Jump to:
Have you ever used bleach and the scalp gets dry or scabby? Don’t worry — we’ll show you how to treat scabs on the scalp from bleach using a few at-home remedies you likely already have in your bathroom.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. We highly suggest speaking with a licensed cosmetologist or doctor for advice on treatments.
Treating Scabs on Scalp From Bleach: A Summary
Scabs on the scalp are rough, dry, and itchy patches that occur on the top of the head. They are formed when the skin regenerates itself after suffering from an injury or an infection.
When you incorporate bleach into your hair care routine, you may experience a dry, scabby scalp. Bleach contains hydrogen peroxide, a type of bleaching agent that chemically breaks down and removes the natural pigments from your hair, thus rendering it lighter or blonde.
A peroxide product will cause a chemical reaction on your skin when exposed to natural light, resulting in a burn-like appearance. However, don’t worry. There are a few easy remedies you can try before heading to the salon.
You can correct this when you learn how to deal with scabs on the scalp from bleach using the steps listed below:
- Rinse your hair thoroughly after the bleaching session
- Don’t attempt to scratch your scalp
- Gently apply a cold compress
- Incorporate the use of a mild shampoo
- Rinse thoroughly with apple cider vinegar
- Moisturize your hair
- Try using over-the-counter treatments for scabs on the scalp from bleach
Keep reading to understand these steps better!
Read Next: How to Treat a Chemical Burn on the Scalp
How to Treat Scabs on Scalp From Bleach
Bleaching can either disappoint you or give you the desired look. No matter what the outcome, a healthy scalp is vital to getting good hair results.
As such, when bleaching your hair, it is vital to use a professional to check the condition of your scalp to prevent aggressive chemicals from getting into your hair.
1. Rinse Your Hair Thoroughly After the Bleaching Session
Rinsing your hair with enough water is the first thing you should do when dealing with scalp scabs from the bleach. This step is vital because it will flush out the chemical from your hair and scalp and help you to feel better.
When doing this, it is crucial to wear gloves to avoid the chemicals from soaking your hands. After this, pat your hair with a towel to absorb excess water.
2. Don’t Attempt to Scratch Your Hair
Sometimes, a scab on the scalp can be itchy and extremely painful. This may prompt you to scratch the affected area of your scalp. Never do this — it’ll only worsen the problem.
Plus, scratching will lead to scarring and damage to the hair follicles. Instead, gently massage your scalp to relieve the itch while being careful not to cause further damage. It will help you feel relaxed and get at least a little relief.
3. Gently Apply a Cold Compress
A cold compress refers to a cloth or any other material soaked in cold water for some time. You can find cold compresses in various forms, such as homemade solutions or commercial products. In most cases, they assist in relieving swelling and pain when we have an injury.
When it comes to a scab on the scalp, applying a cold compress on the area will prevent further damage and help to reduce swelling. You can try using a cold compress to handle the pain naturally.
4. Incorporate the Use of a Mild Shampoo
Sometimes, when the hair is exposed to the chemicals in bleach, it can lead to an allergic reaction. This can create dryness or dandruff on the scalp.
We suggest using mild shampoo to deal with the problem to prevent such an reaction. You can use any brand of shampoo that works on you and is mild and gentle for your hair; this will help to provide relief after the bleaching session.
A mild shampoo contains gentle ingredients such as conditioners, emollients, and moisturizers to prevent hair dryness and dandruff on your scalp.
5. Rinse Thoroughly with Apple Cider Vinegar
You can also try using apple cider vinegar to prevent hair problems such as a scab on the scalp. The vinegar helps in reducing itching that may result from the bleaching process.
It also helps to soften your scalp and remove the flakes from the hair. However, it is essential to note that you should not use vinegar on open pores, as this can lead to more irritation on the scalp.
6. Moisturize Your Hair
Moisturizing your scalp correctly and with the right products can also ease flaking and itching on your scalp. Nowadays, different manufacturers offer different products designed to help moisturize your hair.
There are also various home remedies that you can try to get rid of the flaky and itchy scalp after bleaching. Nevertheless, olive oil and coconut oil have proven beneficial in moisturizing your hair and keeping it in great shape.
As such, they assist in reducing scabs on the scalp from the bleach. To make the moisturizing process effective, remember to warm your moisturizer and let it sit for about 2 hours on your hair before washing.
Read Next: Is Coconut Oil Good for Your Hair?
7. Try Using Over-The-Counter Treatments
If you have tried all of the measures above and still have a problem with your scalp after bleaching, you may have to try over-the-counter treatments for treating scabs. They are cost-effective and can help you to get rid of the problem.
Here are some of the treatments that you can try:
- Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe Vera gel is a natural plant with anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve itchiness and irritation on the scalp. This is quite an effective way to deal with a scab on the scalp from the bleach.
- Creams: When treating scabs on the scalp from bleach, you can also use creams that contain anti-inflammatory ingredients to relieve the discomfort caused by itching.
- Honey and Almond Oil: Honey and almond oil effectively reduce the itchiness sensation that may occur after bleaching. You can get it at a local supermarket or ask a beauty salon for it.
If you have scabs on your scalp from bleach, you must follow the instructions, steps, and treatment guidelines carefully to speed up recovery. In most instances, the scab will be gone within seven days.
Read Next: What Is a Chemical Cut in Hair?
Frequently Asked Questions
Africa Studio/Shutterstock
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about scabs on the scalp.
How Can I Prevent Scabs on the Scalp From Bleach?
To prevent this problem, you must use the right products and procedures. You must follow the instructions carefully to prevent any issues from happening. In addition, you should also invest in quality hair bleach products.
How Often Do You Get Scabs on the Scalp From Bleach?
It is considered that several factors may cause scabs on the scalp. These factors include the type of hair bleach product you are using and the concentration of this product.
According to most studies, you can prevent scabs on the scalp from bleach if you invest in quality hair bleach products with low concentration levels.
What Are the Best Products for Scabs on the Scalp From Bleach?
You can use several products to prevent scabs on the scalp. These include aloe vera gel, olive oil, and coconut oil. What’s more, you can try using a mild shampoo to deal with the problem. Using apple cider vinegar is also beneficial as it helps in reducing itchiness and swelling.
Before choosing any of the above, you should take time to consult with your local barber or stylist. They will be able to assist you with finding the best products that can help you deal with your hair care problems.
What Are the Uses of Vinegar for Scabs on the Scalp From Bleach?
Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce itchiness and swelling on the scalp. It also helps to soften your scalp and remove flakes from the hair.
However, it is essential to note that you should not use too much vinegar on open pores as this might irritate you. Therefore, you should always perform a test to ensure that your scalp is not sensitive to the ingredients in vinegar.
How Long Does It Take to Remove Bleach Scabs on the Scalp?
There is no definite time frame to address the problem. In most instances, scabs on the scalp from bleach will be gone after seven days. However, some minor effects may remain for a few weeks.
So, How Do You Treat Scabs on Scalp From Bleach?
Bleach scabs on the scalp can be very painful, but they will be manageable if you follow the steps and do what is right. It is also vital to keep your hair moisturized since the bleaching process can make it dry and brittle.
Unfortunately, most hair care products are filled with chemicals that can worsen the condition. As such, it is advisable to invest in natural and organic products. This will prevent any problems from occurring in the future.