7 Reasons Your Scalp Smells (Even When It’s Clean)

A healthy scalp shouldn’t smell bad. If you notice a distinct cheesy, sulfur-like, or other 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.

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 City.

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 during puberty or menopause).

2. Over-Washing

Another common mistake is washing your hair too often. Mehmet Göker, MD, a dermatology specialist at Vera Clinic in Istanbul, 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.”

Kemunto Mokaya, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Houston, 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 textures can often wash their hair daily or every other day, while people with curly hair textures may benefit from shampooing every five to seven days. If you have specific concerns or belong to a group with particular hair care needs, consult with a dermatologist for personalized advice.

3. Your Diet

Dr. Mokaya 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.”

Research shows that garlic, specifically, can negatively affect your body odor in general. The same can also be said for red meat, according to Cleveland Clinic.

4. Air Pollution

A smelly scalp may also be caused by environmental factors like air pollution. If you live in an area where the air is highly polluted, particles may cling to your hair and scalp.

Research shows that pollution creates volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Many VOCs can have a smell to them, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

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’s marked by itchy, red patches, greasy yellow scales, or powdery flakes on your scalp (dandruff), according to Mayo 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.

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.

Infection is more likely to occur if you don’t wash your hair often and have wet skin for a long time (such as from sweating).

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.

Some people may also be interested in DIY treatments, like baking soda or apple cider vinegar.

But while some people find these remedies effective based on anecdotal evidence, Dr. 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.

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.”

Karen also says to wash your hair after a workout.

“The buildup of sweat can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which is a factor in your scalp and hair smelling bad,” Karen says.

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.