Leah LOVES hair. So much so, she dedicated an entire website to it! One of the founders of Hair Everyday and Chief Editor, Leah enjoys reviewing all the hair products and showcasing the best. She believes her most underrated articles are her hair care tips!
Nurture your sensitive scalp with confidence: Discover how to use hair dye for sensitive scalp effectively. Learn gentle techniques, hypoallergenic products, and expert tips to achieve stunning hair color without irritation. Explore this comprehensive guide to dyeing your hair safely and comfortably. Start your journey to vibrant locks today!”
A lot of people suffer from sensitive scalp issues like tingling, scab formation, allergies, burning, pain etc., that can cause a considerable amount of discomfort to the person.
But, does this mean that a person with sensitive scalp issues cannot ever dye their hair?
Well, the answer is definitely a no! Of course even people with sensitive scalps can dye their hair while following certain tips and precautions for dyeing hair with a sensitive scalp.
Also, there are many hair dye brands that have hypoallergenic hair dyes specifically designed for those with sensitive scalps.
In this article, we will talk about the various tips for coloring a sensitive scalp and what are the best hair dyes for sensitive scalps. Also, we will discuss whether you should use a scalp protector before using hair dye for sensitive scalp and much more.
So stick around right here and continue reading guys!
How to Use Hair Dye for Sensitive Scalp
Tips for Coloring Hair on a Sensitive Scalp
If you are someone who has a sensitive scalp, then there are a few things you will need to consider before coloring your hair and of course, you’ll have to follow a few essential tips while coloring your hair as well.
Here are a few tips for coloring hair on a sensitive scalp:
1. Check for allergies
Once you’ve chosen the right shampoo for your sensitive scalp (Read below: What are the best hair dyes for sensitive scalps), then you must use that hair dye to check for allergic reactions.
The best way to check for allergies is by testing the dye on the inner side of the elbow, since the skin there is known to be sensitive. Then, leave the dye on for the whole development time and then rinse off. If there is no reaction, then the dye is safe to use on the head.
Another method you could use is patch testing the dye on a small portion at the back of your head before complete application, in order to test for allergies.
Related: Does Hair Dye Damage Hair Follicles
2. Use a scalp protector
Using a scalp protector before applying the dye on the hair is very essential for those with sensitive scalps. Scalp protectors act as a barrier between the scalp and the dye and can help reduce or even completely avoid any chances of dye-related irritation.
Scalp protectors come in different forms like oil-based serums, hair creams, hair primers etc. You will have to apply the scalp protector on all visible areas of your scalp, including your hairline, before you dye your hair.
3. Use hypoallergenic hair dyes
Hypoallergenic hair dyes are those that are specifically designed for people who are prone to scalp allergies and those who have sensitive scalps.
These hair dyes are mostly made from natural ingredients or are free from harsh chemicals and other reactive ingredients that are likely to cause an allergy.
It is essential to remember that there is no single hair dye that contains absolutely no allergens, because each person could be allergic to substances. That’s why knowing your allergens and always patch-testing before use is recommended.
4. Make sure to use oil before dyeing
Once the hair is dyed, the scalp can become very dry and can give rise to dry scalp issues. Therefore, you can simply apply a little oil on your hair and gently massage it in, before you begin with the dyeing procedure.
This oil treatment can help nourish your scalp and fortify it against dye-related scalp damage. It can also keep the scalp skin moisturized and reduce scalp dryness due to dyeing.
Choosing to use oils like coconut oil, argan oil, jojoba oil etc., are great moisturizing options.
5. Wash off the dye with a gentle shampoo
It is important to note that it is not always the hair dye which causes scalp sensitivity, but it also be the shampoo or conditioner you’re using after the hair dyeing process, that reacts and causes you scalp sensitivity.
Therefore, use shampoos and conditioners that are gentle in nature and do not contain harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, etc.
Also, choose shampoos that are fragrance-free, because sometimes, fragrances too can be a cause for scalp flare-ups.
6. Avoid using heat-styling tools on newly dyed hair
After your hair has been dyed, it is very vulnerable and could be sensitive to heat. If heat is applied on the scalp using heat styling tools (including blow dryers), it could cause irritation to the scalp (which is already irritated to a certain extent because of the dyeing).
Therefore, if you have just dyed your hair and by just, I mean at least two to three weeks after, you should make it a point to stay away from heat on your scalp to avoid any irritation.
