We know it feels horrible when your hair extensions are itchy. Before you start worrying about lice or another worst-case scenario, let us explain why this happens. Hair and scalp itchiness can come from many factors, including dryness, product buildup, and poor installation.
This guide will explain all the reasons, give you solutions, and help you stop your itchy scalp with hair extensions. Keep reading!
Causes of an Itchy Scalp with Hair Extensions
Many different factors can make your hair or scalp itch. These include everything from under- to over-washing, product buildup, and health conditions. Many of these issues are fully solvable with a little know-how and TLC, so let’s get into the details.
Dry Scalp
Extensions—especially bonded extensions—can leave your hair and scalp dry, because they don’t replenish natural oils. This can lead to dandruff, flakes, and itchy hair. Add moisturizing treatments and hydrating products into your daily and weekly hair routines.
Product Buildup
Using too many hair products or not cleansing enough can lead to product buildup. Your sensitive hair follicles need regular, gentle cleansing to clear the residue away. Focus on lightweight products and stick to a washing schedule.
Allergic Reactions
Sometimes, allergies come as a surprise, and unfortunately, hair extensions aren’t immune from triggering allergic reactions. While studies point to synthetic hair as a cause, other factors can also be at fault. These include latex glue, nickel clips, adhesive tape, chemical dyes, or preservatives.
The symptoms of an allergic reaction include contact dermatitis, hives, itching, rash, redness, swelling, and, rarely, breathing issues. If you suspect an allergic reaction to extensions, take them out immediately. Gently wash the affected area and see a healthcare professional.
The best way to avoid allergens in hair extensions is by choosing human hair without any additional chemicals. We also recommend doing a patch test for the hair and any clips or adhesives you’ll be using. Choose stainless steel clips or adhesives without acrylates and formaldehyde.
Poor Maintenance
Like overusing products, poorly caring for your extensions can cause discomfort and other issues. Your hair extensions are an investment, and they need TLC. We’ll dive more into extension care below!
Poor Installation
Too-tight hair extensions can irritate your scalp and pull on your natural hair. You’re not responsible for what your stylist does, but you should speak up if installation hurts. Fitting extensions is an art, and hair professionals should be pros at tension and placement. Light pulling during an extension fitting is normal, but sharp discomfort and pain are not.
Treating an Itchy Scalp with Extensions
Let’s talk scalp health, because whether you have extensions or not, this is a crucial factor for beautiful hair! Keeping your scalp healthy is especially crucial with extensions because you want your new locks looking their best.
Dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, folliculitis, and contact dermatitis can all cause scalp discomfort. Irritation, itchiness, flaky skin, and pain are common symptoms of these scalp-attacking issues. You can learn more about these conditions here.
If your hair extensions are semi-permanent or bonded in any way, you must be extra careful when treating your scalp. Remember to always be gentle with your roots. If you suspect scalp issues like those listed above, try the following steps:
- Cleanse your hair gently, massaging your scalp with circular motions.
- Hydrate with a nourishing conditioner to replenish moisture. Your hair and scalp need those extra oils to stay healthy and smooth.
- Up your water intake because doing so is good for your whole body, especially your skin. Don’t forget that your skin includes your scalp!
- Eat good, whole foods and supplement with vitamin A, vitamin E, biotin, and omega-3 fatty acids. Hair grows from the scalp and our diet helps it grow and stay healthy.
- Check in with a dermatologist when you can’t DIY your way out of discomfort. Certain conditions do require professional treatment, and you deserve solutions!
In rare cases, you may be experiencing ringworm, hives, or scabies on the scalp. We always recommend speaking to a doctor if you have concerns about any health issue or condition.
The Importance of Hair Extension TLC
Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty of caring for your extensions correctly. While you don’t want to neglect cleansing, over washing can also damage your hair. We recommend choosing a nourishing shampoo and conditioner and washing your clip-in extensions around every 4 weeks. Bonded hair extensions require around 1-2 washes per week.
Washing your hair extensions in cold-lukewarm water will keep them in their best condition. Always complete your hair routine with conditioner and heat protectant! When drying or heat styling, use the lowest heat setting possible. Avoid volumizing products, powders, and heavy products to minimize buildup.
If you have clip-ins, never shower, sleep, or swim in your extensions. Remove before cleaning to keep them in ideal condition. Only store them completely dry and detangled in a cool place out of direct sunlight. We recommend using a storage box or carrying case and laying them flat.
Solutions for Sensory Sensitivity
If you know the common causes of an itchy scalp but you can’t stop itching, you may have scalp sensitivity. Sensitive scalps feel everything, and permanent extensions can itch forever without relief.
Whether you’re dealing with sensory sensitivities, dry scalp, or poor installation, clip-in extensions may solve your problems. With high-quality clip-ins you can remove and reinstall whenever you’re feeling uncomfortable. You can also focus on your scalp health without damaging your expensive extensions.
Wearing hair extensions should make you both look and feel good! Are your semi-permanent tape-in or micro-ring extensions causing discomfort? Try clip-ins for comfort, flexibility, and the best scalp health.
