your hair is dirty, you might go longer without brushing or massaging your scalp, leading to poor circulation and tenderness.
• Tight Hairstyles: If unwashed hair means you’ve been wearing your hair up for a long time, then let it down, the change in tension can make your scalp feel sore.

Here’s How Often You Should Really Wash Your Hair:

According to Dr. Reszko, “The frequency with which you wash your hair depends on sebaceous gland activity, hair type and scalp health because the scalp’s sebum production rate is genetically and hormonally regulated,” they share. In simpler terms, how often you should wash your hair depends on your hair and scalp type.

Here’s Dr. Reszko’s guide to an ideal wash routine based on your hair type:

• If you have an oily scalp and fine hair: Wash hair every 1 to 2 days
• If you have a normal scalp and medium hair: Wash hair every 2 to 4 days
• If you have a dry scalp, curly or coily hair: Wash hair every 4 to 7 days
• If you have coily or kinky hair: Wash hair every 7 to 10 days
• If you are wearing a protective hairstyle (like braids, twists or wigs): Wash every 14 days
• If you have seborrheic dermatitis (which causes scaly patches, inflamed skin and stubborn dandruff): Wash your hair 3 to 4 times per week with an anti-dandruff shampoo

Dr. Reszko wants to bust the myth that you can “train your scalp” to not get oily: “Keep in mind prolonged non-washing does not cause the scalp to produce less oil,” they share.

While Dr. Cary explains the importance of not over-washing: “It is also important not to overly wash hair, as this can irritate and dry the scalp, while also potentially causing breakage and damage of the hair shaft,” they say.

Here’s How to Treat Irritated Scalps:

We’ve all managed to go a little too long without washing before and have been left with a particularly tender scalp. If this sounds like you, here are a few ways to treat and soothe excess buildup and irritation:

I have input my personal recommendations here*

• First, exfoliate with a physical exfoliator.
  • Product Suggestion: Oway Scalp Enhancer 

    The ultimate scalp spa experience, Scalp Enhancer is an enzymatic, preparatory, and re-oxygenating scalp exfoliation treatment. Powerful natural ingredients free the scalp from impurities, pollution, and product build up that can prevent the healthy balance of skin, alter the hydrolipidic film, and hinder the optimum performance of hair treatments. 

• Next, Use a good quality cleanser for your specific hair type and need.
  • Product Suggestion: Oway Shampoo  Oway shampoos are authentic trichology research distillates in which carefully selected natural ingredients have been lavished, formulated according to the principles of OWAY Agricosmetica®.
    The wise use of officinal shrubs and aromatic herbs from organic soils and of fruits from fair trade agriculture is combined with the respectful processing of the original active ingredients without using aggressive chemicals.

• Then, use a deep conditioning hair mask.
  • Product suggestion: Oway Hair Conditioner  Whether in the salon or your home bathroom, there must always be a hair mask or conditioner from the dedicated Oway line to perfect the hair beauty ritual. These hair balms, with fragrant and balanced olfactory bouquets, are applied on the lengths and left on for between two and ten minutes to allow the nourishing, moisturising and revitalising properties of their natural components to penetrate the hair cuticles. After rinsing thoroughly and styling, you can feel the magnificent effect generated by sliding the hair between your fingers: soft and silky to the touch and shiny and elastic to the eye.

• If you’re prone to dandruff, or other deeper scalp issues
  • I would highly recommend going into a salon to get a scalp analysis to get a better understanding of what your needs would be. 

I offer free scalp consultation in the salon, you can book your consultation HERE!