Hair is perfect, scalp hates me *Rant*

mlle_carrie · 11-05-2009, 04:32 PM

I am so frustrated about what to do with my itchy, dry, flaky scalp. I really thought that going CG would give me a happier, healthier scalp. Before I was CG, the only thing that seemed to help was to wash every day with some kind of dandruff shampoo, but I don't do that anymore. I have tried everything from switching to condish with all natural ingredients (thinking maybe I was sensitive to something in the V05 I had been using) to homemade scalp treatments. I have used tea tree shampoo and condish, scalp massage, and even put olive oil directly on my scalp. I ditched all my drug store styling products, thinking that they might contain drying agents or irritants and the only thing I use for styling is FSG and maybe a little leave-in. I can never have second day hair, because if I don't at least wet my head and massage my scalp a little bit, my head will itch all day long. I don't think I have dandruff, because it seems to be getting worse with the colder weather. That makes me think it's just dry skin...but geez...how much moisture could a scalp need to function normally??

I am just pi$$ed off...

If you got this far, thanks for listening. I seriously needed to vent. At least my hair looks fabulous.

lazykerri · 11-05-2009, 04:39 PM

Have you tried Nizoral shampoo? There is an over the counter or prescription strength version of it. I tried and it worked for me (the prescription one) but I ran out and the problem returned. Supposedly, it can "cure" dandruff. I think mine returned because it was a more stubborn fungal issue (I know, eww).

I would recommend trying the over the counter one first. If that doesn't work, see your doctor and/or dermatologist to get the prescription (the doctor could probably prescribe it).

When I use either type, I coat the length of my hair with a CG conditioner first and then apply the shampoo to my scalp and massage. Then rinse. I don't do a second shampoo or conditioner application.

This is of course not CG. However, if it cures the issue for you, you could probably return to CG after treatment (it may take several weeks).

HTH

jay76 · 11-05-2009, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlle_carrie

I am so frustrated about what to do with my itchy, dry, flaky scalp. I really thought that going CG would give me a happier, healthier scalp. Before I was CG, the only thing that seemed to help was to wash every day with some kind of dandruff shampoo, but I don't do that anymore. I have tried everything from switching to condish with all natural ingredients (thinking maybe I was sensitive to something in the V05 I had been using) to homemade scalp treatments. I have used tea tree shampoo and condish, scalp massage, and even put olive oil directly on my scalp. I ditched all my drug store styling products, thinking that they might contain drying agents or irritants and the only thing I use for styling is FSG and maybe a little leave-in. I can never have second day hair, because if I don't at least wet my head and massage my scalp a little bit, my head will itch all day long. I don't think I have dandruff, because it seems to be getting worse with the colder weather. That makes me think it's just dry skin...but geez...how much moisture could a scalp need to function normally??

I am just pi$$ed off...

If you got this far, thanks for listening. I seriously needed to vent. At least my hair looks fabulous.

Have you seen any other dry, flaky, itchy patches on any other part of your body?

The reason why I ask is because you may have a skin codition that may be causing the problem. You didn't state it but that might be an underling problem.

I have seborria dermatitis (msp) and I have flare ups because of stress, change in temperature, and because the wind blows. But I really saw a difference when I stopped relaxing my hair and started the GC method.

I hope you find some relief soon! Like you said at least you have fab hair.

wavycurly40+ · 11-05-2009, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlle_carrie

I am so frustrated about what to do with my itchy, dry, flaky scalp. I really thought that going CG would give me a happier, healthier scalp. Before I was CG, the only thing that seemed to help was to wash every day with some kind of dandruff shampoo, but I don't do that anymore. I have tried everything from switching to condish with all natural ingredients (thinking maybe I was sensitive to something in the V05 I had been using) to homemade scalp treatments. I have used tea tree shampoo and condish, scalp massage, and even put olive oil directly on my scalp. I ditched all my drug store styling products, thinking that they might contain drying agents or irritants and the only thing I use for styling is FSG and maybe a little leave-in. I can never have second day hair, because if I don't at least wet my head and massage my scalp a little bit, my head will itch all day long. I don't think I have dandruff, because it seems to be getting worse with the colder weather. That makes me think it's just dry skin...but geez...how much moisture could a scalp need to function normally??

I am just pi$$ed off...

If you got this far, thanks for listening. I seriously needed to vent. At least my hair looks fabulous.

My dermaologist told me that Seborrheic Dermatitis can get worse in the winter because of lack of sunlight. He also said that SD is what a lot of people call dandruff, and that it's the same disorder that causes psoriasis on the skin. I don't know if all derms agree with him, since I've never heard anybody else say that here.

I no longer buy the idea, popular here, that getting rid of SLS solves all scalp problems. It certainly wasn't true in my case.

After much experimentation, I realized that I have to wet my hair and massage the scalp well every day. To me, it's worth it. I don't cowash, because that makes it worse -- I low 'poo every two or three days. I don't have to use SLS, most of the time, although I do use Nizorale once in a blue moon, and occasionally a prescription medicine (applied topically) for SD.

