There is nothing worse than having the most gorgeous and perfect looking hair extensions but then spending the majority of your time scratching your head to get rid of that intense and relentless itch! I’ve taken the liberty of doing some research and compiling a list of the most common reasons for itchy hair extensions and how you can beat the itch.
Your extensions may be itchy due to the following reasons:
- An allergic reaction.
- You may have a very sensitive scalp.
- The extensions may have been installed incorrectly or too tightly.
- You may have a build-up of product and dirt on your scalp.
- They may just still be adjusting to your scalp and settling in if they are new.
Keep reading to find out more detailed information on the causes of that dreaded itch and how you can try and soothe it.
Why Are My Hair Extensions So Itchy?
Allergies
Your scalp may be itchy because of an allergic reaction to the extensions. The allergic reaction could either be due to a metal allergy or an allergy to the glue used to install the hair extensions.
Metal allergies could occur with extensions installed using a pre-bonded method (secured using rings). When these metals interact with the skin too closely it could cause slight discomfort and result in a rash or blisters.
You would usually be able to tell if it is a metal allergy as the symptoms usually occur within 12-48 hours. Metal allergies are usually quite mild and the symptoms may disappear when the extensions have grown out with the natural hair a bit.
Some people may have an allergic reaction to the keratin glue used to secure some forms of extensions such as glue-ins and this could also cause an itchy sensation
Sensitive scalp
If your reaction is not as severe to class as an allergy you may just have a really sensitive scalp. The skin on your scalp may be irritated by the styling products or shampoo and conditioner you are using.
It could be that you are using heavily scented or fragranced products that are irritating your scalp and causing it to itch. Your products may also have a high alcohol content that is drying out your scalp and causing dandruff or itchiness.
If you live in a very hot country or it is during the summer, you may have developed a sunburn on your scalp (yes, it is possible!). When the sunburn starts to heal, the skin may start to flake and peel which could be contributing to the itchiness.
Bad installation
Another reason your hair extensions may be itchy could be that they have been installed too tightly or too close to your scalp. If the hairstylist installs them too close to your scalp, the friction of the extensions against your skin could cause extreme itchiness and sometimes even a bit of pain!
Product and dirt build-up
Your extensions may be itchy because of a build-up of product and dirt on your scalp. When you don’t wash out your styling products, and shampoo and conditioner properly you may be contributing to a build-up of grease near your extensions which may be causing them to itch.
The build-up on your scalp can also be due to sweat and dead skin not being effectively washed away. if your hair and extensions are left wet often and aren’t getting enough airflow, the dampness may be contributing to the discomfort.
Settling In Period
Although there are many different (and treatable) causes for the itchiness some hair extensions may bring, it could also be attributed to the settling in period.
As hair extensions weigh down your natural hair, the extra weight being placed on your scalp may be causing the discomfort. When hair extensions are installed for the first time, it could take about 1-2 weeks for them to feel natural and for your scalp to get used to having the extra weight.
8 Easy Tips On How You Can Soothe And Manage The Itch
If your itchy scalp is driving you crazy because of your extensions, then you’re probably wondering how you can alleviate the itch as soon as possible! I’ve asked around and this is what you can do to stop it.
If your scalp is itchy after having hair extensions installed, then you can try the following for some relief:
- Go to a professional for installation.
- Have the extensions adjusted.
- Avoid clip-ins if you suspect you have a metal allergy.
- Do a skin patch test.
- Use natural products.
- Protect yourself against the sun.
- Prevent product build-up.
- Prep your hair before installation.
Keep reading to learn more about how and why you should apply these steps when dealing with an itchy scalp!
1. Go to a professional hairstylist.
Firstly, it’s recommended that you go to a seasoned professional when getting hair extensions installed.
The last thing you want to do is go to someone who does not know exactly what they are doing and then leave in pain and with badly installed extensions that are going to cause you trouble.
By making sure that your hairstylist is experienced when it comes to extensions installation you can save a lot of time and money in the long run!
2. Have the extensions adjusted.
If you have already had your extensions installed and they are chafing at your scalp, make an appointment to see your hairstylist and ask if they can be made looser and moved a little bit further down your hair.
3. Avoid clip-in extensions if you have a metal allergy.
If you know you have a metal allergy (perhaps you react badly to certain jewelry) try to avoid having clip-in extensions and extension that use micro rings during installation put in your hair.
A better option for you would be to use glue-in extensions or extensions that can be sewn in. If you only found out about your allergy after installation, have the extensions removed and replaced with glue-ins or sew-ins. Your symptoms should ease once the metal is no longer touching your skin.
4. Skin patch test.
If you are getting glue-in extensions it’s probably best to have a skin test done.
A skin patch test is when a sample of the keratin glue used to install the extensions is put on a small patch of your skin days prior to installation so that you can see whether you react badly before you commit to having it put on your scalp.
This step will ensure that you don’t have a bad reaction when the glue is placed on many different parts of your possibly sensitive scalp.
5. Use natural and unscented products.
Replace harsh products that have high alcohol content with products that contain natural ingredients and soothing such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, organ oil and coconut oil, and tea tree oil.
These soothing products won’t irritate your sensitive scalp and will hopefully reduce the dryness that causes itching,
6. Protect yourself against the sun.
If your scalp is sunburnt try using products on your scalp that contain aloe vera. Aloe vera has soothing properties that can reduce sunburn discomfort.
7. Prevent product build-up.
You can prevent product and dirt from building up on your scalp by sticking to a regular hair wash routine and incorporating a clarifying shampoo in once a week. by keeping your scalp clean and free from build-up you should get some relief from the itching!
Also make sure that when you rinse your hair, all of the product is being rinsed out (a good way to check this is to wait for the water to run clear when rinsing your hair).
8. Prep your hair before installation.
Lastly, make sure that your hair is freshly washed and completely dry before having your hair extensions installed. By ensuring there is no dampness or moisture near your scalp you can ensure that bacteria (that causes itchiness) won’t grow on your extensions.
Is This Itchiness Normal?
As mentioned above, some degree of itchiness is to be expected if you have recently had your extensions installed, but, your extensions should not be permanently unpleasant and itchy! If you have tried all the above suggestions and your extensions are still itchy, it may be worth seeking advice from a dermatologist.