You just finished a relaxing shampoo, expecting freshly cleaned hair. But when you lean in for that first post-wash whiff, instead of a clean scent you get a nasty burnt odor. It’s bewildering and frustrating. Shouldn’t washing get rid of burnt hair smell instead of causing it? What exactly is going on?
Why Does My Hair Smell Burnt After I Wash It?
The Culprit is Damage From Hot Styling Tools
The burnt smell that seems to arise after washing is actually residual odor from hair damage that occurred previously. When you use hot styling tools like curling irons, straighteners, or blow dryers on too high of heat, they essentially “cook” the hair strands, fracturing bonds and lifting the cuticle layer.
The closer the tool’s direct contact to the scalp and roots, the more damage and burnt smell occurs.
Some of the chemical compounds released from this heat damage are sulfur-based and have a distinctive burnt hair stench. Washing alone doesn’t remove the smelly compounds stuck within damaged areas of the hair shaft. Water penetration during shampooing causes them to be released, making the burnt smell noticeable after washing.
Shampoo Residue Traps Smell
Shampoo and conditioners leave behind a film. This residue locks in smelly sulfur compounds released from hair damage, causing the burnt odor to linger post-wash.
Water Penetrates Damage
When you wet your hair during shampooing, the water carries odor molecules out from cracked areas of the hair cuticle onto the surface of the strands.
How to Get Rid of Burnt Hair Smell ？
Use Clarifying Shampoo
Clarifying shampoo is formulated to deep clean hair, removing buildup that regular shampoos leave behind. The sulfates in clarifying shampoo help wash away the burnt sulfur smell trapped in damaged hair shafts. Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to maintain fresh locks.
Try an Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
The acidic apple cider vinegar helps close up the lifted cuticles so smelly sulfur compounds don’t continue escaping from the hair shaft. The vinegar smell also overpowers burnt hair odor. Dilute 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar in 1 cup water and pour over hair after shampooing.
Apply a Hair Mask
A hydrating hair mask can help seal the cuticle and lock in moisture after heat damage. Coconut oil masks also work to smooth down the cuticle layer. Apply a mask to help prevent burnt odors from escaping the hair until it can fully recover.
Use Heat Protectant Spray
Pre-styling with a thermal protectant product forms a barrier against high heat which reduces new damage and burnt smell.
Wash with cool water
Hot water opens up cuticles, releasing smelly particles. Cool water constricts cuticles.
Mix baking soda into shampoo
The baking soda will help neutralize and absorb leftover odors clinging to the hair fiber.
Consider getting a trim if burnt smell persists. Damaged ends can hold onto smells. A fresh trim can help. Burnt smell won’t disappear instantly, but should fade gradually with diligent care.