Why Do We Get Pimples on Our Scalp? We Show You How To Treat and Prevent Those Pesky Zits
We’ve heard of bad hair days and bad skin days, but what about bad scalp days? Yup, getting pimples on your scalp and hairline is quite possibly the most annoying crossover we know of.
These zits scattered throughout the scalp are not to be confused with folliculitis, which sees infection and/or inflammation around the hair follicles. However, these pesky pimples are still as tricky to manage, and we can’t simply slap on a pimple patch to prevent ourselves from picking at them.
So, why is there a pimple on your scalp? Is scalp acne wildly different from facial acne? And are there special precautions we have to take in order to treat and prevent them? Keep reading, because Daily Vanity will be providing the As to your Qs ahead.
In This Article
What Causes Pimples on the Scalp?
Haircare Products To Get Rid of Pimples on Scalp
Treatments That Reduce Pimples on Scalp
The Different Types of Pimples on Scalp
Tips To Prevent the Reoccurrence of Pimples on Scalp
Credit: Element5 Digital/Pexels
Like facial acne, there are a number of reasons why pimples pop up on your scalp. Hormonal balances, certain foods, and abnormal immune responses can all be contributing factors.
Oil-based styling products like heavy pomades, sprays, and waxes can also cause the clogging of the pores on your scalp, which makes washing and styling your hair with the right products even more important.
If your scalp is particularly oily, the extra sebaceous gland activity that produces the oil supports an environment that promotes bacterial growth.
Stress and a lack of sleep can also cause scalp acne. When your cortisol levels rise, it prompts your glands to secrete more sebum, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
If you are prone to oily hair, make sure you shampoo once a day, especially after workouts. And if you want to use a physical exfoliant, stick to a gentle scrub and use it only when your scalp isn’t feeling too irritated.
Not sure if your current haircare products are up to the task? Here are our top picks that can help manage scalp acne.
Designed to calm and restore your scalp, the Bee Choo Origin Scalp Treatment Essence is enriched with Bee Choo Essence, vitamins B6 and B3, and pumpkin seed extract.
This powerful blend helps relieve common scalp discomforts like itchiness and sensitivity by reducing irritation, soothing redness, and smoothing out bumps. It eases inflammation while encouraging healthy scalp renewal.
Additionally, it helps protect the scalp from environmental stress, strengthens hair follicles, and regulates oil levels, keeping your scalp comfortably balanced without being oily or overly dry.
Use daily or on targeted areas after hair wash for a healthier, fresher, more comfortable scalp.
The Bee Choo Origin Scalp Treatment Essence retails for S$32 (40ml) at Bee Choo Origin Official Website, Bee Choo Origin Outlets, and Shopee.
A dermatologist recommended shampoo, the Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic clears buildup as it relieves itch and flaking. The key ingredient here is salicylic acid, which effectively cuts through oil and sloughs off dead skin cells, leaving your scalp clearer and healthier. This conditioning formula is also free of added colourants, preservatives, and fragrance, so it’s great for sensitive scalps too.
Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo Scalp Build-Up Control retails for S$25.40 on Amazon.
A doctor-developed, clinically tested formula for severely inflamed or irritated scalps (inflammation and breakouts go hand in hand), this shampoo from Derma-E contains a blend of neem, burdock, and bearberry as well as menthol to soothe the scalp, providing instant relief as the salicylic acid gets to work.
Derma-E Scalp Relief Shampoo retails for S$32.46 on Amazon.
While this isn’t a shampoo, Sunday Riley’s Clean Rinse is still a great at-home scalp treatment. The micellar water rinse contains both BHAs and AHAs (salicylic and glycolic acid, to be exact) to dissolve sebum and dead skin cells. This formula is also packed with witch hazel, rose clay, and free fatty acids to condition the scalp.
Sunday Riley Clean Rinse retails for S$56.85 on Amazon and ASOS.
Infused with Binchotan charcoal to draw impurities from the scalp, this unique scrub shampoo from Briogeo is your ticket to optimal scalp health. Ideal for those with dry, irritated and flaky scalps, this micro-exfoliator removes dead skin cells and product buildup to combat dryness and quell irritation.
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo for S$69 (226ml) on Sephora.
Stockholm-based label Sachajuan opts for a minimal approach to treating your tresses. This scalp shampoo is formulated with rosemary oil, menthol, salicylic acid, and ginger extract to diminish dandruff and soothe an irritated scalp, so your hair is left fresh and moisturised.
Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo retails for S$41 on Sephora.
Sometimes, nothing beats a professional scalp treatment. Check out these salons and hair treatment centres that are said to provide the best treatments you can get in Singapore.
An oily scalp often leads to clogged pores and stubborn pimples. TrichoLab’s Scalp Treatment removes excess oil and buildup, soothes irritation, and stimulates blood flow to boost nutrient delivery to the scalp.
It gently cleanses and nourishes, leaving your scalp refreshed and balanced. You’ll leave the salon with softer, healthier hair with a more comfortable scalp that feels fresh and balanced.
Reviews
We’re thrilled with the results of the treatment, particularly in removing clogged hair follicles and rejuvenating our hair roots. – Irin Lim, Google
I did Dandruff Prevention treatment with therapist Kerin. It has shown great results with just the trial treatment as compared to my previous experience in other hair salons. – Kai Xin, Google
What We Like:
1. Improves hair health over time by boosting scalp circulation 2. Provides first-time promotions 3. Often includes personalised analysis and tailored solutions
What to Consider:
1. Can be pricey, especially if multiple sessions are recommended 2. May not be effective for medical scalp conditions like psoriasis or severe eczema. Best to consult with your doctor
Location
501 Orchard R0ad, Wheelock Place, #04-07A, Singapore 238880
Opening hours
Scalp Treatment price starts from S$228
Opening hours
10am – 9.30pm (Mon to Sun)
Contact details
Socials
The Signature Scalp Care is a 75-minute intensive treatment designed to soothe dry, inflamed scalps and rebalance overactive oil glands.
