Daria writes:
There isn’t much mention of scalp issues in the natural world….(ie dandruff, psoriasis, dry scalp, etc).
Has anyone noticed a difference, either way, when switching from relaxed to natural in overall scalp health?
I’ve struggled with dry scalp my whole life and was hoping that going natural would alleviate some of my issues… it hasn’t. I continue to see a dermatologist and with medication and my own regimen, manage to deal with flaky/dry scalp. I’ve tried many oils, OTC shampoos, and homeopathic remedies. Any naturals have any ideas that may help?
I have had as well as my whole family this scalp condition of huge flakes and white dry scalp. It would be so dry that sores would happen for my son if he didn't use clobetesol or Cormax. Yes I know that some folks don't like medicines but the truth is you use it till it calms down then only when needed. Also strangely swimming in pools helps a lot. My doctor said that the chlorine helps control the flaking. This flaking will stop the hair growth as well as drive you crazy with itching.
My itchy and often painful scalp is driving me crazy! Since, I went natural it seems to be worse. I wish there were more recent posts about scalp issues! I am considering the ACV rinse and tea tree oil!
I was just asking myself "Hey, Self…where are the posts/questions regarding scalp help on here…because we are in DESPERATE need of some assistance here!"
A little patience pays off.
I, too , have seborrheic dermatitis and have been to the dermatologist AND tried the harsh shampoo…and…well…I'm still looking for an answer to this problem. My SD flares up at the oddest times and just out of nowhere…one day everything's fine…the next, I'm tortured with the incessant itching. I don't think any of my regular products lead to my flare ups…or else I'd have them more regularly. (This is probably the 2nd or 3rd flare up in about 2 years.)
I do not believe all is lost! The one thing I've been reading over and over again in this post is "ACV". I'm going to add ACV rinses to my regular routine to see if that provides any relief. I am also going to try Jojoba oil…maybe with a few drops of peppermint or tea tree oil…maybe as a pre-poo…maybe as an occasional scalp treatment.
Thanks, Curlies!! I really needed some good advice/ideas. You may have saved my scalp…and my sanity!
I had a horrible scalp while relaxed. It got better when I went natural.
For a healthy, scalp I…
-Spritz scalp before washing with water/aloe vera gel/tea tree oil spritz.
-Shampoo with Shea Moisture African Black Soap Shampoo.
-Doing ACV/herbal tea/honey/tea tree oil rinses after every shampoo.
I have noticed that mixing half a cup of vinegar and half a cup of water and spraying on my scalp before washing has helped a lot since going natural. Just spray the mixture on and leave on for 5 to 7 mins, rinse out and then wash your hair.
ACV worked WONDERS for me! I have always had a flaky, itchy scalp. It didn't matter if I had just washed my hair. The itch was practically non-stop. When I did my impromptu BC two weeks ago (after several failed attempts to get off the creamy crack), I had kind of hoped the problem would go away with increased washing/conditioning of the hair. It actually got WORSE! I felt like my dog (who has allergies and is always itchy lol)… So I decided to try ACV just this morning after trolling the forums for advice. And it was instant SILENCE. Imagine a huge crowd all talking at once then suddenly stopping. That's how huge a difference it made. I don't know if this is a final solution in the long run. But as of now, the difference is clear and I'm leaning towards yes. ACV or bust! lol
SHEA MOISTURE DEEP CLEANSING SHAMPOO is the best thing I have used. The consistency is thick. The shampoo does not sud a lot. It makes a huge difference quick. Prior to using the shampoo, every three days my head would be itchy, inflamed, full of flakes and in desperate need of washing. Just when it seemed that nothing would work my sis-in-law gave me the recommendation. I have been natural for 2.5 years with APL hair. My husband is bald and says the shampoo makes his scalp feel good. You can find it at Target for $9.99.
i dont know what to do either. i am lost when it comes to how to treat my dry scalp. i was going to go to a dermatologist but now feel discouraged by these comments lol. i have tried shea butter (BIG EYE ROLL) that stuff smell awful. and it doesnt seem to go away either. almond, castor, glycerin coconut oil, olive oil. no sulfate shampoos-after washing is the only time it doesnt itch and feel dry. i wait a week between washes. what is the deal??
does anybody remember how itchy your hair would get in braids or before a relaxer? that is how my hair feels all the time.
