We’ve all probably seen it at least once: a woman patting the top and sides of her head to try to ease the itching of her scalp. Of course she’s trying to avoid vigorously scratching her scalp with fingernails or hair combs, because this can cause abrasions to the scalp. So what do you do?
One of the most common reasons for an itchy scalp is dandruff. It is a condition that is caused by the overgrowth of yeast on our scalp, which triggers inflammation at our roots and itching. The most noticeable downside of dandruff is flaking, or the peeling away of dry layers of the scalp.
Another reason, which is most attributed to weaves and braids, is the tight contraction of the skin and lack of moisture and fresh air. If your hair is pulled too tight during the braiding or weaving process, inflammation of hair follicles can develop. When hair is trapped under a net or mass of hair for days without moisture, the scalp gets ridiculously dry, creating a spread of that fiery itching feeling. Sweating or getting the hair wet without properly drying the scalp can cause mold or mildew to develop and create an itching sensation as well.
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1. Apply a dry shampoo directly to your itchy scalp. The shampoo helps eliminate the excess oils, and relieves the itch. Use dry shampoo to help relieve the itch even if you’ve washed your hair, or work it through your hair with a wide-tooth comb, if you don’t have time to wash your hair.
2. Treat your hair before braiding. Once your tracks have been sewn in, getting to your hair is going to really difficult, and trying to get conditioner and other hair care products under the weave is a pain. Furthermore, even you do manage to get the products under the weave, not being able to fully rinse it out can lead to build-up on the scalp and you guessed it- itching. To avoid the need for this, prep your braids by slathering on a moisturizing conditioner and sealing with oil during the braiding process. Properly prepped, the treatment can remain on your hair during the duration of weave install and your braids should still be soft and supple when you remove your weave.
3. Give your weave room to breathe. If you find yourself in a raging itch battle in the middle of the night, try sleeping with your hair bonnet off – the air will help soothe the scalp and reduce the pain. Stop covering your hair with a hair bonnet while sleeping, because this traps air and makes the itching worse.
4. Avoid applying too much oil or grease to your scalp, because this will only trap itch-causing bacteria. Tea tree oil has been known to ease the pain of itching, but too much of it can be bad as well. Avoid applying too much each day.
5. See A Professional. If you have a severe case of an itch or severe dandruff, one that results in pus forming bumps on the head, please take your scalp to a health professional to have the problem addressed.
