Why Does My Hair Hurt When It’s Dirty? Doctors Weigh In

Notice A Painful Scalp in Between Wash Days? The Reason Why May Surprise You…

It’s true: Your hair wash routine—or lack thereof—can cause your scalp to hurt. But the reasons why are more nuanced than you think. Ahead, board-certified dermatologists Dr. Havens Cary and Dr. Anetta Reszko of Reszko Dermatology share exactly why your hair hurts when it’s dirty, what a healthy hair wash routine looks like and extra steps you can take to heal your scalp if you do go a little longer without washing.

Here’s Why Your Scalp Hurts When It’s Dirty:

If your scalp feels sore when your hair is dirty, it’s likely due to a buildup of oil, sweat and hair products that lead to inflammation.

Here’s a breakdown of how different factors can lead to a tender scalp between wash days:

• Oil and Product Buildup: Excess oil and styling products can clog hair follicles, leading to inflammation and discomfort.
• Scalp Tension: When hair gets greasy, it can become heavier, pulling on the roots and causing tenderness.
• Bacteria and Yeast Growth: A dirty scalp creates the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive, leading to mild inflammation or irritation.
• Increased Sensitivity: When your hair is dirty, you might go longer without brushing or massaging your scalp, leading to poor circulation and tenderness.
• Tight Hairstyles: If unwashed hair means you’ve been wearing your hair up for a long time, then let it down, the change in tension can make your scalp feel sore.

Related: Scalp Care 101: What to Know About Treating Scalp Issues.

Here’s How Often You Should Really Wash Your Hair:

According to Dr. Reszko, “The frequency with which you wash your hair depends on sebaceous gland activity, hair type and scalp health because the scalp’s sebum production rate is genetically and hormonally regulated,” they share. In simpler terms, how often you should wash your hair depends on your hair and scalp type.

Here’s Dr. Reszko’s guide to an ideal wash routine based on your hair type:

• If you have an oily scalp and fine hair: Wash hair every 1 to 2 days
• If you have a normal scalp and medium hair: Wash hair every 2 to 4 days
• If you have a dry scalp, curly or coily hair: Wash hair every 4 to 7 days
• If you have coily or kinky hair: Wash hair every 7 to 10 days
• If you are wearing a protective hairstyle (like braids, twists or wigs): Wash every 14 days
• If you have seborrheic dermatitis (which causes scaly patches, inflamed skin and stubborn dandruff): Wash your hair 3 to 4 times per week with an anti-dandruff shampoo

Dr. Reszko wants to bust the myth that you can “train your scalp” to not get oily: “Keep in mind prolonged non-washing does not cause the scalp to produce less oil,” they share.

While Dr. Cary explains the importance of not over-washing: “It is also important not to overly wash hair, as this can irritate and dry the scalp, while also potentially causing breakage and damage of the hair shaft,” they say.

Here’s How to Treat Irritated Scalps:

We’ve all managed to go a little too long without washing before and have been left with a particularly tender scalp. If this sounds like you, here are a few ways to treat and soothe excess buildup and irritation:

• First, cleanse the scalp with a clarifying shampoo.
  • Product Suggestion: Kenra Professional Clarify Shampoo helps remove damaging impurities and dulling deposits including hard water, metal ions, minerals, pollutants and product buildup. Formulated with willow bark extract, this color-safe shampoo clarifies the hair without leaving it feeling dry or stripped.

• Next, exfoliate with a physical exfoliator.
  • Product Suggestion: Urban Alchemy Salt Scrub Cleansing Shampoo is infused with the brand’s signature blend sea spa complex and uses a combination of sea salt and seaweed extract to prep the hair for treatment, deposit moisture and remove product residue.

• Then, apply a deeply hydrating hair mask.
  • Product Suggestion: amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Mask is infused with squalane and hyaluronic acid to leave hair soft and moisturized. It is clinically proven to leave hair hydrated for five straight days—plus, hair will be five times easier to comb and feel five times more hydrated after one use. 

• Finally, apply a calming scalp serum.
  • Product suggestion: Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Soothing Serum is a soothing scalp serum boosted with active ingredients to support scalp health. This fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula is designed to soothe a dry, itchy and flaky scalp.

• If you’re prone to dandruff, opt for an antifungal shampoo:
  • Product Suggestion: Redken Dandruff Control Shampoo is dermatologist-tested, formulated with pyrithione zinc to control dandruff and leaves hair silky smooth.

Products Used

Shampoos

Clarify Shampoo

Kenra Professional

Clarifying

Salt Scrub Cleansing Shampoo

urban alchemy

Treatments/ Masks

Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Mask

amika

Serums

Head & Hair Heal Soothing Serum

Maria Nila