What are the Best Hair Dyes for Sensitive Scalp
Well, for people with sensitive scalps, there are quite a reasonable number of dye options out there from using henna, to using ammonia-free hair dyes and even using hypoallergenic hair dyes specifically made for sensitive scalps.
Thus, for those with sensitive scalps, make sure to always check the product labels of hair dyes before purchasing one.
Some of the best hair dyes for sensitive scalps are:
Henna:
Henna is a fully natural hair dye which contains absolutely no chemicals at all. This means that it is safe to use on sensitive scalps as it is completely free from ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, resorcinol, PPD, etc.
It is also rich in natural nutrients like vitamin E, that can help soothe the scalp, while it also contains antifungal and antimicrobial properties that can help protect the scalp from scalp conditions.
Henna is also a hair dye that can be used once every two weeks, unlike other dyes and this is because it’s completely natural.
It can give the user color shades like orange, orangish-red, brown, black (if mixed with natural indigo powder) etc.
But, it is important to note that while it is safe to use on sensitive scalps, individuals can still have an allergic reaction to the dye (a plant-related allergy) and therefore patch testing is recommended before use.
Chemical-free hair dyes:
There are certain chemicals in hair dyes that are harsh and could be a possible cause for an allergic reaction on a sensitive scalp.
Some of them are – PPD (paraphenylenediamine), resorcinol, sulfates, ammonia, DMDM (dimethylol-dimethyl) hydantoin, hydrogen peroxide, propylene glycol, EDTA (ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid), parabens.
Make sure to look at the product ingredient list to see if your dye contains any of these ingredients before buying the product.
Hypoallergenic hair dyes:
Hypoallergenic hair dyes are those that are made with most natural ingredients in the dye formula, with potential/common allergens removed.
But nevertheless, that being said, whether you are using a hypoallergenic hair dye or not, there still could be a possibility that a sensitive scalp could develop an allergy.
Therefore, patch testing any hair dye before using it on your sensitive scalp is always recommended.
Should You Use a Scalp Protector before Hair Dye for Sensitive Scalp
Yes, definitely a yes! For those of you who have sensitive scalp issues, always make sure to use a good scalp protector before dyeing your hair.
A scalp protector can be in the form of hair oil, hair primer, hair cream etc. These scalp protectors should be applied on the skin at the hairline and also on the skin where the hair partitions are made before the dye is applied.
Scalp protectors create a moisturizing layer, which acts like a film on the scalp that protects it from the dye. This film acts as a barrier between the scalp skin and the hair dye.
Once you’ve applied the scalp protector, you can then wait for a little while and then go ahead and apply the dye. You do not need to wash off the scalp protector as it doesn’t come in the way of the dye application, but in fact, it will enable a smooth dyeing process without any irritation.
Is Schwarzkopf Hair Color Good for Sensitive Scalp
The brand Schwarzkopf is known to be a popular brand when it comes to hair dyes because most of their hair dyes are sensitive scalp-friendly.
There are many people out there who are prone to scalp issues due to sensitivity and thus most Schwarzkopf hair dyes are formulated without ammonia, silicones, PPD, alcohol, etc. They have made their ingredient formulas very gentle and have also made sure to dermatologically test them.
Most of their hair dyes contain natural ingredients in their formula, like argan oil, oat milk, soy protein etc.
Therefore, Schwarzkopf hair dyes are considered to be one of the best hair dyes for sensitive scalps.
The Final Takeaway
If you are someone with a sensitive scalp and have always been apprehensive or dyeing your hair because of your irritation, well, worry no more as there are ample solutions for dyeing hair even with sensitive scalps.
You must also make sure to always look at the product label/ingredient list before purchasing a hair dye to check for harsh chemicals.
Also, you could choose natural hair dyes like henna and indigo or also go in for hypoallergenic hair dyes which are specifically designed for sensitive scalps.
Lastly, it is essential to remember that no matter what type of dye you are using (because there is no single dye free from allergens, as each person’s skin types react differently to different substances), a patch test is always recommended to avoid any risk of unwanted scalp irritation.
Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?
The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.
Also Read:
How Do Hair Dye Color Numbers Work
Which Hair Dye Is Halal In The USA
What Is The Best Natural Hair Dye For Grey Hair
To Summarize
