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. If excessive sweating bothers you, learn to manage it and keep the perspiration at bay.

Don't let excess sweating ruin your day. (Image: Creatas/Creatas/Getty Images)

Step 1

Man getting his hair washed by stylist (Image: Wavebreakmedia Ltd/Wavebreak Media/Getty Images)

Wash your head, scalp and face well every day to reduce oil and dirt buildup. Use a nonsoap cleanser for your face.

Step 2

Baby powder spills from container (Image: gvictoria/iStock/Getty Images)

Apply a small amount of talcum powder to your scalp after showering. Rub the powder in well.

Step 3

Woman applying antiperspirant (Image: Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images)

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.

Step 4

Hat with blue sky in background (Image: DAJ/amana images/Getty Images)

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.

Step 5

Chili peppers (Image: Nakano Masahiro/amanaimagesRF/amana images/Getty Images)

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.

Step 6

Man drinking glass of water (Image: Fuse/Fuse/Getty Images)

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.

Step 7

Women's feet stepping on bathroom scale (Image: Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images)

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.

Things You'll Need

• Nonsoap cleanser

• Talcum powder

• Antiperspirant

• Diphemanil powder

Tip

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.