Let me tell you something about itchy scalp


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I am one person that used to have serious problems with itchy scalp, both when my hair was relaxed and natural.

When my hair was relaxed: Whenever I install box braids or weave with extensions, my scalp starts to itch about 2 or 3 days later. Whenever I diced hot pepper, my scalp would itch like mad once the fumes from the pepper rises. The more my hair was due for a relaxer, the more serious the itching. I even used the intensity of the itching caused by the pepper to gauge how due my hair was for another relaxing round. It just occurred to me now that I have never researched why cutting pepper always affected my scalp. Well, this post is not about pepper so let’s move on.

When my hair was natural: The itching did not stop. Whenever I rocked twists with my natural hair, the itching started the next day. I scratched my head like mad because I could hardly control myself most times. Many times, I scratched my head till it bled. Sores on my scalp were a regular occurrence. It was that bad. I heard about tea tree oil, so I went to a store and got a bottle of oil, labelled tea tree oil. The more I used the oil, the worse my problem got. The issue was that the oil was a mixture of several things and tea tree oil, but as at then, I was too ignorant to know that I had to read the ingredients before purchasing stuffs for my hair. The one thing I knew is that anytime I added this thing, my head was set on fire.

Later, I started implementing a good hair care regime. It was months later that I realised my scalp no longer itched. So what happened that my issue disappeared just like that never to surface again?

Without trying to go scientific on you, I will try to explain as simply as possible.

a. First things first. If you have unrelenting itchy scalp issues, it means your scalp is unhealthy. Yes, there is something like unhealthy scalp. Your hair can be in a great state, while your scalp is terrible. It is rare for healthy scalp to itch. So what you are trying to achieve is restoring the health of your scalp.

b. When your hair is braided or woven too tight with extensions, you are likely to have itchy scalp issues, so be careful when adding those extras to your head.

c. If you have itchy scalp issues, the more your scratch it, the worse the condition gets, so try to keep those hands off your head.

d. Human hair/scalp is naturally acidic, have a pH of 4.5 - 5.5. When you have itchy scalp issues, it means your hair is getting more neutral/alkaline than acidic most times. This can be caused by the products you have chosen to use or accumulated build-up on your scalp. Note that even when some people don’t have build-up on their scalp, it still itches, which is the category I fell into. What you should do is try to restore your scalp back to its acidic state. This would help you get rid of whatever build up is clogging your pores, soothe your scalp, and restore the healthy state of your scalp.

There are three simple ways I will mention, two of which recommend to you

1. Do the tea rinse after washing your hair. Pour a small bucket of tea extract over and over again on your hair.

2. Do the ACV rinse. Pour the a 1:3 diluted with water ACV on your scalp, in order to restore your hair back to its acidic state

These two methods above is what I know worked for me, and works for everyone I know that has tried it because it helps with scalp health and therefore leaving no room for itchy scalp. If you measure the pH of most products that deal with itch scalp, you will find out that they are more safely acidic than neutral.

3. Use lemon juice to rinse your hair. Although this method works, lemon juice has a very low pH of 2, i.e it is highly acidic, and shouldn’t be as a lone ingredient on the hair.

You should know that there are other ways to treat itchy scalp, like using herbs like rosemary, hibiscus, nettle, etc. I only mentioned the above because they are simple, cheap and easy.

So in summary, remember, when next that scalp itches, it is an indication of unhealth scalp, but do not fret because the solution is simple. Just restore your hair to its acidic state, and you are good.

66 comments

  1. Thanks for posting this. Will it work for dandruff?

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    1. Yes it will. It will help minimise it to the barest minimum.

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    2. ok, these are some very great tips,but what can I do to my scalp right now,as I already have box braids in and I'm going crazy?!!

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    3. Have you tried tea tree or peppermint oil on your scalp? Or put a little bit of diluted ACV or tea on a cotton wool and run over your scalp...

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    4. When I get my braids in about two days can I still use just lemon juice on my scalp and just rinse it?

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    5. Unfortunately, I am not someone that would recommend lemon juice directly on hair. It is just too acidic. Try diluted ACV. It should have a similar effect.

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    6. What is ACV that's mentioned?

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    7. What is ACV that's mentioned?

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    8. What is ACV that's mentioned?

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    9. What is ACV that's mentioned?

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    10. Use a zinc ointment like top brass. But also keep your scalp moisturized

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    11. How often and what's a good moisturizer

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    12. Had locks locks are gone, top of hair very thin with bald spots and very itchy

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  2. Does this also apply for little children who have itchy scalp even though the hair is washed everyday?

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    1. Hi dear. If you are washing a child's hair everyday, and the scalp is itching, you might want to find out what exactly is making the scalp itch. Please, check the ingredients of what you are using on the child's head. The product might be irritating the child's scalp. You might wanna change the product for a while, and see if there's any difference. A healthy scalp should not itch continuously.

