Sweaty scalp itch: sports vs itchy scalp
In this article you will learn how sports activities can exacerbate an itchy and greasy scalp due to increased sweat production, which creates a warm, humid environment favorable for the dandruff-causing microbe Malassezia globosa. Wearing helmets intensifies this effect, raising the head temperature and worsening dandruff. Sweat spreads oils and dirt through the hair, making it look greasy. To mitigate these effects, it is crucial to wash and dry your hair thoroughly after exercising.
When you exercise, even your scalp sweats and scalp itch can get worse. It’s all down to dandruff, which can flare up if you let sweat build. Here’s how to stop it. Find out how sports can make your scalp itchy and your hair look greasier.
How sports affect an itchy scalp
While it’s good for your health to work up a good sweat, the effects on your scalp might be less than desirable.
That’s because you’re creating a warmer, more humid environment that causes the dandruff-causing microbe Malassezia globosa to thrive.
Watch out for that helmet
If you’re playing sports where you need to wear a helmet, it can be even worse.
Under your helmet, you’re raising the temperature of your head even more and, combined with the sweat, it creates a moist, warm microclimate which is ideal for dandruff-causing microbes.
So, as you play, these microbes can thrive, making the problem seem worse than before.
It can be pretty itchy too. When you scratch that itch, you can further damage the skin and cause the dandruff problem to get worse still – it’s a vicious cycle.
How sports can make your hair greasier
Sweat on your scalp can produce a similar effect to a build-up of oils – your hair looks greasy.
What’s the difference between sweat and sebum?
Sebum is a natural oil that’s constantly produced by the sebaceous glands under the skin. It’s needed to protect and moisturize the hair and scalp, but too much of it can give the hair a greasy appearance, and in some cases lead to dandruff.
The main reason you sweat is to control your body temperature. When you exercise, your body temperature rises and you sweat lots – when sweat evaporates from your skin, it helps to cool you down.
How does sweat affect your hair?
Sweat travels down the hair shaft, spreading oils and dirt down the hair with it, which can make the hair look dull and greasy.
Plus, a sweaty scalp is a warm, humid microclimate that’s perfect for the dandruff-causing fungus, Malassezia, to thrive. If it’s not dealt with properly, this could cause itching, and even dandruff.
So make sure to thoroughly wash the sweat from your hair and dry it after exercising.
Get sports-ready
Head & Shoulders shampoos and conditioners provide protection against dandruff and the associated itch.
They also give a great clean to wash away any sweat, salt, dirt and oil that build up on the scalp.
Try our Itchy Scalp Care shampoo with eucalyptus, which effectively tackles an itchy scalp from the first wash, leaves your hair clean and will help to keep dandruff at bay.
There’s also our handy on-the-go spray which instantly cools your scalp – it’s perfect to fit in your sports bag and you can use it wherever you are.
