A healthy scalp shouldn’t smell bad. If you notice a distinct cheesy, sulfur-like, or other otherwise unpleasant odor coming from your head, it may be due to an infection, a buildup of sweat or hair products, or not washing your hair often enough.
Fortunately, most underlying causes of a smelly scalp are easy to treat and prevent once they’re identified.
What Causes a Smelly Scalp
There are many possible reasons that your scalp smells, including:
1. Not Washing Your Hair Enough
“If you don’t wash regularly, you may experience a buildup of oil, sebum, and sweat that can leave an odor,” Julie K. Karen, MD, a dermatologist at Complete Skin MD in New York.
This is especially true if you use a lot of hair products, exercise a lot, are prone to excessive sweating, or are going through hormonal changes, such as puberty or menopause, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
2. Over-Washing
Another common mistake is washing your hair too often. Mehmet Göker, MD, a dermatology specialist at Vera Clinic in Istanbul, Turkey, says over-washing your hair can “damage your scalp’s microbiome,” which “provides easier access to bad bacteria and fungi, which can cause inflammation and itching.”
Dr. Mokaya says it’s important to wash your scalp with products that are suited to your texture and skin type.
In general, people with straight hair can wash their hair daily or every other day, while people with curly hair should shampoo every five to seven days.
3. Your Diet
Kemunto Mokaya, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Houston, says your diet might be the culprit, especially “if you eat excessively pungent foods like garlic and onion, or if you have a heavy animal-based diet.”
4. Air Pollution
A smelly scalp may also be caused by environmental factors like air pollution, according to the Cleveland Clinic. If you live in an area where the air is highly polluted, particles may cling to your hair and scalp.
5. Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition thought to be caused by an overgrowth of yeast that lives on the scalp. It is marked by itchy, red patches, greasy yellow scale, or powdery flakes on your scalp (dandruff), according to the Mayo Clinic. And according to the Cleveland Clinic, seborrheic dermatitis can cause your scalp to smell.
6. Scalp Psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis can cause reddish patches, silvery-white scales, and dandruff-like flaking on your head, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Your scalp may also burn or itch, and you might have temporary hair loss. If it’s not taken care of properly, psoriasis can cause your scalp to smell, the Cleveland Clinic says.
7. Infection
Skin infections — usually fungal infections on the scalp — can lead to unpleasant odors.
One possibility is tinea capitis, or ringworm of the scalp, according to Mount Sinai. Ringworm is usually itchy and marked by round areas of scaly skin that are red and swollen, pus-filled sores, and bald patches. It’s more likely to occur if you don’t wash your hair often and have wet skin for a long time (such as from sweating).
At-Home Remedies for a Smelly Scalp
To get rid of that bad smell in your hair, Dr. Karen, Dr. Göker, and Dr. Mokaya recommend the following:
1. Anti-Dandruff-Fighting Shampoo
If your smelly scalp is caused by seborrheic dermatitis, Mokaya recommends treating it with topical, over-the-counter dandruff shampoos that contain ingredients like zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, or coal tar.
2. Baking Soda
Simply rub a small amount into your scalp in the shower and rinse after a few minutes.
3. Aloe Vera
Apply a small amount to your scalp and rinse after 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix one-half cup of apple cider vinegar with 2 cups of water, wash your hair with it, then rinse.
While these remedies can often be effective, Karen says to tread carefully when trying DIY home treatments, as it’s often difficult to get the mixture and dosage right.
“I’ve seen one too many DIY scalp treatments go awry, leaving the scalp irritated and often smelling worse than when it started,” Karen says.
How to Prevent a Smelly Scalp
1. Keep Your Hands Off Your Head
“To prevent a smelly scalp, I recommend not scratching or touching your scalp, as it will only trigger more oil production,” Göker says.
2. Avoid Certain Products
Mokaya recommends avoiding products with irritating ingredients like parfum, sodium lauryl sulfate, and para-phenylenediamine.
3. Use a Scalp Brush
Karen believes the “best way to prevent a smelly scalp is finding a regular scalp care routine and sticking to it.” She suggests using a scalp massager or brush a couple times a week to exfoliate prior to cleansing as “this helps break up and clear away dead skin cells and buildup.”
4. Wash Your Hair After Workouts
“The buildup of sweat can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which is a factor in your scalp and hair smelling bad,” Karen says.
5. Pay Attention to Your Diet
“Just like certain foods can cause us to break out on our skin, our scalps often react similarly. An irritated, oily scalp can mean a smelly scalp too,” Karen says.
Try keeping a food diary to determine if your scalp smell gets worse when you eat certain foods.
Medical Treatments for a Smelly Scalp
The most effective treatment for a smelly scalp depends on the underlying cause.
“If it is seborrheic dermatitis, a prescription antifungal medication may be prescribed in addition to topical steroids or other anti-inflammatory agents,” Mokaya says.
Conditions like psoriasis can be treated with topical corticosteroids or anti-inflammatories like tacrolimus, vitamin D-based topicals such as calcipotriene, or topical retinoids like tazarotene, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation.
In severe cases, systemic medications like biologics and oral prescription meds may be needed. Sometimes, phototherapy may be recommended, according to the National Eczema Foundation.
Fungal infections or bacterial infections may be treated with oral antifungal or oral antibiotic medications.
When to See a Doctor
“If you notice that you are following at-home remedies and the products used aren’t effective, I recommend seeking medical advice,” Göker says.
