Sensitive Scalp

Sensitive Scalp is the occurrence of unpleasant sensations such as: -tingling -stinging -burning -discomfort

-itchiness -hair pain

-tenderness -pins & needles feeling -dry scalp

A sensitive scalp may appear normal or red. It is formed by dilated capillaries. Sensitive scalps can be classified into 2 categories: 1) Primary: manifests alone or alongside of any type of alopecia: hairstyling, hair accessories, cosmetics climate, stress, hormones, scalp injury or surgery. 2) Secondary: manifests alongside of a skin disease of the scalp: psoriasis, eczema, dandruff, etc.

Tension from hair styling. Pulling hair into buns, ponytails, & braids pull all the hair into one position putting tension on the scalp. Head bands, hair accessories, & hats also put tension on the scalp. Cosmetics & soaps can irritate the scalp & disrupt the microbiome of the scalp causing a plethora of issues, including a sensitive scalp. Topical scalp treatments for hair loss such as minoxidil & corticosteroids can also cause the scalp to become sensitive.

Climatic causes of a sensitive scalp are sun burns, heat, cold, wind, pollution, & water.

Physical, emotional, & mental stress can cause a sensitive scalp. Muscles tightness & stiffness. When you have a tight muscle in one part of your body it pulls the next muscle tight, & the chain reaction starts. Once your shoulders are tight, your neck, jaw, & scalp usually end up tight. Tight scalp muscles can make your scalp sensitive to touch. Hormones. Hormones just be doing their thing regardless of the consequences. You know. Scalp injury & surgery that involves making incisions on the scalp will cause the scalp to become sensitive. Stitches & staples pull the skin tighter and puts tension on the skin around it. *I'd like to note that if you've had surgery that required incisions on the scalp, you may experience numbness, tingling, & that weird itchy feeling you get when a wound is healing- that is all normal. Part of the healing process.* Underlying skin conditions & autoimmune disorders and disease are other culprits. Common autoimmune diseases that can cause a sensitive scalp are psoriasis & eczema.

So, how does one treat a sensitive scalp? First, finding the cause, the trigger.

A few questions I would ask you if you were in my chair would be: -When did you first notice the sensitivity in your scalp? -How do you wear your hair on the day to day basis? -What hair products do you use? -What are you doing when you notice your scalp sensitivity? -Do you wear headphones, cpap, orthodontic headgear? -Do you play or dabble in sports? Which ones? -Any surgeries or scalp injuries? -Any medications?

The questions go on. For the sake of time & your sanity, we will leave the questions there. I've found, as a stylist working with guests who have a sensitive scalp, that the majority of cases the sensitivity comes from hair styling, underlying scalp and/or medical conditions, & hair products. I suggest first, change up your hair style. Don't pull it back as often. If you use any type of headgear such as a cpap, I recommend a satin or silk bonnet, scarf, or head wrap. This will keep your hair & scalp protected from the straps.

I then would cut back on 1 hair product at a time. One of your hair products could be irritating your scalp. Or you could be using too much of one product.

As previously state, the cause of your sensitive scalp will determine the solution. The solution could be as simple as adding in a head scarf, changing up your style, or removing a product or it could be more intricate & need a doctor's guidance.