There is a direct link between sensitive scalp and hair loss. Some conditions can be mild, and while scalp sensitivity is often just a painful, irritating and potentially embarrassing condition, it can also lead to further complications if left untreated.
That’s why it’s essential to treat a sensitive scalp early and often. More than half of people will experience hair loss at some point, but you can improve your chances of avoiding it with awareness and regular hair care treatments.
What is hair loss?
We naturally lose up to 100 hairs every day. Hair loss occurs when new hairs do not grow after hair falls out. This can lead to thinning hair, damaged hair follicles, and – eventually – noticeable bald patches.
Sensitive scalp symptoms
Scalp tenderness can accompany some causes of hair loss – and can also contribute. A tender scalp can come from various sources:
- Skin conditions
- As a result of some treatments
- Burns and sunburns
- Insect bites.
Common symptoms include scalp pain, scaly skin, itchiness and general irritation. You might also notice dandruff on the scalp or in the hair – this is skin that has flaked off and is not usually serious. If you suffer from sensitive scalp, it’s a good idea to switch to natural shampoos and conditioners for sensitive skin.
What are the causes of hair loss and sensitive scalp?
There are many potential causes of hair loss and sensitive scalp. Some are common causes, and others are relatively rare.
Pattern hair loss
Scientifically known as Androgenetic Alopecia, pattern hair loss is the most common cause of thinning hair. Male pattern baldness can affect men from an early age, while it tends to affect women later in life. It’s usually genetic, causing bald patches and sometimes scalp irritation.
Alopecia areata
An autoimmune disorder that can leave areas of the scalp bald, often in random areas.
Scalp Psoriasis
A skin disorder that leaves the scalp red, irritated and scaly. In some cases, it can also cause dandruff and hair loss.
Folliculitis
A skin condition caused by bacteria or fungal infection; folliculitis causes hair follicles to become damaged. This can cause sores, itchiness and, in some cases, hair loss.
Seborrheic dermatitis
A form of eczema, this condition affects oil-producing glands on the scalp to cause inflammation and irritation.
Fungal infections
Fungal infections are less common than skin conditions but can equally lead to hair loss. Lichen Planus, for example, can lead to irritation and patchy hair loss.
Other causes
Scalp conditions can also come from other sources:
- Tight hairstyles (like braids) pulling on the scalp
- Some hair dyes
- Harsh chemicals in over-the-counter hair products.
If you have a medical condition, you should seek medical advice for appropriate medicines or lotions. You can also use organic hair products that soothe your sensitive scalp and ease irritation.
Sensitive scalp hair loss treatments
Your choice of hair products impacts your scalp sensitivity. Some products, including many over-the-counter treatments, include harsh chemicals that can increase irritation. Always patch test new products before full application.
You might also choose organic products for your hair care routine. These only include natural ingredients and no added chemicals, nourishing your scalp instead of irritating it.
Henna and sensitive scalp
Henna is a natural ingredient that is gentle on sensitive scalps. It makes a fantastic choice of hair dye for sensitive scalp sufferers, leaving shiny and nourished hair. It can even encourage hair growth to fight hair loss.
When used together with organic hair products like shampoos, conditioners and hair masks, henna gives your scalp an excellent chance of fighting irritation. Learn more at itselixir’s blog today.