If you find yourself at the mercy of a sensitive scalp, you’re not alone. In the UK, around four in 10 men and a huge 60% of women suffer from sensitive scalps. In scientific terms, this is known as a ‘hypersensitive’ scalp, and can cause redness, tightness or itching.
Thankfully, there are remedies for these painful symptoms. By choosing a shampoo for sensitive scalp, you can calm inflammation and keep itching at bay.
How does shampoo for irritated scalp work?
First things first – to pick the right shampoo, you need to know what’s causing the itch. Sensitive scalp symptoms have a number of causes, including:
- Changes in weather, such as extremes of heat or wind
- Chemicals in synthetic shampoos or body washes
- Hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles
- Food allergies and sensitivities
- Auto-immune disorders
- Stress
While shampoo for sensitive scalp can’t cure all these things, it can alleviate the symptoms. This is where natural products come into their own. You’ll find that high street shampoos often contain irritants including parabens, sulphates, alcohol or formaldehyde. These may cause allergic reactions or even harm the environment.
The healing powers of henna shampoo
Henna shampoo, by comparison, is derived from natural ingredients. This means it does not contain chemicals that could irritate your skin. What it does contain is natural antiseptic properties. Similar to alcohol (although without the nasty drying effects), henna is an organic antimicrobial compound, which attacks bacteria on the scalp.
This is ideal if your scalp is under attack from overgrowth of bacteria. Most commonly, this bacterial growth comes down to an overproduction of sebum. We all produce sebum as part of the body’s natural oils, but in some circumstances, our bodies can go into overdrive.
When dandruff wreaks havoc
Those nasty, oily flakes that we all dread are a result of sebum overproduction. This might happen cyclically, for example, in line with hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle. It might also be brought on by stress, warm weather or even exercise. Some studies suggest our diet plays a part – naming sugar as the main culprit.
Whatever the cause, nobody should have to deal with the stress of unsightly flakes and itching. Thanks to the anti-seborrheic properties of henna, bacterial imbalances are redressed and skin begins to return to normal with regular use.
Skin redness is caused by inflammation – when your body goes into defence mode and attacks bacteria. Henna shampoo for sensitive skin attacks these bacteria and cools the skin.
But isn’t henna just for dyeing hair?
Henna can absolutely be used for dyeing hair, but it comes in a cleansing shampoo, too. You can choose your shampoo based on the natural or dyed colour of your hair, for example, strawberry blonde or chestnut brown.
Once you’re done calming down that sensitive scalp, be sure to use a henna conditioner or hair mask. This will keep your locks smooth and strong, without exposing your scalp to more chemical nasties.
More tips beyond shampoo for sensitive skin
If you do suffer from a sensitive scalp, be sure to add henna to your haircare routine. You can also look after your skin by:
- Wearing hats or scarves in extreme temperatures
- Avoiding synthetic chemicals in hair products
- Washing your hair with tepid, not hot, water
- Overheating or styling your hair with dryers
- Applying a cool compress to your scalp.
From dyeing your hair to the perfect shade to managing everyday care, henna does it all. For more tips on how to look after your hair 365 days a year, check out the latest on our blog.