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  3. I sure need help for my itchy scalp and those this work for dandruff also?

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  4. please what is the full meaning of ACV?

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  5. hello there,

    lovely blog i must say. i have been natural for the past 3 years, my hair was in dreadlocks. i recently loosened the locks and left my hair long and natural. when my hair was permed, i had this niggling infuriating itch in the middle of my head; an itch so bad that i often hurt myself and actually went bald in the middle for 2 years in the centre. when my hair was locked, i had few itch in the middle flare ups. however, since i took my locks off, the itch has returned with a vengeance. i use cactus oil serum to calm the spot when i am at home but when i am at work, i actually drop hot drops of coffee on d spot to calm it down. i am beyond desperate now.....help!!

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    1. Aww, this is so sad. I've been in your shoes before. Please, do the tea rinse first, and let's see how it goes. It is actually very effective.

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  6. Wow that some very good information about itchy scalp.

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  7. I have relaxed hair and am struggling with a persistent itchy scalp. Do you think your suggestions would be safe for relaxed hair and not damage it?

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  8. I have relaxed hair and am struggling with a persistent itchy scalp. Do you think your suggestions would be safe for relaxed hair and not damage it?

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  9. my is a vegng heir but it use to scratching me what w i do to put stop of that

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    1. Virgin hair means natural hair, so you can try some of the tips below

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  10. I also had the issue of itchy scalp to the point of having severe case of flakes. What i foud to be ideal is put 2-4 drops of pure tea tree and 3 drops of peppermint oil in my shampoo and use it on my scalp. I would then do a ACV rinse. From doing this I noticed a huge difference.

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  11. This information is very helpful! However I do have box braids in my head and am trying my hardest not to mess them up from scratching. In fact my boyfriend who is white told me to stop patting my head in fear of concussion LOL! Do you think the tea rinse will take away from the "new" look of braids?

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  12. This information is very helpful! However I recently installed box braids on Saturday and have been itching like crazy! In fact my boyfriend, who is white, is concerned that if I keep patting (itching) my head I might give myself a concussion LOL! My question is that if I do the tea rinse will it take away from the "new, shiny, fresh" look of my braids. I really want to cease the itching though not at the cost of damaging the look of the braids?

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    1. I want to believe that this "shiny fresh look" will depend on the kind of extension used. And some extensions cannot be washed, while some can. Can the extensions you used be washed?

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  13. Kayla, I recently cut my locs and had kinky twists installed. Before locing my hair each time I had kinky twists or braids installed I would get really itchy scalp. With locs I never had itchy scalp. The synthetic hair used for twists can cause an allergic reaction causing constant itching. Try putting 3 caps of apple cider vinger into warm water, stir and then take a cotton pad or q tip and put this solution on your scalp. This should stop the itching. If it keeps occuring then use this solution. Hope this helps.

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    1. I agree. My scalp is one of those that get irritated by weaves and extensions.

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  14. What type of tea should be used?

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  15. Iv been havin itches on my scalp ever since I was little whether with braided hair or not.now my hair is all natual cos I thought relaxing my hair was the cause of the itcheness. But still eith my natuaral hair I still ecperience this dreadful itchiness. When I braid, the longest it can go is a week, or I'll tear my head of. U talked about tea, and I want to know which type of tea and also thr acv, is there an alternative to it, cos here at my end, those things are not easy to come by. Tnks

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    1. Aww. Sorry about your issue. You can use black tea or nettle tea for starters. I use black tea, and I also have a sensitive scalp too. Can you lay your hands on dried hibiscus flower or nettle leaves there? It really helps. If you can, you can use the extract as a rinse.

      Also, since this has been an issue since you were a child, have you tried to see a doctor to know the cause? Maybe its sensitive scalp, dry scalp, or something more serious.

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  16. What about man? Can man do the same if his hair itchy? Because my boyfriend kept itchy and he used dandruff head N shoulder shampoo whenever it start itchy he go and wash his hair . He has a low hair cut .

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    Replies
    1. This is strange, cos its ladies who normally have these issues due to the various things we put on our hair.

      I think your boyfriend should try one of the rinses mentioned first. If it works, then it means the products he is using is tipping the ph of his scalp a bit high. He can also make sure his scalp is properly moisturised all the time, in case he's having issues with dry scalp.

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  17. What about a man ...can he use the same issue to stop itchy?

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  18. Hello, my head itches right in the middle. I do not have braids nor is my hair relaxed. I do wear my hair in a ponytail/bun a lot in the exact spot that it is itching. What can I do? please send response to lelabruner@gmail.com

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  19. My head itches terribly right in the middle of my head. I do not have braids of any kind. It is itching where I normally place my ponytail/bun. My hair is not relaxed either. I do not have any dandruff flakes and my hairstylist does not see anything wrong with my scalp. Any suggestions to help the itching stop.

