If you’re struggling with scalp acne, redness, bumps, and irritation, you’re not alone — clogged pores, product buildup, oil, and inflammation can all contribute to breakouts on the scalp. Unlike typical dandruff, scalp acne can be painful and hard to calm without the right routine and products.
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What Causes Scalp Acne?
Scalp acne develops when your hair follicles become clogged with a mix of excess oil, sweat, dead skin cells, and leftover styling products. Your scalp naturally produces sebum to keep the skin moisturized, but when that oil combines with buildup and isn’t properly cleansed away, pores can become blocked. This creates the perfect environment for bacteria — and sometimes yeast — to grow, leading to inflammation, tenderness, and those painful red bumps you feel when brushing or washing your hair.
Certain habits can make it worse, including using heavy or pore-clogging products, washing too infrequently, producing excess oil, or using harsh shampoos loaded with sulfates that irritate and weaken the scalp barrier. Over time, this irritation and congestion can create a frustrating cycle of breakouts — which is why a balanced cleansing and gentle exfoliating routine is key to keeping your scalp clear and healthy.
How to Treat Scalp Acne at Home
Treating scalp acne at home isn’t about over-washing or using harsh products — it’s about balance and consistency. The goal is to cleanse the scalp gently, reduce inflammation, unclog follicles, and prevent new breakouts, all while keeping your hair healthy.
Cleanse With an Acne-Friendly Shampoo
Start with a gentle shampoo that removes buildup without stripping your scalp. This helps control oil and prevents clogged pores — the main cause of acne.
Recommended products:
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo – $18–$25
Best For: Soothing irritation, itch, and deep-cleaning the scalp
Why We Love It
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo is a refreshing, invigorating shampoo that not only cleans deeply but also calms irritation. The tea tree oil in the formula provides natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, helping to soothe redness and reduce itchiness. It leaves the scalp feeling refreshed and healthy while giving hair a soft, clean texture. Ideal for acne-prone or oily scalps, it’s perfect for those who want a clean, balanced scalp without harsh chemicals or over-drying ingredients.
Key Ingredients
Tea Tree Oil – Antibacterial and soothing, reduces irritation and itch.
Peppermint & Lavender Extracts – Refresh and calm the scalp.
How to Use
Massage into wet hair and scalp for 1–2 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Use 2–3 times per week or as needed for scalp acne or irritation.
Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo
Best For: Exfoliating clogged follicles, reducing redness, and calming flaking
Why We Love It
Neutrogena T/Sal is a dermatologist-recommended shampoo designed to gently target scalp acne and irritation. Its salicylic acid exfoliates follicles, removes buildup, and calms inflammation without stripping moisture. Ideal for congested or flaky scalps, it leaves hair feeling clean, refreshed, and manageable. This shampoo is perfect as part of a weekly scalp-clearing routine to reduce bumps and maintain a healthy scalp environment.
Key Ingredients
Salicylic Acid – Exfoliates pores, removes oil and dead skin.
Gentle Cleansing Base – Reduces irritation and flaking.
How to Use
Massage into wet scalp for 1–2 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Use 2–3 times per week for best results.
Keya Seth Aromatherapy Lemon Oil Shampoo – $15
Best For: Refreshing the scalp, removing buildup, and calming irritation
Why We Love It
Keya Seth Lemon Oil Shampoo is a gentle yet effective solution for acne-prone or irritated scalps. The lemon oil helps clarify and detoxify the scalp, removing excess oil and product buildup, while botanical extracts work to calm redness and irritation. It leaves hair feeling light, fresh, and manageable, making it perfect for those who want a refreshing daily cleanse without harsh chemicals. This shampoo is ideal for maintaining a healthy scalp balance while keeping hair soft and shiny.
Key Ingredients
Lemon Oil – Clarifies, detoxifies, and refreshes the scalp.
Botanical Extracts – Soothes irritation and reduces inflammation.
How to Use
Massage into wet hair and scalp for 1–2 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Use 2–3 times per week or as needed for a refreshed, balanced scalp.
Treat Fungal or Persistent Scalp Acne With an Anti-Dandruff Cleanser
If your scalp acne is accompanied by persistent redness, flaking, or itchiness, yeast overgrowth could be a culprit. Anti-dandruff shampoos target this problem effectively.
Recommended products:
Nizoral A-D is a go-to solution for stubborn scalp acne
Nizoral A-D is a go-to solution for stubborn scalp acne caused by fungal overgrowth. Unlike regular shampoos, it works at the root of the problem, calming inflammation and reducing recurring breakouts. It helps soothe redness and irritation while leaving the scalp feeling clean and refreshed. Ideal for anyone with persistent flaking, itchiness, or redness, this shampoo is especially effective when used alongside your regular acne-friendly routine. With just 1–2 treatments per week, you can keep your scalp healthy without over-drying or stripping moisture.
Key Ingredients
Ketoconazole – Antifungal agent that fights yeast overgrowth and reduces inflammation.
Soothing Base – Cleans gently without harsh sulfates.
How to Use
Apply to wet hair and massage into the scalp for 2–3 minutes. Leave on for a few minutes if desired, then rinse thoroughly. Use 1–2 times per week, alternating with a gentle shampoo to avoid dryness.
Exfoliate Once Weekly
Even with regular shampooing, dead skin and product residue can linger around follicles. A scalp exfoliating treatment removes buildup, unclogs pores, and improves circulation — preventing new breakouts.
Recommended products:
The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp
Treatment is a must-have for anyone struggling with scalp acne or irritation. Unlike regular shampoos that only wash the surface, this treatment targets follicles at the source, gently dissolving excess oil, dead skin, and product buildup. Its lightweight, beginner-friendly formula calms redness, reduces inflammation, and prevents future breakouts. After use, your scalp feels refreshed, clean, and balanced without leaving hair heavy or greasy. Perfect for sensitive, acne-prone, or congested scalps, it’s a simple step that makes a noticeable difference in scalp health.
Key Ingredients
Salicylic Acid – Exfoliates clogged follicles, removes buildup, and reduces acne.
Soothing Botanical Extracts – Calm irritation and inflammation.
How to Use
Apply to dry or damp scalp before shampooing. Leave on for 10 minutes to let the formula penetrate. Follow with your favorite acne-friendly shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Use once weekly for best results.
FAQ
1. What causes scalp acne?
Scalp acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil, sweat, dead skin cells, and styling products. This buildup creates a breeding ground for bacteria and sometimes yeast, leading to red bumps, irritation, and inflammation. Heavy hair products, irregular washing, and harsh shampoos can also worsen scalp acne.
2. How often should I wash my hair if I have scalp acne?
For most acne-prone scalps, 2–3 times per week with a gentle, acne-friendly shampoo is ideal. Over washing can strip natural oils, while under-washing can allow buildup that triggers breakouts.
3. Can lifestyle factors affect scalp acne?
Yes! Sweat, dirty pillowcases, unwashed hair tools, diet, stress, and hormonal changes can all contribute. Combine good hair hygiene with acne-friendly products for the best results.
4. Can scalp acne cause hair loss?
Scalp acne itself usually doesn’t cause permanent hair loss. However, severe inflammation, picking at bumps, or untreated fungal infections can damage follicles and contribute to shedding. A proper treatment routine helps prevent this.