8 Reasons why your scalp has a bad odor

Issues with scalp are common for both men and women and it is not hard to say that a hair problem is something which makes you feel uncomfortable. These scalp-related issues range from itching to irritation and dryness and moreover, people who deal with this issue can sometimes experience a smelly scalp. Of course, your hair may smell bad because of tobacco smoke or other similar things but at times, a smelly head is linked to a scalp problem. But before starting to speculate on this issue, you first need to undoubtedly know the main cause of your problem. By finding out the reason for your scalp odor, you have high chances of treating your issue quickly. Also, the sooner you take the odor into consideration, the better.

1.     You are having high levels of stress

Stress has a strong impact on our health and many people develop certain health problems because they have high levels of stress. Thus, stress can easily affect your hair and scalp because it is linked to the production of hormones. Moreover, stress can sometimes cause acne on the skin under your hair and it also can make your scalp to produce more oil, so there are high chances of having a smelly scalp. Anyway, it is impossible to be completely stress-free but there are a lot of methods to reduce stress in your life. For example, you can try meditation, taking yoga classes or having a hot bath.

2.     You are washing your hair way too often

Over-washing your hair can strip away the natural oils from your hair. Washing your hair too often usually leads to greasy hair and smelly head. Ideally, you should wash your hair no more than twice a week, even once a week if your scalp isn’t too oily.

3.     You are not washing it enough

Also, not washing your hair enough will lead to scalp odor, so the best thing you can do is try to find a balance when it comes to your washes. Also, a poor hygiene can increase your chances of developing scalp fungus, also called Tinea capitis. Scalp fungus symptoms include brittle hair, scalp odor, swollen lymph nodes, painful scalp, itchy patches on the scalp and finally, low-grade fever.

4.     A smelly scalp is linked to your diet

Your daily nutrition can have a big impact on your hair, so a smelly scalp can sometimes be the result of a poor diet. If you experience scalp-related issues, then you may want to be more cautious when it comes to what you usually ingest. For example, yeast is the main cause of scalp odor, so take a look at your regular yeast intake.

5.     Give your hair a break by not wearing hats

Wearing hats, head scarves, caps, helmets or other similar clothing items can lead to sweat, which subsequently leads to a bad smell.

6.     Hair care products can sometimes be harmful

The chemicals that many hair care products contain can have a negative reaction to your hair and can make your scalp smell bad. The best thing you can do is opt for products that contain natural ingredients.

7.     Smelly Hair Syndrome

People who have overactive sweat and oil glands on their scalp can develop Smelly Hair Syndrome, so the best solution for this condition is to see a dermatologist.

8.     Skin conditions

Skin conditions such as scalp fungus (ringworm), eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis can lead to a bad smell and sometimes, these skin conditions can be hard to treat because the skin is covered with hair.