Why does my hair itch when I sweat, feel hot or exercise? (2023)

Sweat is an annoying side effect of physical activity and cannot be stopped. It can cause body odor and even show through your clothes.

But that's not all; Sweat can occasionally cause itchy hair and scalp. Why does your hair itch when you sweat?

The information we cover in this article will help you figure out why your hair itch when you sweat. We also give you tips to reduce and prevent scalp itching.

Why does my hair itch when I sweat?

An itchy, sweaty scalp is uncomfortable and annoying. And unfortunately, sweat-related itchiness can develop in a number of ways. Here are some of the most common.

Sweat makes the scalp dirtier

Did you know that sweat can make your hair even dirtier? And probably not in the way you think. Sweat contains a mixture of water, fats and salts.

While this isn't a bad thing in and of itself, sweat is sticky and will collect dirt, dust, and debris from the environment it comes in contact with.

As the sweat pours down your scalp, all that dirt and oil spreads to the rest of your scalp and hair. And the dirtier your scalp, the more likely you are to experience itching, flaking, and discomfort.

Salt in sweat irritates your skin.

The salt in sweat is extremely drying and can cause irritation and itching of the scalp. Also, when sweat sits on the skin for an extended period of time, it can create a blockage called eccrine miliaria.

When you develop eccrine miliaria, sweat builds up in the ducts and clogs them. As a result of congestion, sweat becomes trapped under the outermost layers of skin, causing an itchy rash.

Sweat can cause yeast and bacterial overgrowth

Another reason sweat contributes to itching is that a damp, oily scalp is the perfect breeding ground for a variety of fungi and bacteria. The microbes feed on oil and dead skin cells and begin to multiply.

As the population increases, it develops symptoms such as itching, burning, and scaling. Fortunately, these symptoms usually go away once you remove the yeast, salt, sebum, and bacteria.

Does Sweating Cause Hair Loss?

The bad news is that prolonged exposure to sweat can damage your hair.and lead to hair loss. If you let sweat sit on your hair for too long, it can clog your follicles.

This can hinder hair growth and cause inflammation.

As you learned above, sweat can also cause an itchy scalp. And the more you scratch your hair, the more damage and breakage you will experience.

Another way sweat contributes to hair loss is through the formation of lactic acid. Lactic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in sweat.

When lactic acid sits in the hair and scalp for a long time, it can cause inflammation.You can also change the texture.of your hair, making it weaker and more prone to breakage.

Why is sweat good for your hair?

Although sweat can have negative effects on your hair and scalp, this isn't all bad news. The research shows thatSweating can actually improve hair growth!

After an intense workout, your scalp will sweat profusely.

As sweat is expelled from the sweat glands, this helps unblock the hair follicles and remove toxins. Also, the process of sweating can improve blood and oxygen circulation.

And the better your hair follicles are nourished,your hair grows thicker and faster. It's important to note that the benefits are attributed to sweating and not the sweat itself.

How to stop itchy scalp

Do you have an itchy scalp? Luckily, you don't have to suffer from the discomfort. There are a variety of ways you can soothe an itchy scalp. These are some of our favourites!

Wash your hair with an anti-dandruff shampoo

Dandruff shampoos are one of the easiest and most convenient ways to relieve an itchy scalp. They are packed with soothing and yeast-killing ingredients.

They also leave behind powerful antifungal agents that can help prevent your symptoms from coming back in the future.

dry your hair

No time to wash your hair? Cleaning the scalp with a hair dryer will help lessen the symptoms and provide relief.

The air and heat from the dryer removes excess moisture and reduces the growth of microbes on the scalp.

Apply an essential oil to your scalp

Many essential oils have antimicrobial properties that can help reduce the growth of yeast and bacteria. They are also soothing and cooling, which can further reduce the itchiness you experience.

There is aVariety of different essential oilsthis can soothe an inflamed scalp. These are some of our most popular natural oils.

• Teebaumöl
• lavender oil
• Peppermint oil
• Coconut beer

Visit a doctor

Extreme and excessive itching may indicate an underlying health condition. If this is the case, you will likely need medical intervention before your symptoms go away.

There are a number ofdifferent diseaseswhich can lead to an itchy scalp. Some of the most common are:

• Soriasis
• eczema
• Seborrhoische Dermatitis

Try a scalp scrub

Even though you know the benefits of exfoliating your skin, you might be surprised that your scalp can benefit from the process, too.

Physical and chemical peels cut through the layer of dirt, oil, product residue and dead skin cells that can build up on the scalp.

The scrubs are so strong that they remove stubborn residue from regular hair washing. And the cleaner your scalp, the less likely you are to deal with itching and irritation.

Work on your hair washing routine

not washing hair wellit can contribute to an itchy scalp and make it harder to get rid of. Make sure you wash your scalp enough, but not so much that you destroy your scalp's natural barrier.

Take your time when applying the shampoo to your scalp and try to follow the directions exactly as they are written on the packaging. Then, when it's time to rinse, remove as much shampoo residue as possible.

Cut down on junk food

There is no getting around it – a healthy scalp starts from within. Certain foods can trigger your body's inflammatory response and make the itching worse.

Eat a healthy and balanced dietkeeps your scalp healthy and prevents further irritation. Cut down on fatty, sugary, and processed foods. Instead, include more fresh fruits, vegetables, and water in your diet.

Should you wash your hair after sweating?

The faster you remove sweat from your scalp, the less it can affect your hair or skin. It also instantly relieves discomfort, odor and itching.

Remember that washing your hair more than a few times a week can damage your hair and scalp. And even mild shampoos can strip your hair of its natural protective layer.

This can make it dry, brittle and significantly more prone to damage.

If you prefer to avoid shampooing, you can always rinse your hair with cold water to remove sweat. Or use a moisturizing co-wash to cleanse your scalp without potentially irritating it.

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An itchy scalp is one of the lesser-known side effects of heavy sweating. They're incredibly uncomfortable and potentially embarrassing, and can even damage your hair and scalp.

But luckily, there are many different ways to relieve symptoms and refresh your hair and scalp. And we hope that one of the methods we've covered today will help you with that!