How to Reduce Scalp Sweating
Many people hate to sweat, but perspiration has an important job -- it cools your body off and prevents overheating. It may become a nuisance, though, if you sweat at the drop of a hat. Scalp sweat is especially problematic. It can ruin a carefully crafted hairstyle and give your scalp an unwanted shine 1. If excessive sweating bothers you, learn to manage it and keep the perspiration at bay.
Wash your head, scalp and face well every day to reduce oil and dirt buildup 1. Use a nonsoap cleanser for your face.
How to Stop Excessive Underarm Sweat
Learn More
Apply a small amount of talcum powder to your scalp after showering. Rub the powder in well.
Rub an unscented antiperspirant on your scalp and forehead. Antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride hexahydrate are quite effective at reducing sweat. Apply the antiperspirant at night so it has time to soak into your skin. If regular antiperspirant doesn't work, try a 2 percent diphemanil dusting powder.
How to Stop Forehead Sweat
Learn More
Avoid wearing hats or any other accessories or headgear that blocks airflow to your scalp. If you allow your scalp to "breathe," you may sweat less.
Skip caffeinated beverages and foods, such as coffee, soda, tea and chocolate. These can cause you to sweat more. Spicy foods, such as hot peppers, might also make the problem worse.
Drink at least eight cups of water a day to keep yourself hydrated and cool. Your body loses water when you sweat, so you need to replace it.
Lose a few pounds if you're overweight. Excess weight can contribute to sweating. Talk to your doctor before starting an exercise or diet plan if you have any type of health condition.
Tips
If you sweat excessively from your head, hands, feet or other areas, you may have a condition called hyperhidrosis. Doctors can treat this condition to minimize its effects.
Avoid eating smelly foods, such as garlic and onions, before an important event. Your body will secrete the smell of these foods through your sweat.
Related Articles
References
- International Hyperhidrosis Society: Sweaty Face and Head
- DermNet NZ: Hyperhidrosis
- Home Doctor; DK Publishing, Michael Peters
- Barnes-Svarney P, Svarney T. The Handy Anatomy Answer Book. Visible Ink Press; 2016.
- Ichinose-kuwahara T, Inoue Y, Iseki Y, Hara S, Ogura Y, Kondo N. Sex differences in the effects of physical training on sweat gland responses during a graded exercise. Exp Physiol. 2010;95(10):1026-32. doi:10.1113/expphysiol.2010.053710
- International Hyperhidrosis Society. 2017.
- Amabebe E, Osayande S, Ozoene J, Ugwu A. Relationship between menopausal sweating and body mass index. Open Journal of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, 2014;(4):137-146.
- American Academy of Dermatology. Hyperhidrosis. 2017.
- American Academy of Dermatology. Skin: Introduction (ages 11 to 13). 2014.
- Gagnon D., Kenny G.P. Does sex have an independent effect on thermoeffector responses during exercise in the heat? J Physiol (Lond). 2012;590(23):5963-73.
Writer Bio
Melissa King began writing in 2001. She spent three years writing for her local newspaper, "The Colt," writing editorials, news stories, product reviews and entertainment pieces. She is also the owner and operator of Howbert Freelance Writing. King holds an Associate of Arts in communications from Tarrant County College.