Keep experimenting to see what works for you. But I wouldn't feel bad because cg is "supposed to" fix all scalp problems. I just don't think that's true. I certainly wish you well! I do think it's possible to control these things, if not stop them completely. You just have to find your own routine.

mlle_carrie · 11-05-2009, 08:41 PM

Awww...thanks for the words of wisdom ladies. It really is frustrating. I never thought about it being a skin condition because I don't have that problem anywhere else on my body. In fact, I think my skin is naturally pretty hydrated because whenever I use body lotion, it feels like it just lays on my skin and never sinks in...I feel slimy all day when I use it.

Maybe I will break down and buy some Nizoral. As much as I want to be able to follow the CG method and not use a lot of harsh chemicals on my skin, I'm just not sure how much longer I can stand this!

2poodles · 11-06-2009, 07:09 AM

I don't know if this list will help you, but I found it somewhere - it's a list of what to avoid if you have scalp sensitivities...

Hair Cleansing Ingredients To Avoid:

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
Ammonium Xylene Sulfonate
TEA Lauryl Sulfate
Sulfur (in dandruff shampoos)
Selenium Sulfide (in dandruff shampoos)
Magnesium Sulfate
Sodium Thiosulfate
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Alkyl Sodium Sulfate
Alkyl Benzene Sulfonate
TEA-Dodecylbenzene
Sodium C12-15 Alkyl Sulfate
Sodium Dodecyl Sulfonate

Hair Product Additive Ingredients To Avoid:
Avocado
Balm Mint
Balsam
Essential Oils
Eucalyptus
Grapefruit
Horseradish
Lavender Oil
Lemon
Lime
Menthol
Orange
Papaya
Peppermint
Rose
Sage
Thyme

rymorg2 · 11-06-2009, 07:49 AM

Here's something else to consider.....

I had that same issue for a long time. Like YEARS. I have some mild eczma, mostly in the winter, patchy over different areas of my body, but that's all I have with the rest of my body. My scalp itched EVERY DAY and I tried EVERYTHING.

Turns out it was my hard water. The minerals/metals in it irritated my scalp. I even had a purifier on my showerhead but it didn't help for long.

I figured this out when I started travelling for my job and my scalp got better. I don't live there anymore and my water where I live now isn't hard and I only have the occasional itching now.

If you have hard water it's something to consider. HTH!

bfly36 · 11-06-2009, 07:59 AM

Me and my son he is 15 had bad dandruff. We started rubbing coconut oil on scalp before shampooing ( just started CG so you can use how you feel is right depending if you still poo). Then we would shampoo it out. It took a few weeks but it has helped dramatically. Coconut oil is not very expensive and smells very good. I have also read but never tried taking ACV in a cotton swap and rubbing some (before washing hair) on the areas with dandruff then washing out. You may want to check out a book called the 24 hour Pharmacist, she talks about zinc deficiency in people that have alot of dandruff. Good Luck.

luckycurls · 11-06-2009, 08:58 AM

I have seb. derm., and I haven't been able to give up all shampoo. I hadn't had a problem with it for years (using T/Gel or Selsun Blue). Then when I went CG I tried a non-sulfate shampoo that had worked for other curlies with SD. It worked for about a month, then I had a major outbreak on my scalp when the cooler weather hit! So I'm back to the T/Gel. I'm hoping when it's back under control I can just shampoo my scalp once a week or so.

Many dandruff shampoos are very drying, and if it is psoriasis or SD they won't help anyway.

bergasaurus · 11-07-2009, 12:55 AM

I had enough scalp itch to be annoying for a while but not enough to drive me totally crazy...I found that straight aloe vera gel helped immensely. Very little itch now. I use my fingertips to rub it into my scalp and I'll put a little thru the rest of my hair although I don't think it does a lot for my curl.

I've heard people suggest a brown sugar scrub too but I haven't tried that. You can also coat your hair in conditioner and use shampoo just on your scalp; the conditioner will help protect your hair from the poo.

CurlyCowgirly · 11-09-2009, 05:51 PM

Great ideas everyone!

I've too have been experiencing this lately and am not sure if it's dandruff, product buildup, or dare I say it, a fungus.
How can I figure out which one I have?

If I go to scratch my scalp, I get white gunk under my nails. I've been using the same products & routine for at least a month now, and I'm also pretty careful to not get my leave-in nor my gel close to my roots.

I wonder if it's my KCCC poo or Suave Naturals co-wash building up. Could it even be from when I wash my face because the worst of it is along my hair line. Gels can cause flakes/buildup too, right? Has anyone experienced this with HESMU?

I've tried doing TTO mixed with ACV and I've tried a brown sugar scrub.
I think I'll use Kenra clarifying poo next showertime and stop co-washing for a while and see if that helps.
What do you guys think?

mlle_carrie · 11-09-2009, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CurlyCowgirly

Great ideas everyone!

I've too have been experiencing this lately and am not sure if it's dandruff, product buildup, or dare I say it, a fungus.
How can I figure out which one I have?