Since I've become natural, I've started using virgin coconut oil to moisturize my scalp. It penetrates your scalp so it really nourishes it. I also do deep treatments with coconut oil as well and it really helps.
You should try doing a few henna treatments to combat your dry scalp/dandruff. As soon as I started using henna (making sure to get it on my scalp and hair) I noticed that I didnt have any dandruff at all after about the first two treatments. I started doing them once every week. Now I just do it every other week. It really works!
I usually never post on things thing, ya know busy college student finals week blah! but i had the worst dandruff issue when i was relaxed and even when i switched to natural trust me i tried everything then i switched my shampoo to Nizoral non prescription strength from walmart and i don't apply any oils, or conditioners directly on my scalp after a month of or two of this no more flakes
ROSEMARY OIL! I used this while I had a press and I use it now with my afro. You don't need much, but I apply a little bit to my scalp like I would grease. Rosemary has a strong smell so be careful not to get in your eye. I go about 5-7 days until I need to reapply again. Also, like someone else suggested, see if your scalp is having an allergic reaction to a chemical in your hair products. Good luck!
I have been natural all my life and I have waist length tightly curly hair. I used to suffer from a dry, flaky scalp and to prevent this, I would use Head and Shoulders, which worked but only as long as I kept using it. About 6 months ago I switched to sulfate free shampoos and cone-free conditioners. My scalp is MUCH healthier, no more flaky dryness. I will never go back to those awful sulfates.
I never had a dry scalp when relaxed. Now that I"m natural, my scalp is horribly dry and itchy. No dandruff. Just itchy ALL of the time. I use oils, moisturizing conditioners, everything to stop the itch. It doesn't work. It's a lot worse now that the temps have dropped to the teens in Chicago. SIGH. My scalp hates this time of the year.
tea tree oil has really helped my scalp.
I'm not sure what my scalp issue was. All I know is that I would still have flakes on my scalp, especially that front hairline, after I washed. Once I started going to the Dominicans for my relaxer, my scalp only got worse. Between their relaxers and using the fine tooth comb to literally scratch the flakes out of my hair, I'm pretty sure there's some damage to my scalp.
Once I went natural, started washing my hair on a more regular basis, and incorporating tea tree oil I haven't had any issues.
lemon juice rinses. i used to have dry itchy scalp and occasionally if it acts up now, i mix a lil lemon juice in with warm/hot water. you can even add a little baking soda. mix it till it stops fizzing and pour it over your head. then rinse and condition. it cleaned my hair without drying it and did wonders for my scalp. i later found out from my gramma that's what they used to do in "the olden days" too lol. and i recommended it to a woman with psoriasis on her scalp at my church and she said it worked really well for her too. good luck!
This may sound strange for some but I found I had to shampoo more when washing with natural shampoo's so I started using Head and Shoulder's smooth and silky 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner to help with the dandruff and not only did it help but i found it to be a great way to wash my natural hair. Since it already has conditioner in it my hair felt less striped and dry after washing. Now I shampoo less and co-wash in between sessions if needed, this has helped cut down on manipulation immensely and in turn breaking.
Can someone give their regimen/recipe for bentonite or ACV rinse?
I have been natural for over ten overs and I always had a problem with big flaking dandruff and itchy dry scalp. Just recently I started using a mixture of castor oil and virgin coconut oil. After washing I apply the oil (while still in shower)directly to my scalp and do a little massage. I do not rinse out. I then continue my routine courtesy of Ms. Laflesh. I have not had one flake or itch. I do not know if this the result of the coconut oi or the castor oil but I have not had any scalp problems.
My scalp was ATROCIOUS when I was relaxed! Dry, flakey, scaley, itchy, red, tight, scabby…just plain terrible! I had BEAUTIFUL, SL-APL layered hair, but a nightmare of a scalp underneath. I tried EVERYTHING! Until I transitioned, nothing helped. Since about 3 months into my transition, I haven't seen 1 flake. Occasionally, I have a little itchiness, but nothing abnormal. And nothing like I used to have. I even went to the salon WEEKLY back then…nothing helped. I truly believe that my sensitive skin developed an allergy to relaxer. It's been smooth sailing since! I wear black ANYTIME I want now! 🙂
I used to have dry, itchy, flaky scalp. And then I got serious about drinking more water. It's now my only drink at meal time and I keep a big glass of it at my desk. End of dry scalp, just like that.
