As if bad hair days weren't enough, many girls also have to deal with the smelly scalp problems. Not only is having smelly scalp annoying, but it can also be a cause of major embarrassment. And the worst part? Seemingly simple tasks like untying and tying your hair or hugging someone can give rise to a stinky situation. Ugh While not washing your hair regularly is one of the major causes of smelly hair, it's not the only one. Read on as we take you through five reasons as to why your hair is smelling; plus, we're also sharing tips on how to deal with them effectively.
01You don’t wash your hair regularly
Ideally, you should wash your hair at least twice a week. But if you have an excessively oily scalp or fine hair, you need to clean your hair once every two days. This is because fine or thin hair has more oil glands on the scalp, which can cause a build-up of oil, sweat and dirt. If you don't get rid of this on time, the good bacteria on your scalp starts feasting on it and breaks it down, leading to that yucky smell you oh-so-hate. BB pro tip: The best solution is to stop being lazy AF and wash your hair regularly. Use a gentle SLS-free shampoo like the Tresemme Pro Protect Sulphate Free Shampoo to ensure that it gets rid of product build-up thoroughly, without drying out the hair.
02You sweat too much
This is a common problem with people who work out regularly. The sweat produced during your workout sesh can accumulate on the scalp, especially if you tie your hair up. This can cause build-up in the area, and apart from the stench, this can also lead to a lot of itching and discomfort in the area you've tied your hair. BB pro tip: Avoid tying your hair in super tight hairstyles, and always use a satin scrunchie. Let your hair loose as soon as you are done with the workout and spray on a little dry shampoo such as the Dove Volume and Fullness Dry Shampoo once your hair is completely dry. It will absorb all the grease and leave your hair smelling fresh and looking great.
03You might be suffering from chronic skin problems
You may have a smelly scalp due to several different skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, psoriasis, fungal infections, etc. This makes for the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, leading to a lot of irritation coupled with a stinky scalp. BB pro tip: Apart from using an anti-dandruff and clarifying shampoo, it is essential to visit a dermat. 'Cause these conditions, if left untreated, can cause a lot of problems.
04You may have a hormonal imbalance
If you're undergoing a highly stressful time in your life, that could be an indirect cause of smelly hair. This is because stress causes some major hormonal imbalances in your body, which is related to overproduction of oil in the scalp causing it to smell awful. BB pro tip: Indulge in some stress-management activity such as yoga and meditation. Also, indulging in some physical activity for at least 20 minutes every day will help keep stress and hormones under control.
05Pollutants
Constant exposure to pollutants in the environment can lead to a build-up on your scalp. These pollutants mix with the sebum, sweat and bacteria on your scalp, causing a bad smell. BB pro tip: Cover your head with a thin scarf or a hat when out during the day to offer enough protection.
