Scalp damage from bleach might sound a lot more serious than it is, but in reality, every time you bleach your hair, there is a big chance you end up experiencing a minor bleach burn on the scalp following your bleaching process. While it may not be the case for everyone, a lot of people can have scabs on scalp after bleaching, following a single application.
Scabs on the scalp after bleaching is a possible side effect of bleaching, other possible effects of bleaching include scalp irritation and chemical burns. These effects usually occur when bleaching is done incorrectly and might occur when the bleaching product is directed to your scalp as opposed to just your hair.
This is why during the bleaching session, it’s essential to check on your hair every few minutes. Bleaching can go terribly wrong or it can make your colored hair dreams come true. If you leave the bleach on for too long, you’ll likely end up with scalp damage from bleach. And if you don’t leave it on long enough, you won’t achieve the results you want.
As you can tell by now, scalp bleaching should be carried out by experienced hands, in order to prevent possible scabs on the scalp from bleach, and other possible effects. Even with all these possible side effects, bleaching your hair can still be really fun, and if you are looking for what you should do about scabs on scalp after bleaching, you are in the right place.
Products Reviewed In This Article
Best Mild Shampoo: OGX Hydrating + Tea Tree Mint Shampoo
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest Apple Cider Vinegar: Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar With the Mother
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest Moisturizer: Handcraft Fractionated Coconut Oil
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest OTC Medication: CeraVe Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream
⇣ Jump to ReviewScalp Bleaching
Bleaching is a method of lightening the color of your hair. Through a chemical reaction, a bleaching product interacts with the pigment (melanin) in your hair, removing the color.
Scalp bleaching involves applying the bleaching product directly to your scalp as opposed to just your hair. Possible side effects include scalp irritation and chemical burns. It is safe to say scalp bleaching should be done by a professional.
This process is especially true for people with coarse hair, or dark hair that are looking to turn their tresses a lighter shade like blonde. Those with this type of hair need to be extra careful since chemicals need to be left longer on their scalp.
Scalp Bleaching Risks
Scalp Bleach Burn
Burns are more likely to occur after prolonged exposure to bleaching products. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that a product doesn’t sit on your scalp for longer than necessary.
If you have a chemical burn on your scalp, you may notice: skin redness or swelling, pain in the affected area, which can range from mild to severe, blistering, moistness, or weeping in the affected area.
Dealing with scabs is a problem, perhaps you’ll be interested in learning How To Lighten Hair Without Bleach
Scabs on scalp after bleaching hair
Chemicals in bleaching products may cause scalp irritation in the form of an itchy, flaky scalp.
If scabs on scalp after bleaching happen, you may notice itchiness, skin redness or swelling, patches of skin that appear flaky or scaly, a burning or stinging sensation, and blisters, which can weep, ooze, or crust.
Treat Scabs On Scalp After Bleaching Steps
Bleaching makes your hair dry, brittle, and inelastic, the recipe for hair breakage and split ends. If your scalp becomes irritated, itchy, or flaky due to scalp bleaching, you can do the following at home to help ease these symptoms:
Step 1 Rinse
Remove the bleaching product from your scalp by rinsing it out with water. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands.
Step 2 Don’t scratch
Scratching at an area that’s itchy or irritated can cause breaks in the skin. If you have scabbing from the scalp burn, leave scabs alone as picking them off can cause prolonged healing and lead to infection.
Step 3 Apply a cool compress
Using a cool compress can help to soothe irritated skin. Standing in the shower and letting cool water run over your scalp may also help.
Step 4 Use a mild shampoo: OGX Hydrating + Tea Tree Mint Shampoo
While you’re recovering, choose a mild shampoo that’s less likely to cause scalp irritation.
A shampoo with menthol like OGX Hydrating + Tea Tree Mint Shampoo is a lightweight and sulfate-free formula, great for dry and coarse hair, curly hair, frizzy hair, and color-treated hair types.
Re-energize your hair with this blend of active ingredients. Australian tea tree oils, milk proteins, and micro-infused peppermint help to strengthen and moisturize while bringing balance to your scalp. A three-in-one treat in one refreshing formula.
Bring balance back to a dry, itchy scalp with OGX Hydrating Tea Tree Mint Shampoo which has a hydrating blend of Australian tea tree oil and soothing peppermint extract to help moisturize and strengthen your hair and scalp.
How to apply OGX Hydrating + Tea Tree Shampoos With Menthol:
- Lather up and rinse until your hair is rejuvenated
- After shampooing with Organix Shampoo, apply Organix Conditioner generously to the hair, working through the ends
- Wait 3-5 minutes
- Rinse hair thoroughly
Step 5 Apple cider vinegar Rinse: Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar With the Mother
Use apple cider vinegar on your bleached scalp ONLY to remove flakes and scabs on scalp after bleaching, to get rid of the itching. However, you should not apply apple cider vinegar open pores.
But if this is not the case, then apple cider vinegar is an excellent clarifying product that softens and removes flaky, dry skin cells, leaving your scalp clear.
Dilute apple cider vinegar in a ratio of 1:1 with water (equal measures of water and vinegar) and use it in the shower to rinse the hair at the very end.
Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar With the Mother is certified organic, raw, and has all-natural ingredients. The Bragg ACV Vinegar is made from organically grown apples and offers various health benefits.
The ‘Mother’ consists of strands of proteins, enzymes, and friendly bacteria that give the product its murky appearance. The ‘Mother’ is used for its natural cleansing qualities.
ACV can help support a healthy immune system, aids in maintaining a healthy weight delivers prebiotics, and helps you maintain normal glucose levels.