ACV rinses and Neutrogena Tar Poo saved my itchy scalp. Try using ACV prior to co-washing or poo'ing. Apply ACV directly to the scalp, massage it in really well and allow it to sit for about 10 mins or so. Then proceed with wash routine.
I had horrible dry scalp issues when I was relaxed. I tried everything…"special shampoo", scalp massages, my stylist would actually scrape my scalp with the comb prior to a wash…in hindsight, that was not probably a good choice, and it sounds nasty. When I started using all natural products(not just went natural), the issue stopped. I use Shea Moisture products and coconut oil for my hair (not applied to my scalp), organic aloe vera gel for hold and definition and a spritz made from EVCO, EVOO, water and lavender oil. No itchiness or flakes AT ALL!!!
I developed scalp-localized eczema after years of relaxers. After transitioning and cutting my hair, I immediately noticed the alleviation of my eczema symptoms. I've also noticed this with other friends who have ended their addiction to creamy crack. Every now and then I experience some itching or extra dryness near the nape of my neck which is usually corrected with tea tree oil or pepermint conditioner or some tea tree or castor oil.
I also had huge scalp issues with flaking and itching when my hair was relaxed. Once I stopped using products that contained sulfates and started co-washing more often instead of using any shampoo (even the sulfate free kind) weekly, I found that my hair reacted well to this and I have not had any flaking since (an entire year) but I do still occassionaly get an itchy scalp, but a good co-wash and leave in and maybe a nice oil to the scalp and I'm fine.
I used to have seborrheic dermatitis until I went natural…Now I prepoo with Amla or EVOO…I alternate using TheraNeem Shampoo from Whole Foods applying only to the scalp and cowashing with HEHH, WEN Tea Tree or Suave Almond & Shea butter conditioners…I apply castor oil to my scalp as needed…
Using this routine has completely cleared up my scalp…
Transitioning has helped tremendously with my dandruff! My scalp is dry every now and then (especially with braids) but for the most part no itching or severe dryness anymore!
Before going natural I had THE WORST seborrheic dermatitis. I had always huge crust "spots" on my scalp. Like a layer or "cap" of dry skin. It was terrible. The dermatologist said it was chronic and that I would always have the problem. I was given prescriptions for dandruff shampoo and creams. I would wash once a week and there were always still flakes/"chunks" after. Since I went natural 18 months ago AND stopped using the products I used to use (sulfates, etc etc) I have had no problems at all. Its like a miracle how quickly it turned around. I do a number of things so I am not sure which is really doing the trick. Probably, all these things in combination are helping: occasional rinses with ACV/Aloe juice/Tea Tree oil/salicylic acid. Henna treatments or Amla or Cassia treatments. Natural shampoos and conditioners. Using oils to moisturize my hair (and ultimately my scalp):Castor, jojoba, shea butter, olive.
Although the perm was NOT helping my scalp issues I cant say for sure it was that alone. My sister has had locs for like 7 years and her scalp is terrible. I've just given her a bunch of natural recipes to try and told her to lay off the products with those harsh ingredients. Also they say diet plays a big part. I had changed my diet a lot too, so probably all these things combined aleviated the situation.
My relaxed hair was crustaaaay LOL. To be fair, I didn't use good products or practices. My natural hair is dandruff-free. I keep it moisturized, and use a condish with tea-tree oil to co-wash when I need a tingle.
A lot of my scalp issues were solved as soon as I went natural. My scalp doesn't flake and it is no longer sore or itchy.
Peace, Love and Chocolate
Tiffany
VIRGIN COCONUT OIL
I had an itchy, flaky scalp while relaxed. Now that I'm natural, my scalp is 100% better.
I shampoo and do an ACV rinse once a week to keep my scalp healthy. I also try to keep conditioner and other moisturizers off of my scalp.
I don't have any tips to help because I really don't know why my scalp has changed for the better. I stuggled with dry scalp and dandruff and iching for as long as I can remember, and I thought that was just the way my scalp was, just a matter of fact for me. However, just like the very first lady said, once I started going natural, I haven't had one problem. I don't have dandruff, and my scalp never iches. I don't know, it could be that I know longer put any heat on my hair (haven't since October 28th, the day before my mini chop) or it could be that I am moisturizing much more than I did when I was relaxed. When I was relaxed, you know how it is…to make my style last longer, I would put less product on my hair. Now that I'm relaxed and trying to keep my hair healthy, I am moisturizing every day.
