Are these the most effective remedies for treating itchy scalp?

Itchy scalp is probably the most common ailment everyone has which means everyone also has different remedies that work for them. It's not a one size fits all situation.

A couple of weeks ago,we threw this question out to our social media followers and got interesting feedback.

Apparently, these are the most effective remedies;

• Aloe vera gel
• Onion juice
• Lemongrass essential oil
• Rosemary essential oil
• Peppermint essential oil
• Apple Cider Vinegar rinse
• Cleansing and oiling the scalp 
• Reducing product buildup
• Scalp detox of cinnamon powder, baking soda and olive oil.

Personally an ACV rinse works like magic for me. But I don't allow my scalp to get to that level which is why clarifying the scalp to avoid product build up regularly is important. For some people who are heavy handed with products, an ACV rinse is a staple on wash days. For others like me, it's more like every other wash day. 

So, over to you, how do you treat your itchy scalp? 

Does your remedy fall into the above category?

Redefining your motives for going natural

Hello Naturalistas,

I went to a private university owned by a worship centre and one of the rules included us not using any form of hair extension. You had no choice but to maintain your hair in it's natural state either, short, relaxed, locked or natural. Because of this rule and the fact that school had a lot of members, there were alot of people who maintained their unprocessed natural hair but the motive was flawed.

With the flawed motive it was very common to see unhealthy natural hair around school. There are different reasons why people decide to maintain their natural hair, there are the ones who out of convenience just want to keep their hair on a permanent BC and there are some who being natural is all they've known either for religious reasons or any other reason. Whatever your motive for maintaining your natural hair, here are 2 things to help you redefine your motive:

Relaxer is not your only enemy: I have watched naturalistas who wouldn't use any form of relaxer on their hair use heat to damage their hair. While you might feel that the worst thing that can happen to your hair is using a relaxer, there are alot more practices that can equally damage your hair e.g Using heat without protecting your hair properly, Tight protective style can damage your edges, lack of proper care etc.

Education is Key: To change your motive, you have to educate yourself. I have a friend whose hair was damaged by heat and just by asking questions and researching online her hair is thriving today. Put in the work, read blogs, online forums, tips and tricks, youtube videos, attend natural hair meet-up and generally whatever works for your hair. Education can and will make the difference.

You are on this natural hair journey for the long haul, why not just give it your best shot?

What's your motive for maintaining your natural hair? Do you think it's time to redefine it?

Introducing 'Dear African Naturalistas' A Q/A Session For All Your Pressing Natural Hair Questions

Every day on our social media platforms, we get quite a number of questions on natural hair ranging from simple things like itchy scalp remedies to extreme cases that require us to refer to a trichologist.

We understand that there's a lot of information out there that can be quite daunting to sieve through. Which is why all our channels are open for questions and answers. As much as possible, to the best of our ability, we want to make your natural hair journeys as stress-free as possible.

'Dear Africanaturalistas' is going to be a monthly Q/A session where we collate all the insightful questions we have received on social media and answer them on the blog to the benefit of you, our blog readers.' So that if anyone else falls into a similar situation, the person might as well learn from the answers we will be giving.

So, if you have any questions, don't forget you can reach us on our social media platforms and we would assist you to the best of our knowledge.

Moving on,

Aisabella987 says: My hair type is 4c but recently I had to change my shampoo and my hair at the back is starting to look more like 4a. Is it as a result of my shampoo or what could it be because I like the look and I would like my entire hair to look like that? Is there a way to change my hair type? 

AN: To be best of our knowledge, shampoos don't really change the texture of your natural hair. You probably already have multiple textures that are more visible now which is completely normal. So, there's really nothing to worry about. Also, there's no way to change your natural curl pattern without chemicals. So, find a way to accept and embrace your multiple textures. 

Antora24 says: I'm tired of my natural hair so I'm considering relaxing it. Nothing I do seems to work. I've been growing it for 4 years now but I haven't fully gotten to shoulder length.The last time I blow dried and straightened it, they didn't do it well so it really damaged my hair & set me back. I had to trim it some time in August last year. No matter the treatment I do, it's so course & dry. 

AN: First of all, we apologize for your setback. It's one of those things that comes with the territory when out natural hair is left in the hands of quacks. Right now, it seems like you would need to go on a strict reconstructive regimen to nurse your hair back to life. You just suffered a setback and you need to recover so this is not really the time to think about length. Focus on the health of your hair and the length will come. Get a good reconstructive product for natural hair. Together with your deep conditioner, start the process of nursing your hair. In the meantime, stay away from manipulative styles.

Shawlerrr says: Which of your products is good for excessive shedding? It keeps breaking off when I'm doing my hair. I shed a lot too. 

AN: Breakage and excessive shedding means that you're due for a protein treatment. Unfortunately, our products currently do not cater for intensive protein treatments. The ApHogee range is a great recommendation. 

Mara_Jarcoh says: I got the African Naturalistas Twist and Curl Pudding. I don't know if I'm not using it right but I can't find any defined curls after a twist out? Any advice? 

AN: The thing about curling products is that you have to try different variations to find the one that gives you the best definition.  So, try it alone. Try it with other products. Try it with other techniques. I'm sure you'll find one that suits you.

Natasha says: I will really like to grow my hair long. I heard Guava leaves and onions work.

AN: As much as we encourage homemade remedies, as a beginner you need to have a well-grounded regimen which includes products, techniques, and a routine. Along the way, as you can decide to experiment with homemade recipes. If they work, good for you. If they don't, move on to the next one. But once you have your regimen on lockdown, give it time, the length will come. As for onions and guava leaves, I'm not so sure of that.


That's all for now. Don't forget to reach out to us for any of your natural hair questions.