Ideal for dandruff prevention and overall scalp health, it includes a detailed scalp scan, gentle scaling, a refreshing bubble spa, pH balancing, and a professional LED machine treatment.
It helps your scalp feel healthier and more balanced from root to tip.
Reviews
I did a hair spa + scalp treatment. Vanessa is so friendly and made me feel welcomed instantly. I appreciate her explaining each step of the treatment and is honest with my scalp analysis by recommending the right treatment. – Sarah S., Google
The scalp treatment was very refreshing. I will definitely come back again to get my scalp treated as and when is needed. I highly recommend their services. – Jina Woo, Google
What We Like:
1. Reasonable pricing for scalp treatments 2. Many loved the treatment and raved that the therapists gave really good head massages 3. Only one location in Singapore
What to Consider:
1. Results are not permanent. You may need ongoing sessions to see better improvements
Location
333A Orchard Road, Mandarin Gallery, #04-12, Singapore 238897
Opening hours
Signature Scalp Care is priced at S$180 for all hair length. Subjected to GST
Opening hours
10am – 8pm (Mon to Sun)
Contact details
Socials
Excess oil and buildup can cause zits to pop up, but did you know it can also result in hair fall? This is why your scalp needs a deep cleanse, like this Exfoliating Scalp Treatment from GC Hairdressing.
It sops up sebum and other irritants that may cause dandruff and hair loss. Even better, you can enjoy a pre-service aromatherapy session to truly relax and unwind.
Reviews
Chang was very professional and friendly to customers. He made the effort to explain the options and process of the treatments that are appropriate for me with no hard selling. – Ra’d Raz, Google
I opted for a hair treatment and a perm, and let me tell you, it was worth every penny. I couldn’t be happier with the results. My perm gave my hair volume and bounce, and the treatment revived my damaged locks. – Ryu Ryu, Google
What We Like:
1. The treatment starts with a scalp analysis to better understand your scalp condition and needs 2. Many appraised the therapists for explaining the procedure well before the treatment begins 3. Only one outlet in Singapore
What to Consider:
1. Book in advance as the salon can get busy during the weekends
Location
52 Somme Road, #01-01, Singapore 207872
Opening hours
Scalp Exfoliating treatment is priced at S$88
Opening hours
11am – 9pm (Mon to Fri)
11am – 8pm (Sat & Sun)
Contact details
Socials
Credit: xFrame.io
Blemishes on the scalp can be caused by a wide range of skin diseases, some of which are benign and others that are more serious. Here are the different types of pimples you may be experiencing:
Mild: Blackheads and whiteheads
Moderate: Papules and pustules on the surface of the scalp
Severe: Nodules and cysts embedded under the skin
If you have mild or moderate acne on your scalp, you can treat them with many over-the-counter (OTC) products. But if you’re dealing with severe scalp acne, they can develop blackened crusts and leave permanent scars. In this instance, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with your doctor.
For those who experience frequent breakouts, you may want to have it checked out by your dermatologist too. They can help you determine the type of breakout you’re seeing, the cause of it, and recommend the best treatment for you.
Credit: xFrame.io
The first step in tackling your scalp acne is to cleanse your scalp regularly to remove excess oils and dead skin cells. Lathering up with an anti-microbial shampoo can help with that.
Look out for ingredients like piroctone olamine and tea tree oil for their antibacterial properties; salicylic or glycolic acid to exfoliate your scalp; witch hazel, an astringent that soaks up sebum; as well as camphor or menthol for a soothing benefit.
Using a twice-weekly scalp mask that contains a few of those ingredients can also help to slough off dead skin cells and unclog pores for a clearer, healthier scalp.
You can also spot-treat the areas in the same way you might on the face. Just take your go-to acne treatment and dab it on the area. But make sure you avoid thick, rinse-off products (like clay masks) as they will be harder to remove – getting a dense mask stuck on your scalp may worsen the issue as it will stick around causing buildup.
If you don’t see any improvements with OTC remedies after a month or two, visit your doctor as you may need prescription-strength treatments.
Remember to wash your hair after working out, wearing headgear, or other possible activities that cause sweating. Keeping your sleeping area clean, including changing your pillowcases and taking off your makeup before bed should help too.
If there’s a sudden breakout on your scalp, it may be a reaction to a new styling product. In the same way that certain skincare and makeup products can be comedogenic, so can haircare.
This is especially true if you are applying a product to your root or scalp, like you might a dry shampoo, styling cream, or hairspray. Look for comedogenic ingredients that may be causing the issue, like waxes, mineral oil, and dimethicone.
If skipping your styling routine is non-negotiable, just be sure you are properly rinsing out the products regularly.
When it comes to preventing pimples on your scalp, the same rules apply here as on your face, namely keeping your hands off. Picking and prodding at blemishes will only make them worse.
It can lead to acne scars that pose a special problem along the hairline. When you damage a hair follicle, it will weaken regrowth. If the damage is severe enough, it may cause the hair to shed entirely and never grow back. Yikes.
We hope our guide on scalp acne has been helpful, and that you learned a thing or two about preventing its reoccurrence!
Featured image credit: Ministry of Scalp Therapy
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