I have had horrible flaking, bleeding, itchy scalp problems for years and years. Went to the dermatologist and left with 4 or 5 scripts. Some work for a while, but all just treated the problem. My solution for all of my issues was so simple. It was understanding that what my scalp was doing was having an allergic reaction. I could treat the symptoms all I wanted, but there was something I was doing or using that caused the flare ups. Once I adopted that approach, things began to turn around. I realized I was sensitive to sulfates, and needed to install a water filter on my shower. Cut out most products with fragrances, etc., and swear by ACV. I think that the solution will be slightly different for everyone, but the APPROACH should be prevention, not finding something to treat the symptoms. With this single change, I changed my life.
Shea Butter!!!Shea butter!!! Unrefined shea butter!!! when I was relaxed I didn't have any trouble with dry or itch scalp. Then when I decided to go natural I started off with shea butter being one of my staple products. It kept my hair moisturized for the whole week and my hair as well. Now that I have run out of it, my scalp is dry and itchy no matter what I put on it.
I haven't had any scalp issues since going natural!!!
My mom was having issues until I ordered her some Qhemet Biologics Tea Tree and Grapeseed Therapeutic Pomade. It really worked wonders for her flakes. After about 2 weeks twice a week. No problems since.
My scalp is actually doing a lot better now that I'm transitioning. Dandruff is almost nonexistent now.
I have been natural almost my whole life and I have always had a issue with itchy scalp. My hair could have lots of moister and my scalp could have a good amount of oil on it but my scalp never stop being so itchy . I thought it was to much oil but that didn't help. I don't have flakes just my scalp is alway so itchy.My Dr. gave me shampoo and cond but that gave me flake and made my scalp soar. tea tree shampoo are working thus far but aftra about 8 day my scalp get itchy agin.Still trying to figur out whats works for me
anonymous 4:52 – if you have access to a dermatologist ask for a prescription for diflucan. its an oral medication for yeast infections. my dermatologist gave me a prescription for it and it worked wonders for my dandruff!
the diflucan in conjunction with oiling my scalp weekly with evoo has eliminated my dandruff.
I was diagnosed w/ seborrheic dermatitis. The dermatologist gave me all this crap I knew I wasn't going to use. What has helped me though:
I stopped oiling my scalp every night.
I only oil my scalp (w/ olive oil & coconut oil mixed) before I shampoo.
I also avoid products with fragrance in them
and I add tea tree oil to my moisturizing spritz
I have struggled with dry and itchy scalp all my life. I'm currently transitioning, and I am finding that my scalp is not as dry and does not itch as much when I was relaxed. My scalp still gets dry/itchy (it's not as worse as it used to be). When I wash and condition, I focus on my scalp and I oil my scalp once or twice a week with EVOO..this has helped a lot!
http://www.youtube.com/user/Tribesbez?feature=mhum#p/a
Hi Ladies, I went natural on Aug. 22, 2010. Before this great day I had noticed that my scalp was horribly dry..I was washing it every 3-4 days …Anyhow once I big chopped, I noticed that I didnt have ANY scalp conditions..I believe that it was from all the years of perming and not correctly conditioning my hair…I must say that now I DO NOT HAVE any dandruff problem and my hair and scalp are very,very healthy. I love being natural!!!!!
I was relaxed for 12 years and my shoulders always looked like it had been snowing….now that I'm natural and don't shampoo I've seen a dramatic change for the better. I also paint my scalp with ACV the night before I co wash if I get a random flare up….that always nips it in the bud!
I also have dandruff issues probably because that and excema runs in my family. I usually shampoo with a tea tree once a week and it does keep nmy scalp clean until about the fourth day. I have just done a bentonite clay treatment though and it has done WONDERS for my scalp. It has been a week and a half (I wash my hair less in the colder months) and I haven't seen flakes and my scalp doesn't itch at all. Anyone else with this experience?
try NOT oiling your scalp, and just washing/conditioning your hair once a week…
My scalp, which was itchy and dry, has greatly improved. I attribute that to the natural oils and butters and organic-based shampoos and conditions that I use along with the elimination of relaxers, hair dyes, pressing combs, and extended periods under a hot hair dryer.
