No one likes to have a bad hair day. Unfortunately, this is something that many people experience when their hair smells burnt after they wash it. This can happen for a number of reasons, but the most common culprits are using too much heat on your hair in the form of blow-drying or straightening and using products containing alcohol or parabens.
Why does my hair smell burnt after I wash it?
Oil and buildup are two common causes of burnt smells. Using hot or warm water can dry out the scalp and lead to an overproduction of oils in order to compensate for this. Hot and warm water can lead to an overproduction of oils by the scalp in order to compensate for this. Avoid using products that contain alcohol or parabens as these can lead to more issues down the road.
Here is how to get rid of smelly hair –
Table of Contents
Reasons because of which hair smell burnt
- Using shampoos containing parabens and wax-like ingredients- These shampoos are hard on the skin and the scalp, which can lead to increased oil production and a less-than-fresh scent.
- Using hair products with alcohol in them- Products containing high levels of alcohol will dry out your locks over time, leading to intense smells like burning rubber or singed hair.
- Products that contain too much heat – Blow drying and straightening are both culprits of this, so try to use styling tools like a curling or crimping iron in moderation.
- Using products that contain artificial fragrances- These will only mask your symptoms for a short amount of time, and can actually worsen the problem over time.
- Using excessively hot water- Try to use cool or lukewarm water when washing your hair, as this will help open up the cuticles and allow for more moisture in your locks.
- Using products that contain silicones- These are another culprit of a smelly scalp, so try to avoid them if possible.
- Taking a steam bath too often- This will also cause your hair to smell burnt, so try to limit the frequency of these as much as possible.
- Too many deep conditioners- Too much heat applied from product usage can lead to a buildup that smells like burning rubber or singed hair.
Tips and Tricks to reduce the burnt smell
- Try using fewer products on your locks – This is a way to see if you are using more of a product than necessary, and will also help your locks stay healthier.
- Use the right products for your hair type – For example, wavy or curly-haired girls should always try to use curl-enhancing shampoos that contain silicone in them. This can be found at any drugstore!
- Wash your hair often – This is a good way to keep the buildup of natural oils at bay, and will also help with any smells.
- Use cold water when washing your hair- Using warm or hot water can dry out the scalp and lead to an overproduction of oils in order to compensate for this.
- Avoid using products that contain alcohol or parabens – These will only lead to more problems down the road.
- Use a deep conditioner sparingly- Deep conditioning just once every week is enough, as these can cause your locks to smell bad if used too often.
- Avoid taking steam baths frequently- Try washing your hair beforehand so you don’t have this concern!
How to take care of your hair?
- Regular oiling- Try to use a light oil like coconut or jojoba, and apply it every day if possible.
- Regular hair cuts- This will remove any split ends that are hanging on for dear life, which can lead to smells as well.
- Avoid using heat too often – Try not to flat iron or blow-dry your locks more than once per week, as this can lead to issues with buildup and smells.
- Regular hair masks- Try doing these once a week, or just on the days that you wash your locks in order to keep moisture levels up.
- Eat better – This will help make your scalp healthier overall, making it less likely for things like this to happen!
- Use cold water when washing your hair – Hot water will only dry out the scalp, leading to an overproduction of oils in order to compensate.
- Avoid using products that contain alcohol or parabens – These can lead to more problems down the road.
- Cleanse and condition on a regular basis- This is a good way to keep any buildup at bay and to keep your locks smelling fresh.
- Wash hair often- This will help to keep the buildup of natural oils at bay, and also helps with any smells or scalp issues that may arise.
How to remove the burnt smell from your hair?
- Using baking soda- Apply this to your locks with a shower cap on and leave it in for ten minutes before washing out. It has absorbing power that will get rid of any smells that are lingering on your scalp.
- Using Apple Cider Vinegar- This is another natural ingredient that can absorb the smells and help remove them from your locks. It is a very effective ingredient in this context.
- Using a bath of chamomile tea- You can use any type of tea, but the scent and relaxing properties will help to remove any smells from your locks as well!
- Using essential oils like peppermint, lavender or rosemary – These have antibacterial properties, and work well for treating issues with a smelly scalp.
- Using citrus fruits like oranges or lemons- These work well with removing the smell of burnt hair, as they are known for their antibacterial properties and ability to remove smells from locks.
- Massaging your scalp- This is a good way to stimulate blood flow in order to get rid of any buildup that may be causing this issue.
- Using a hairdryer- This will help to remove any natural oils that may be causing the smells or scalp issues.
- Use cool water when washing your hair – Hot and warm water can lead to an overproduction of oil by the scalp, which is another way for this issue to arise.
- Using vinegar- This is another way that you can get rid of the smell, but don’t do both at once!
- Washing hair often – Washing your scalp will help remove any buildup or grease from oils, which are typically the culprits for this issue.
- Styling hair with a clarifying shampoo- This will remove any buildup that has been causing your locks to smell.
Final words
In conclusion, this issue is very common and can be easily remedied. By using baking soda or apple cider vinegar to remove smells from your hair when they come up, you will notice that it will not happen as often! Regular oiling and deep conditioning are also good ways of preventing these issues in the first place. Using a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup on your scalp is also a good way of removing the smells from locks.
