In this article, we’ll look at 5 reasons (and possible solutions) why your scalp has scabs after bleaching:
- Cause 1: You didn’t have a sensitivity test done before bleaching your hair
- Cause 2: You have a sensitive scalp
- Cause 3: The bleaching session was too strong
- Cause 4: Your scalp was overexposed to bleach
- Cause 5: You have previous scalp disorders.
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Did you bleach your hair and notice that your scalp has scabs?
I’m sure it doesn’t look good.
But don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world.
The scalp flakes naturally, but a bleaching process could accelerate that process.
In this article, we’ll look at the 5 possible causes of scalp flaking associated with bleaching. I’ll also give you the solutions and tips to avoid the problem in the future.
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Cause 1: You didn’t get a sensitivity test done before bleaching your hair
If it’s the first time you’re having your hair colored or bleached, you should have a sensitivity test.
Why?
Sometimes, certain chemicals in the dye or bleach may cause an allergy. This includes scabs appearing on your scalp after bleaching.
Solution:
Test your scalp for sensitivity before bleaching your hair.
The best way to perform the sensitivity test is to apply a drop of the bleach you’re going to use (peroxide and bleaching powder) behind one ear or inside your elbow.
What happens during the test?
In the first few minutes, your skin will probably sting or burn. Then, it should leave no other trace.
If, on the other hand, the burning is unbearable, you get a rash, the area becomes red, or you see any other abnormality, you should remove the mixture you applied with a cotton swab and alcohol.
If an allergic reaction occurs during the sensitivity test, you won’t be able to bleach your hair. In that case, you can test other dyes to apply.
If you’re allergic to bleach chemicals, the scabs that appear on your scalp will be the least of your problems.
Cause 2: You have a sensitive scalp
If you have a sensitive scalp, you probably have several difficulties in your daily life.
Having a sensitive scalp, you may suffer much more than other people when combing your hair. You’re prone to itching and irritation and you’re more likely to suffer from hair loss, among other unpleasant situations.
Imagine if you apply an aggressive agent such as bleaching to your scalp.
What do you think will happen?
Probably nothing good.
During the bleaching process, you’ll feel a lot of itching or burning. After the bleaching, your scalp will have become extremely sensitive.
Yes, your scalp may also be swollen after bleaching and may start to get those annoying scabs.
If this happens, you should look for products suitable for the type of flaking you suffer from.
Solution:
If the problem is just flaking, it’ll have a simple solution: use moisturizing or astringent shampoos.
It’ll also help to add a few drops of soothing gel to the peroxide and bleaching powder mixture. It has a refreshing and soothing action. This will help to soften the harmful effect of bleaching without altering its effect.
However, if the problem increases or persists, you should visit a professional dermatologist.
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Cause 3: The bleaching process was too intense
If you have very dark hair or previously dyed it in dark or red colors, for example, and you decide to bleach it, you won’t achieve a very light tone after only one bleaching session.
The scalp is a very sensitive area and bleaching is one of the most aggressive treatments. Therefore, if you don’t take enough care, , the dreaded scabs may appear. It feels like intense flaking of the scalp.
Solution:
If you need several bleaching sessions to reach the desired shade, you should use lower volume peroxides.
You should also add one of the plex systems on the market to the bleach.
The plex will help your scalp avoid injuries. Therefore, the flaking will be mild after bleaching.
Cause 4: Your scalp has been overexposed to bleach
In the years that I’ve been in my salon, I’ve seen people who have left the bleach in their hair for hours!
You should always remember that, unlike bleach, hair dyes stop working after 40 minutes.
Bleach, in turn, continues to act though less powerfully.
Even one uncontrolled bleaching session could burn your head.Of course, it would cause severe damage to your scalp.
Is it that bad to leave the bleach on your scalp longer than indicated?
You can be sure that it’s risky to leave bleach for too long on your hair. Having scabs on your scalp may be the beginning of a much more severe problem.
Solution:
If you want to bleach dark or reddish hair, perform at least two bleaching sessions. Always remember to use low-volume peroxides to avoid hurting or damaging either the hair fiber or the scalp.
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Cause 5: You have previous scalp disorders
In this case, I wouldn’t advise bleaching your hair. As you already have a basic disorder, a bleaching session could worsen the problem.
Solution:
Do you still want to bleach your hair, even if you have previous disorders?
In that case, I suggest you visit a dermatologist to see what alternatives he or she suggests to avoid damaging your scalp.
As a professional hairdresser, I recommend you choose cap highlights instead of bleaching the whole hair).
It could be a good alternative to lighten your hair without touching your scalp.
Take your scalp health seriously
The scalp is a vascularized area that covers the skull and grows your hair.
Like the rest of the epidermis, it also sheds in continuous renewal. Scalp flaking goes completely unnoticed by most people because it’s not visible.
However, aggressive treatments such as bleaching processes may disturb its balance. This leads to flakes being greater than normal.
In addition, this flaking may be accompanied by itching and inflammation, which can lead to hair loss that could become irreversible.
In such cases, you should visit a dermatologist.
Conclusion: care for your scalp when bleaching to avoid scabbing
As we saw in this article, your scalp can fill with dandruff or scabs due to various causes associated with bleaching.
As you may have noticed, bleaching is a serious treatment that requires a lot of experience and knowledge to achieve the expected result.
That’s why I repeat my advice: let your hairdresser carry out this kind of risky work.
Make an appointment with your dermatologist if you have more severe discomfort on your scalp.This way, you’ll get your hair looking how you want it, and your scalp will be completely healthy.
GO FOR IT!