I had dry scalp when relaxed. I've noticed that I don't anymore since I've started transitioning.
My mother tells me that I always had issues with my scalp, even as an infant. I began getting relaxers when I was 12, still had issues that were barely controlled with prescription serums and shampoos. I've been natural for four years and in the beginning, I still had scalp issues UNTIL this last year. After reading about washing my hair using conditioner. I stopped using shampoo to wash my hair and I haven't experienced one flare up or flake.
I had terrible scalp issues when I was relaxed. I was never sure if it was dry scalp or dandruff (they have different causes and different treatments) but 2-3 days after washing my hair, the flakes would start and would just get worse until I washed it. And I was washing my hair weekly, so it wasn't like my hair wasn't clean.
All of my scalp problems immediately disappeared when I went natural. For the first two years, I had zero scalp issues, but this winter I've had slight flakiness. Nothing major, but my scalp is sometimes dry and slightly flaky at the end of the week. Three things that really helped was hennaing regularly (about once a month), and using bentonite clay and ACV rinsing every 1-2 weeks. I've stopped doing all of three things on a regular basis, which probably is contributing to my scalp problems. I have also been washing less often sometimes (every 1.5 to 2 weeks, instead of my usual once a week) since I started a new job, so that also is probably a factor.
Possibly changing to more natural products in your shampoos and remember moisture is key try to moisturizing shampoos and moisturizing conditioners.
I've been natural all my life and have always had skin and scalp issues. Recently I found out that I don't have dandruff, I actually have seborrheic dermatitis. I use a prescription shampoo and wash my scalp only (part the hair and rub directly into the scalp before washing). I don't apply any oils or anything to my scalp b/c that is what the fungus (same thing that causes dandruff) lives off of. As long as I keep my scalp dry and clean I'm good!
Anonymous: Aint nothing wrong with using that monistat on your scalp girl! Dandruff can be a type of fungus. A yeast infection is a type of fungus..So a shampoo or cream that the derm would give you is closely related if not the same thing that you were buying..that stuff burns some ppls scalp though…
i didn't have any scalp issues when i was relaxed. now that i am natural, i have more itchy scalp and product buildup issues and it's really puzzling, especially since i "wash" more often than when i was relaxed.
My scalp issues (psoriasis) were what drove me to go natural. Jojoba oil is most like the scalp sebum so if your scalp is just dry, you can add 2-3 drops of essential oil rosemary, tea tree, lavender, etc to 1-2oz of jojoba. Sleeping with a humidifier during the winter months may help too. If your scalp is irritated , jane carter's scalp nourishing serum maybe an option to try out. See the link below for how to make the scalp oils at home and additional suggestions: http://moptopmaven.blogspot.com/2010/08/all-about-hair-start-at-scalp-for.html. I tried the one with all the oils and it works. Another oil that is very effective against scalp irritation is neem oil. You can get it from an Indian market or Whole foods. Add 1-2 drops of this to 1-2oz of jojoba oil. Neem oil is strong and stanky but it WORKS!! I agree with the previous comment about being careful when applying leave ins and stylers to avoid scalp buildup. Speaking of, a scalp exfoliation may help too. Ion scalp exfoliator packs are 2.99 or so at Sallys in case your scalp issues are arising from product buildup…
I use tea tree shampoo as well (Jason, TJs, Giovanni)to help.
I had horribly dry scalp when I was relaxed. Which I started when I was going to the salon every week or bi-weekly for wash n sets. The stylist would always say "I have to use the special shampoo cause you have a lot of dandruff". Which never help with the issue but jacked up the bill. My hair would be freshly washed and I'd have flakes all over my shirt.
When I was transitioning (and stopped going to the salon) it got a little better but was still there. Now that I'm fully natural I do get itchy scalp at times but little to no flakes. It's been a BIG improvement.
I did use Miconazole Nitrate (yes the vag cream, it's an anti fungal) every day to every other day on my scalp for about a month or two and still use it every once in a while. Tea tree oil didn't work for me and the smell made me dizzy. I've tried other oils, ACV, all natural shampoos and conditioners and I've always drank a lot of water, nothing worked for me. I'm ashamed to tell people I put vag cream on my head (so I don't lol) but I use it cause it alleviated my scalp issues.
