How to Calm a Burning Scalp From Hair Dye

Rub an ice cube on your scalp for immediate relief from burns.

Sensitive skin or improperly applied hair dye can result in an irritated or burned scalp. This can be avoided by following hair dye instruction properly. In fact, Clairol recommends you perform a "skin allergy test 48 hours before each application even if you have already used coloring products." If your scalp suffers burns from hair dye, you can calm your scalp by using a moisturizing conditioner, shampoo along with applying soothing solutions and creams.

Things You'll Need

• Moisturizing shampoo
• Moisturizing conditioner
• Ice cubes
• Towel
• Paper towel
• Neosporin or antibiotic ointment

Instructions

Shampoo and condition

1. Rinse your hair with cool or lukewarm water. Avoid hot water because it will cause more pain to scalp burns.

2. Shampoo your hair gently with a moisturizing shampoo. Moisturizing shampoos often contain vitamin E, aloe or shea butter. Rinse the shampoo with cool or lukewarm water.

3. Apply a moisturizing conditioner to your hair. Allow it to stay on your hair as directed, usually for five to 10 minutes. Rinse gently with cool or lukewarm water.

4. Rub a towel gently on your wet hair. Do not rub the scalp or apply a lot of pressure on the scalp when drying your hair.

Ice Cube

1. Wrap an ice cube in a paper towel or small hand towel.

2. Apply the ice cube to sections of your burned scalp. Hold it in place for several minutes to provide relief to irritated areas.

3. If the ice melts, use the towel to wipe up the water.

Prevent Infection

1. Keep the scalp area clean and dry, except for using cool or lukewarm water to shampoo and condition.

2. Apply an antibiotic cream, like Neosporin, to burned scalp at least once a day. Neosporin is a topical cream designed 'to help prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes and burns."

3. Allow the antibiotic cream to sit on your scalp as the directions indicate.

Tips & Warnings

• See a dermatologist if your scalp burns continue to cause pain and blister.

• Don't pick at scabs on your scalp. It can lead to infection and the need for medical treatment.

• Wear loose hair styles while your scalp is healing from the burns. Manipulating your hair with daily styling, blow drying and curling can irritate your scalp and cause pain.

References

• Clairol: Herbal Essences Color Me Vibrant Instructions
• Neosporin: First Aid Products FAQ