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    1. I'm thinking maybe you should see a doctor? That if it is not due to extremely dry scalp

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  20. Hello, my head itches right in the middle. I do not have braids nor is my hair relaxed. I do wear my hair in a ponytail/bun a lot in the exact spot that it is itching. What can I do? please send response to lelabruner@gmail.com

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  21. Nice read. Will definitely try those. Thanks for sharing this article.

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  22. Thanks for this..can i also use these methods for my permed hair?i have a serious itchy scalp,i'm Always scratching my scalp..can i get ACV here in Ghana?

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  23. Hi ladies. Im 21 ive been taking care of my own hair since i was 12. I noticed its thick when i take it out of braids or take a weave out but after wearing it done for a little it thins out and starts breaking its not strong ive tried different care regiments no luck. Ive managed to get some good growth but now i have a firey itch in the center of my.hair and ive scratched so much i scratched my hair out im not sure if its my liv or my shampoo and conditioner so how do i stop the itch thicken my hair and grow it out?

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  24. Help heads on fire. Unsure if my liv or my shampoo and conditioner are the cause ive scratched the center of my hair out. Plus my hair has thinned out and its not strong how do i stop the itch the breakage the weakness and grow it out im natural btw

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  25. I currently have a full head weave and have been experiencing terrible constant itching. I was ready to take down the weave and head to the doctor for some kind of medication. I came across this site and decided to try the ACV 1:3. 1 tablespoon ACV to 3 tablespoons water. I applied to my scalp with a cotton swab and pretty much got instant relief. I do not wash it out. The vinegar smell disappears quite quickly. I am doing the treatment twice per day. Once in the morning and once in the evening until the itching is completely gone. I would say there is a 90 percent improvement since using the ACV solution. Thank You

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  26. I Have Box Braids And The Itch Is Killing Mee... My Scalp Is On Fire... I Can Not Stop Scratching.... I Don't Know What's Going On... I've Only Had These Braids In For 3 Days... I've Had Braids, CornRows, And Senegalese Twist Before And My Scalp Has Never Been This Itchy... Please Help

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    1. I am really sorry about your issue. It might be that your braids is too tight or your scalp doesn't take lightly to the type of extensions used. Those are the two major causes of itchy scalp after braiding. A minor cause might be if your scalp has secreted sweat, leading to buildup, and causing the itches, but you said it is just 3 days old.

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  27. Hi im 16 years old and the middle of my head itches/burns and i put Vaseline, hair lotion, hair pudding, etc on it to calm it down but none of it works. I was trying to go natural a few months back so my hair is half shredded and puffy and half shiny and sleek (im mixed) could my hair type be the reason why it itches? Could the itching mean my hair is falling out? Do you have any remedies for making hair thicker?

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  28. Hi i am 15 and i have box braids this is my firat time getting them had them for 2 days. They burn/ itches really bad. Is that normal for box braids? I have half perm and naturall at the top of my head. Should i take the braids out?

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  29. I have sengaleses braids and my scalp is very itchy I only had it in for three days and I'm ready for iy to cime out :-)I get micros no problem I even get weaves nothing this itching is unbearable what do I do I can't take it I tried tree tea oil in the spray I use and it's not working :-)I'm ready to take it out

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  30. I Just Got My Hair Done Wednesday & My Head Is Already Starting To Itch .. Is There Anything I Can Use While Having These Micros In ?

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  31. i discovered my scalp itches when i don;t use my rinse-out conditioner after deep conditioning. I am a mixologist(lol) so when i don't wash it off properly, the particles irritate my scalp and itches terribly.

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  32. To the ladies with braids and weave why don't you try using palmers coconut oil spray? It has peppermint in it which really calms the scalp down, also try using the Apple Cider Vinegar rinse as mentioned in the article as well as the Black Tea rinses but make sure the tea is warm and not too hot!

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  33. I went natural for the first time in 2008 and 2012 i relaxed and chopped of to start the natural journey. The first time I did not have a problem with dandruff at all. And all I did was wash with sunlight liquid and moisturise with any hair. My hair grew even though ot was so not manageble but beside the tangles i really happy with my hair. This time i did the researches and now i wash, condition , deep condition use themn oils, pre poo, moisturise and what's the end result ? Dandruff and itchy scalp. Used ACV nope, nope not helping. Just a day after washing my scalp start to itch a week later dandruff. Am starting to think of going back to my simplier routine and products. What am I doing wrong ?

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  34. For ladies with braids ACV IS THE ANSWER. My scalp was itching beyond relief I tried all oils nothing worked but finally I can breath

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  35. I am going to try this right now. My hair was relaxed for a while and it was very itchy, tried all the oils but kept getting worse and can't grow either. I then went into natural and I've been for 4 years now. I still itch like crazy. Hope this works. Ill try it for a month and bring feedback

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  36. Hi, I've bee natural for three years now with no problems. After six months with locks my scalp has become irritated on the top of my head and small ball spots are beginning to appear. HELP!!!

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