A chemical burn on the scalp from a hair relaxer is an acute form of irritant contact dermatitis caused by corrosive alkaline agents. Hair relaxers contain strong chemicals, such as sodium hydroxide (lye) or guanidine hydroxide (no-lye), designed to break the disulfide bonds in the hair shaft to permanently straighten the texture. When these caustic substances contact the scalp for too long or penetrate compromised skin, they cause a severe reaction. The high alkalinity (pH far exceeding the skin’s natural pH of 5.5) rapidly dissolves the skin’s protective lipid layer and damages cell proteins, resulting in a chemical burn.
Immediate Steps to Stop the Burn
The immediate priority upon feeling a burning sensation is to stop the chemical reaction by removing the relaxer from the scalp. Immediately flush the entire area with a continuous flow of cool or cold running water. This rinsing process should be performed for a minimum of ten minutes to ensure the chemical is washed away and the affected tissue is cooled.
Do not rub or scrub the scalp during this process, as mechanical friction can force the chemical deeper into the tissue and worsen the injury. It is recommended to wear gloves, such as kitchen or utility gloves, while rinsing to prevent the chemical from causing burns on your hands.
Following the initial rinse, wash the hair and scalp with a neutralizing shampoo. Most relaxer kits include this shampoo, which is formulated to stop the alkaline action and restore the scalp’s pH balance. This step is important because residual alkaline agents can continue to damage the skin. Lather the neutralizing shampoo gently across the entire scalp and hair, following the product instructions before rinsing again with cool water.
After fully rinsing and neutralizing, the affected area needs to be gently cooled. A cool compress applied to the burned area can help reduce pain and swelling. Use a clean cloth soaked in cool water or a towel-wrapped ice pack, holding it lightly against the scalp for several minutes at a time.
Determining When to Seek Medical Attention
While minor first-degree burns may be managed at home, certain signs indicate the need for prompt medical evaluation. Seek urgent care or emergency room treatment if you notice the formation of blisters on the scalp, which signifies a second-degree burn where deeper layers of skin have been damaged. Another serious sign is any evidence of deep tissue damage, such as white, leathery, or charred skin, suggesting a severe third-degree burn.
Extreme pain that persists or worsens after the chemical has been thoroughly rinsed and neutralized is a clear signal to seek help. Immediate emergency room treatment is necessary for any signs of systemic distress, such as dizziness, nausea, or feeling in shock. Furthermore, a medical professional should assess the injury if the burn covers a large area of the scalp or if there are any breaks in the skin.
A visit to a primary care physician or dermatologist is appropriate for less severe burns characterized by only redness, mild swelling, and tenderness (superficial first-degree burns). If you are unsure of the burn’s depth or severity, consult a healthcare provider. They can properly assess the damage, prescribe appropriate burn creams, and advise on preventing infection on the hair-covered scalp.
Managing Healing and Preventing Infection
After the immediate crisis and any necessary medical consultation, wound management focuses on promoting healing and preventing infection. For superficial burns, gently clean the affected areas daily using a mild, unscented shampoo and lukewarm water. Handle the scalp with care during washing, avoiding any scrubbing action or harsh manipulation of the hair.
Once the area is clean, apply a thin layer of an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment or plain petroleum jelly to the burn. These topical applications help keep the wound bed moist, which facilitates faster healing and can reduce the formation of a hard scab. Use a clean cotton swab for application to prevent introducing bacteria from your fingers.
Monitor the healing area closely for signs of a developing infection. Warning signs include:
- Increased warmth.
- Spreading redness beyond the initial burn site.
- Excessive swelling, or the presence of pus or foul-smelling discharge.
- The development of a fever, which requires prompt medical re-evaluation.
During the healing period, avoid any activities or products that could further irritate the sensitive scalp tissue. Refrain from using heat styling tools (such as blow dryers or flat irons) and avoid wearing tight braids, weaves, or wigs, which can rub against the burn and trap moisture or bacteria. Gentle handling of the hair and scalp is necessary, as even minor burns may take a week or two to fully heal.