How to apply Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar:
- Mix 2 to 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 16 ounces of water
- After shampooing and conditioning, pour the mixture over your hair evenly, working into your scalp
- Let it sit for a couple of minutes
- Rinse it out
Step 6 Moisturize: Handcraft Fractionated Coconut Oil
Moisturizing your scalp can help with itching and flaking. There are many types of moisturizing products available. Additionally, there are some home remedies that you can use as well.
Apply coconut or olive oil. Moisturizing your scalp with coconut oil can also help reduce scabs after bleaching.
Apply the oil (after gently warming them up) to your scalp at least 2-3 hours before you wash your hair. They will soften the scabs enough to make removing them easier.
Try Handcraft Fractionated Coconut Oil, which is a moisturizing hair oil and body oil. This versatile carrier oil is used for aromatherapy, essential oils mixing, massage, for dogs and pets, and as a hair and skin moisturizer.
Coconut hair oil is rich in antioxidants with powerful properties. It helps improve scalp health and support hair growth while adding volume and shine. It is fragrance-free, hexane-free, preservative-free, chemical-free, and 100% vegan.
How to apply Handcraft Fractionated Coconut Oil:
- After shampooing and conditioning your hair, rub a little coconut oil through your hair to protect it while you brush it.
- As a hair mask. Rub coconut oil through your hair and let it sit for a few hours (or even overnight) before washing it out.
Step 7 Try OTC medications: CeraVe Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream
If your scalp is very itchy, try taking an OTC antihistamine, such as Benadryl. Additionally, applying an OTC corticosteroid cream may help to ease inflammation.
We recommend CeraVe Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream, which temporarily provides itch relief from extra dry skin, and eczema-prone skin, as well as relief for minor skin irritations and rashes.
Formulated with the anti-itch ingredient, Pramoxine Hydrochloride 1%, this product provides long-lasting, temporary itch relief. And Hyaluronic Acid to help retain the skin’s natural moisture and Niacinamide to help calm the skin.
This maximum-strength anti-itch cream also contains three essential ceramides that help repair and restore the skin’s barrier all in an emollient-based cream with a rich, velvety texture.
How to use CeraVe Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream:
- Apply to the affected area no more than 3 to 4 times daily.
Scabs On Scalp After Bleaching Tips
- If it is a minor irritation, rinse with cool water to calm your scalp (at least 5 – 10 minutes) then moisturize your scalp. You can chill aloe vera or use it at room temperature. You can also take anti-inflammatory medication like Advil to help calm down the inflammation.
- Avoid using irritating products, too much heat, or anything that will cause more injury to the skin.
- Cold milk can help. If you have scabs or worse sores or burns from bleaching, take a bowl of cold milk, add ice to it to make it colder, and dunk it all over your head. Now let it sit on your scalp for 2-3 minutes and then repeat the process again. It works like magic in treating burns, sores, and scabs. The coolness of the liquid limits the inflammation on the scalp and acts as a sort of cold compress for your head.
Common Questions about how to treat Scabs On Scalp After Bleaching
Why do I have scabs on scalp after bleaching?
Bleaching products contain harsh chemicals, such as hydrogen peroxide, persulfates, and alkalizing agents. Because of this, it’s possible for bleaching to cause chemical burns on your scalp.
These burns can often be superficial, meaning that they’re located close to the surface of the skin.
How do you know you have scalp bleach burn?
Redness, swelling, blistering with scabbing, burning or stinging, itchiness or some pain are all symptoms of scalp bleach burn experts say.
Others may develop signs and symptoms after repeated exposures to even mild irritants.
Can bleach burn on scalp?
Burns is more likely to occur after prolonged exposure to bleaching products. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that a product doesn’t sit on your scalp for longer than necessary.
- Fine hair: 10 to 15 minutes
- Coarse hair: 30 minutes
- Dark hair: 30 minutes
- Blonde hair: 15 to 20 minutes
Is it normal to experience scalp scabbing after bleaching?
It’s normal to have some light scalp scabbing after bleaching. This process can really dry out your hair and scalp and the dried, flaky skin cells can appear as scabs. Also, if you have a very sensitive scalp, it’s normal to experience some slight burning or scabs on the scalp from the bleach.
Will hair grow back after bleach burn on scalp?
Bleaching the hair can cause chemical burns that may result in the loss of hair but the hair loss should not be permanent and usually will grow back. However, it may take a while for the hair to grow back.
Is scalp damage from bleach permanent?
The bleach caused chemical burns and those burns can cause damage to your scalp and hair follicles. This can result in hair loss. hair was in bad condition prior to the bleaching service, it can also cause hair breakage at the scalp level.
How long does it take for bleach burns on scalp to heal?
Bleach burns may take up to two weeks to fully heal. During this period, your burn may blister. Don’t pop blisters if they form; these blisters protect delicate tissue and popping them may lead to infections.
How to prevent scabs on scalp after bleaching?
- Do not wash your hair at least 3-4 days before your appointment. Longer is better. This can help to build up some oil on your scalp to protect as a layer between bleach and your scalp.
- Is not a good idea to try this on your own. Please leave it to a professional.
- Do a patch test to see if you have any allergic reactions to hair bleach.
- If you ever feel any abnormal irritation or burn while you’re going through this process, speak up and let the colorist know as soon as possible.
how to treat scabs on scalp after bleaching video Tutorial
Products Mentioned in this article
- Mild Shampoo: OGX Hydrating + Tea Tree Mint Shampoo
- ACV Rinse: Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
- Scalp Moisturizer: Handcraft Fractionated Coconut Oil
- OTC Medication: CeraVe Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream
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