How to Avoid and Cure Getting Itchy after a Haircut

Co-authored by Hannah Madden Medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS

Last Updated: June 11, 2024 Fact Checked

Getting a fresh new haircut might improve your look, but dealing with itchiness and irritation afterwards isn’t fun. Itchiness might be caused by small hairs stuck to your clothes or skin, but if that itchiness doesn’t go away, it might also be caused by a rash, a fungus, or even acne. In this article, we’ll tell you exactly how to prevent itchiness due to your haircut, as well as how you can treat it afterwards (no matter what the cause is).

1

Wear a shirt without a collar.

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Avoid collars, since they tend to trap small hairs. When you’re picking out a shirt to wear for your haircut, stick to a T-shirt or a crew neck that doesn’t have a collar. Not only will this make it easier for your stylist to cut your hair, but it won’t trap as many small hairs inside of your clothing.^{[1]
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- If you do happen to be wearing a shirt with a collar, turn the collar inside of your shirt before your haircut. That way, it will repel hairs rather than catching them.

2

Sprinkle baby powder on your neck beforehand.

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Baby powder dries out your skin so hairs don’t stick to it. Before you leave for your haircut, sprinkle a thin layer of baby powder on the back of your neck. The dry powder will help repel hairs to keep you itch-free.
- Try to avoid putting on lotion or moisturizer right before a haircut. Lotions make your skin sticky, which can make irritating hairs even more likely to stick to your skin.

3

Wear a barber’s cape over your clothing.

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Barber’s capes are slippery, meaning hair slides right off. If your barber or stylist doesn’t offer one, be sure to ask before they start cutting your hair. Your clothing and part of your neck will be protected from the small, itchy hairs that tend to accumulate during a cut.
- You can also ask your stylist or barber for a neck towel for extra protection.

4

Ask for your neck to be blow-dried after your haircut.

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A quick blow dry will get rid of pesky small hairs. Once your stylist is done cutting, ask them if they can quickly blow dry the back of your neck and head. That way, you can leave the shop feeling a little less itchy than you normally would.^{[2]
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- Some stylists might do this automatically, but if yours doesn’t, they shouldn’t mind if you ask.

5

Use a lint roller on your clothing.

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If you can’t go home and change quite yet, take a lint roller with you to your haircut. Use it on your shirt, focusing on the areas closest to your neck and chest.

6

Rinse your skin once you get home.

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Take a quick shower to wash off any small hairs. Try to head home as soon as possible after a haircut. Once you’re home, head into the shower and rinse your neck, chest, and the back of your head to feel refreshed.^{[3]
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- If your stylist already washed your hair, you don’t need to wash it a second time. Running water will be enough to wash off any itchy hairs.

7

Wash your clothing after your haircut.

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When you get home, quickly take off your shirt (and undershirt if you’re wearing one) and throw them into the wash. Once they’re clean, put your clothes in the dryer to remove any last stuck-on, stubborn hairs.

8

Wash your skin with antibacterial soap.

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Get rid of dirt and bacteria that could be causing itchiness. If you’ve rinsed your skin and you’re still feeling itchy, you may have folliculitis (also called barber’s rash). Wash your neck and the back of your head with an antibacterial soap to wash away germs and remove any infection.^{[4]
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- Folliculitis is a red, bumpy, itchy rash that usually happens right after a haircut. It’s caused by irritation or bacteria from the razor or clippers.

9

Apply a warm compress to soothe itchy, bumpy skin.

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Use a warm washcloth to reduce inflammation or irritation. Grab a washcloth and run it under warm water, then squeeze the excess out. Hold the washcloth against your irritated skin to open up your pores and calm inflammation.^{[5]
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- Be sure to wash your washcloth every time you use it, especially if you’re dealing with barber’s rash or barber’s itch. Washing helps prevent the spread of germs and fungus so you can avoid getting itchy in other places.

10

Use a soothing lotion.

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Anti-itch lotion helps soothe inflammation and irritation. If your neck or the back of your head is feeling itchy, buy some anti-itch lotion. Spread a thin layer over your skin and let it soak in to feel almost instantaneous relief.^{[6]
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- Calamine lotion is a great choice, especially if you have sensitive skin.
- Aloe vera gel is also a good option, especially if you have razor burn.

11

Try a dandruff shampoo for eczema.

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Eczema is sometimes exacerbated by getting a haircut. If you have a history of eczema, you may be experiencing burning, itchiness, or a rash after a haircut. Try washing your hair with a dandruff shampoo to soothe your skin and get rid of the irritation.^{[7]
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- Eczema can range in severity. If you have eczema, talk to your doctor about your treatment options.

12

Use salicylic acid shampoo for acne.

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If you’re prone to acne or have oily skin, try using a shampoo that contains salicylic acid. This ingredient will help dry out the pimples and help them heal faster to reduce itchiness and irritation.^{[8]
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13

Treat barber’s itch with a prescription antifungal.

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Barber’s itch, or tinea barbae, is caused by a fungus. Usually, this will happen along your beard or neck area if you got a shave along with your haircut. You might notice itchy red bumps that swell or develop pus over a couple of days. If that’s the case, make an appointment with your doctor to get a prescription antifungal cream.^{[9]
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- Barber’s itch is often caused by fungus trapped within your barber’s shears or razors.

14

Talk to your doctor if home remedies don’t work.

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Some skin issues need to be treated by a doctor. If you’ve tried home remedies but your skin still feels bumpy or itchy, make an appointment with a dermatologist. They can tell you what’s going on with your skin and prescribe you medicine to treat it.^{[10]
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- Folliculitis and fungus often go away on their own within a few days or weeks. However, your doctor may prescribe you a prescription cream to help clear up your skin condition.