Can Hairspray Cause Itchy Scalp?

We hear in advertisements for hair products that they are meant to nourish, hydrate, and heal our hair. While they don’t often talk about the health of our scalp, it’s easy to assume that’s taken care of as well. Unfortunately, many hairsprays can cause an itchy scalp.

If you suffer from a dry scalp, finding the reason why is the key to treating it. If hair care products are the reason for the dryness, the next best thing is to figure out which ingredient(s) is/are causing the problem.

Hairspray can be harmful to your hair and scalp for a variety of reasons. It doesn’t take much to have a reaction to the synthetic chemicals. Even if you have perfectly healthy skin otherwise, there are certain ingredients to avoid that can dry out the scalp and cause itching, and flaking.

This article will show you why hairspray is causing an itchy and flaky scalp. We’ll also offer some alternative products that don’t make your head itch. Having a better understanding of the products you use each day can lead to a healthier scalp with no irritating symptoms. Our top pick is Free & Clear Hairspray.

Why Do Hair Products Irritate the Scalp?

Unfortunately, many of your favorite hair products contain a lot of chemicals. They are designed to do everything from work as preservatives, to make them smell good. They also can cause dry scalp, itching, frizzy hair, irritation, soreness, and redness.

Some of the most common chemicals found in hair care products are:

• Alcohol
• Fragrance
• Sodium lauryl sulfate
• Parabens

Hairspray, in particular, contains quite a bit of alcohol. This can dry out your hair and your scalp at the same time. Some people will have different reactions to synthetic chemicals, but knowing the ingredients can make you more aware of why you have a certain response.

Some over-the-counter (OTC) products, like hairspray, can also clog the pores of your scalp. This can attribute to the itching sensation and doesn’t give your skin a chance to breathe. If you think that these products only go ‘skin deep,’ you’re wrong. They can be absorbed into the skin and cause additional problems, including issues with the immune system.

What Does an Itchy Scalp Tell You?

Using a product that gives you an itchy scalp might be irritating, but if you think you can just ‘ignore’ the itching sensation, there some more important factors to consider. Giving into the need to scratch your scalp can cause big problems.

First, scratching your scalp can lead to inflammation and infection. If your scalp is cut open by consistent scratching, it could start to bleed. This can lead to potential infection. If you continue to use hair products on an open wound, the chemicals could cause further damage.

Excessive dryness of the scalp can also lead to hair loss. As your hair is constantly pulled and irritated, it may start to break, or even fall out. An itchy scalp is nothing to ignore.

Symptoms of an Allergy to Hairspray

You may be allergic to the hairspray you’re using, which can cause several different symptoms to start showing up. If you are allergic, your cells will start to fight off the allergy. This can create problems like swelling and inflammation. Other symptoms include:

• Irritation in the eyes and throat
• Redness
• Sudden rash
• Itching
• Feeling dazed or dizzy

The most common allergy associated with hairspray is contact dermatitis. This occurs when your body (scalp) comes into direct contact with a specific substance. In this case, it can be one specific ingredient within the product or a combination of several. As you can see, an allergic reaction to hairspray can cause far more damage than just an itchy scalp.

Hairspray That Doesn’t Make Your Head Itch

If you’re currently using a hairspray that is causing an itchy scalp, finding a replacement is important. Not all OTC products are created equal. You can find hairspray for a sensitive scalp fairly easily nowadays since more people are turning toward natural solutions.

The best hairspray for an itchy scalp should contain no synthetic ingredients. Some are even specifically labeled for sensitive scalps, or as healing/repairing formulas. Let’s look at some of the top-rated options:

1. Free & Clear Hairspray: This prides itself on being free of the most common chemical irritants in traditional sprays. This includes dyes, fragrances, parabens, and other preservative ingredients. It is completely sulfate-free and phosphate-free. It is dermatologist-tested, and specifically designed for a sensitive scalp.
2. Andalou Naturals Sunflower & Citrus Brilliant Shine Hairspray: As the name suggests, this spray uses natural ingredients to give hold, offer shine, and provide all of the styling benefits of hairspray. It doesn’t have the harmful effects caused by chemicals. With ingredients like aloe, Vitamin E, and white tea, this spray by Andalou Naturals can help to soothe your scalp, rather than harm it.

Home Remedies That Reduce Scalp Itchiness

If you’re used to purchasing traditional cosmetic hairspray, we highly recommend switching to one of the solutions above. They are just as convenient as their chemical counterparts, without the harmful side effects.

However, you can help to soothe the scalp naturally by using other products on your hair at the same time. The following natural solutions can help to soothe and moisturize your scalp while alleviating itch and irritation:

• Tea tree oil – A natural antiseptic, with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
• Witch hazel – Contains astringent properties to alleviate itching and strengthen hair
• Peppermint oil – Offers a cooling effect which can help to soothe irritated skin
• Rosemary oil – Stimulates blood circulation within the scalp
• Chamomile – Helps with hair loss and alleviates itching immediately
• Lavender – Soothes your skin and contains antibacterial properties

If you choose to use natural essential oils to supplement sensitive hair care products, make sure you’re using 100% pure oils, and not pre-made blends. Some of these oils (like tea tree) also require a carrier oil of some kind. Never put an essential oil directly on your scalp without knowing how to apply it, first properly.

How to Prevent a Dry Scalp

The best thing you can do to prevent a dry scalp is to figure out what’s causing it in the first place. In reality, knowing that it’s hair products that are causing the problem can be a good thing – it’s an easy fix! Use the following three tips if hair care products have dried out your scalp, causing it to itch and become inflamed.

1. Stop using chemically-based hair products. This is the easiest way to alleviate itching almost immediately. If it doesn’t take away the side effects right away, at least you can keep them from getting even worse. Hair products don’t necessarily affect everyone the same way. But, whether you have an allergy or just sensitive skin, cutting off your use of these types of products immediately is the fastest way to find relief.
2. Nourish your scalp regularly with natural products. It’s likely that it’s not just hairspray causing your itchy scalp, but it could be all of your cosmetic hair care products if they contain the same kinds of chemicals. Not only should you switch to more natural solutions, but you can supplement them with things like coconut oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil. These help to lock in moisture and will leave your scalp and hair feeling and looking healthier.
3. Try a few DIY solutions. Create a cleansing rinse using apple cider vinegar with water. This can help to balance out the pH levels of your scalp and return it to a healthy state. It’s almost like pushing a ‘reset’ button on a scalp that has been treated with chemicals for too long.

Use the Right Hair Products & Keep the Scalp Healthy

Hair products affect people in different ways. Some may never experience any negative symptoms from cosmetic hairsprays. However, if you regularly have a dry, itchy scalp, it’s a good idea to look at the products you use on your hair first. You may have a negative reaction to one, or multiple chemicals within the product. Also, consider using an organic shampoo, such as Christina Moss Naturals.

The good news is that by making a switch to a hairspray meant for sensitive skin, the itching will likely subside. If it doesn’t, you may want to look into other possible conditions for a dry scalp, such as weather, or even a possible skin condition.

There are many reputable solutions available to style your hair safely, without the effects of chemicals. By finding a hairspray that doesn’t irritate the scalp, such as Free & Clear Hairspray, you can keep the style you want without any harmful side effects.