In the winter I have more of a problem with dry scalp right in in middle of my crown. I will add tea tree and rosemary to my "Kimmay Tube" leave-in conditoner mixture that I use and I will occasionally apply a few drops (with the dropper instrument) of the rosemary/tea tree directly to the area. I also find it helps using only that conditioner mixture and no other heavy products so I don't have to worry about build-up.
I have always been natural, but I have actually chosen to forgo heat styling (blow drying, flat ironing, pressing) mainly due to scalp issues. My hair was thinning at the crown and the scalp was very dry, red and inflamed. I think the worst of it was due to a bad quick weave. Nevertheless, I find that being natural has really helped my scalp issues. I haven't applied heat in 3 months and my scalp appears to be healing nicely and the hair growing.
In addition to not applying heat, natural oils have helped me when i apply directly to the scalp (I have had the best results with peppermint oil and jojoba oil). I have also done ACV rinses (acv mixed with water). It's a great cleansing agent to help rid your scalp of product build-up which definitely contributes to dry, itchy scalp. Also, for me non-sulfate shampoos have helped considerably, so I would recommend those as well (I use Trader Joe's Nourish Spa).
A lot of ppl like tea tree oil. It's a little too strong for me but that may work for you as well. Good luck!
My scalp issues have gone away now that I'm natural. When I was relaxed I used to wash my hair once a week but I still had dandruff and/or flaky scalp (just learned that they are two different things). When I first went natural I would co-wash every day and my scalp and hair love it. Now that my hair is mid-back length (tight coils & spirals) when stretched, I only wash every 3-4 days. If I go beyond 5 days I start to see flakes. I switch off during washings between Hairveda Amala Shampoo and just co-washing with whatever conditioner I have. Also, I do not oil my scalp…if I do, I end up with dandruff by day 2.
this has been my main problem since going natural a few yrs ago. The change was so sudden for me I really didn't know what to do. Started talking to a dermatologist about my scalp issues, but absolutely hated the prescriptions she advised me to take. This may sound funny…but most of the products she prescribed had mineral oil as the main ingredient, and sulfates in the shampoo I was told to use. I already knew sulfates irritated my scalp, so I threw that notion out the window…along with all her other remedies and decided to seek my own. There are TONS of things you can do to help maintain a healthy flake-free scalp. The main thing for me has been to keep it well moisturized from one wash day to the next, and this takes a lot of diligence. Once a month I try and apply a bentonite treatment or any other ayurvedic hair mask complete with a whole host of nourishing and moisturizing oils. I keep scalp buildup-free by using a non-sulfate shampoo and apply directly to scalp. You can add oils or dilute the shampoo if you like, but cleansing the scalp regularly is essential in the process…and I mean getting in there and using circular motions to get things going, even parting hair in sections if this makes it easier (I also use an applicator bottle for easier distribution). I've tried tons of herbs as well when making hair rinses & all have helped with my scalp. Marshmallow Root, Nettle, Neem, Honey & ACV all have great anti-bacterial properties to help keep itchies and other inflammations away. I've also changed my eating habits a bit and notice a significant improvement…drinking more water. eating less food w/preservatives etc.
I have also struggled with dandruff and dry scalp for a very long time. Until I just started going natural this past summer, and I can honestly say that I have not had those issues anymore. I'm not sure if it's the bi-weekly washings and frequent deep treatments, or just my scalp healing from the creamy crack, but going natural has been a saviour to my scalp.
It comes and goes for me. I've had a problem with dry scalp for the past few months. What I've done is spray diluted tea tree oil (the full strength kind from Trader Joe's) on my scalp right before I wash. I then wash with Giovanni's Tea Tree shampoo (concentrating on my scalp) and use Head & Shoulders conditioner on my hair and scalp. The problem has lessened considerably with these methods. I am also more cognizant of how much leave-in I use closer to my roots. The amount of product used makes a difference in the health/appearance of the scalp. Ever used too much lotion and ended up with icky skin? Same concept.
I've also struggled with dry scalp all my life but I was also relaxed at a very early age. Not only am I NOT having any dry scalp issues now that I am natural, but I'm living in a very dry climate and still not a problem!!! Going natural has helped me TREMENOUSLY with my problem.