Pimples Near the Scalp

Q: I've been getting pimples around my scalp and hairline area. My dermatologist mentioned that my shampoo and hair styling products might be the culprit. What types of shampoo and hair gel should I be using to prevent this?

A: Breakouts along the hairline and scalp area are frustrating to deal with. Your dermatologist is right that hair care and styling products are often the main triggers for what's medically known as "pomade acne" or "acne cosmetica." The good news is that with some strategic product swaps and habit changes, you can get this under control.

When it comes to choosing hair products that won't aggravate your skin, the key is looking for items labeled as "non-comedogenic." This term means the product has been specifically formulated to avoid clogging your pores, which is the primary mechanism behind acne formation. Many traditional hair gels, pomades, and styling creams contain heavy oils, waxes, and silicones that can migrate from your hair onto your skin, especially when you sleep or touch your face throughout the day.

For shampoo selection, you'll want to focus on gentle, sulfate-free formulas that rinse clean without leaving residue. Residual shampoo and conditioner can build up along your hairline and clog pores just as easily as styling products. If you have a sensitive scalp, medicated shampoos containing ingredients like ketoconazole or selenium sulfide can help address any underlying scalp conditions that might be contributing to the problem.

The application method for your styling products is just as important as the products themselves. Instead of applying gel or cream directly to your roots and hairline, try using spray-on alternatives. You can also apply traditional gels and creams to hair starting from the mid-lengths and working toward the ends, keeping the product away from your scalp area entirely. When you do need to style hair near your face, use clean hands and try to avoid touching your hairline afterward.

To actively prevent and treat hairline breakouts, incorporate a gentle salicylic acid treatment into your routine. After styling your hair, use a salicylic acid-containing facial wipe to clean around your hairline, temples, and the back of your neck where products commonly migrate. Salicylic acid is particularly effective because it can penetrate into pores to dissolve the buildup that leads to acne formation.

Acne breakout along the hairline and scalp

You should also pay attention to your hair washing frequency. If you're someone who works out regularly or has naturally oily hair, daily washing might be necessary to prevent oil and sweat from contributing to breakouts. On the flip side, if you have dry or chemically treated hair, you might find that washing every other day works better, but you should still rinse your hairline with water on non-wash days.

Don't forget about your pillowcases and hair accessories either. Wash pillowcases at least weekly in hot water to remove oil and product buildup, and clean hair ties, headbands, and hats regularly. These items can harbor bacteria and product residue that gets transferred back to your skin.

If you continue to experience breakouts after making these changes, it might be worth revisiting your dermatologist. Sometimes prescription treatments are needed to get stubborn hairline acne under control.

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See also:

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Pimples on the scalp

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