If I go to scratch my scalp, I get white gunk under my nails. I've been using the same products & routine for at least a month now, and I'm also pretty careful to not get my leave-in nor my gel close to my roots.

I wonder if it's my KCCC poo or Suave Naturals co-wash building up. Could it even be from when I wash my face because the worst of it is along my hair line. Gels can cause flakes/buildup too, right? Has anyone experienced this with HESMU?

I've tried doing TTO mixed with ACV and I've tried a brown sugar scrub.
I think I'll use Kenra clarifying poo next showertime and stop co-washing for a while and see if that helps.
What do you guys think?

This sounds a lot like my problem too. My itchiest, flakiest spots are around my hairline, especially right above and behind my ears and along my neck. I don't have it on the top of my head or on my crown and the thought did cross my mind that it might be my face wash (though I don't use that near the back of my neck). I thought about buildup too and used a baking soda rinse at one point which seemed to help a bit. I just bought a small bottle of Nizoral and I used it today. I seemed to have less itching, so I will continue to use it every few days until the bottle is gone at least, to see if it works. If not, I might try the coconut oil next.

CurlyCowgirly · 11-11-2009, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlle_carrie

This sounds a lot like my problem too. My itchiest, flakiest spots are around my hairline, especially right above and behind my ears and along my neck...I thought about buildup too and used a baking soda rinse at one point which seemed to help a bit.

Same here- I have the itchies and flakies on the back of my neck. Sometimes I get 3 or 4 small scabs from scratching.

I tried baking soda, and brown sugar scrubs and they didn't do anything for me.

I PMed my curl-twin (SheBros!) and she gets this too and thinks it's build-up. I don't use 'cones, but I'm leaning towards it being build-up too... It didn't start til the weather changed, which is what is confusing me.

I think I'm finding a solution though...
The past two days/past two showers I've been doing ACV mixed w/ Epsom salt. I used a pretty undiluted amount too--I wanna say 1/2c ACV, 1/2c water and probably 2 spoonfuls of Epsom. Poured it on my hair, massaged in and let it sit for a minute or two. My flakes are 98% gone!! The first day (yesterday) I poo'ed with Kenra clarifying shampoo mixed w/ 5 drops of jojoba then conditioned. Today, I didn't shampoo at all, and I mixed 6 drops jojoba w/ my CO.

I've also been massaging my scalp for about 5 mins each day with jojoba.
Tomorrow I will lay off the ACV/epsom and just do a water-rinse then condition.

It may be farewell to my beloved CO-washing.

bergasaurus · 11-13-2009, 11:46 AM

CurlyCowgirly- From what I've read, be careful with that much ACV. Too much can damage your hair. I've always seen recipes with a proportion of 1 or 2 tbsp to a cup of water. The massage with oil is probably helping your scalp more than the acv, that's my guess anyway. I'm not much of an expert.
I was getting so much itch that I think I had scratches on my scalp, it was a little painful. I realize in retrospect that was a bit much. The aloe gave me instant relief, so I am convinced my scalp was dry. I've read that jojoba is close to the oils produced by the scalp so I bet that is helping you a lot. I may have to get some of that, in fact.

mlle_carrie · 11-13-2009, 08:25 PM

I used the Nizoral twice this week and my itching and flaking is gone. I even had second day hair in the middle of the week....and it didn't itch...even after the second day. I guess it's not 100% CG, but it seems like I will only have to use it every 3-4 days and maybe eventually I can cut back to once a week. It also doesn't seem to have any real effect on my hair. So, I can live with that, if it means not scratching my head all day and having to worry when I wear dark colors.

Mi_chelle · 11-14-2009, 03:13 AM

I haven't personally tried this(or heard about anyone else trying it) but I wonder...ok this is going to sound kinda gross...but instead of really ruining your hair with that Nizoral shampoo couldn't you get maybe similiar results with Monastat? I mean it's an anti-fungal cream vs an anti-fungal shampoo. AND if you google it you'll also find out that one of the side affects is that your hair will grow faster! Something to maybe consider.

You'll probably still need to use another method to get rid of buildup in addition though.

rosabearr · 11-14-2009, 06:07 PM

I can help you stop that itch how, I finally found some productst that would they might be cg and might now but, I got them at Sally Beauty

1 - Procalim - Tea Tree - Leave IN
2 - Loreal - Scalp Threapy
3 - Proclaim - Olive Oil Mouisturize

I guareent with olive oil is the best one but tea tree if you look in phrmacy secetion you can find a small green tea bottle pure for like 15.99

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mi_chelle

I haven't personally tried this(or heard about anyone else trying it) but I wonder...ok this is going to sound kinda gross...but instead of really ruining your hair with that Nizoral shampoo couldn't you get maybe similiar results with Monastat? I mean it's an anti-fungal cream vs an anti-fungal shampoo. AND if you google it you'll also find out that one of the side affects is that your hair will grow faster! Something to maybe consider.

You'll probably still need to use another method to get rid of buildup in addition though.

mlle_carrie · 11-15-2009, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mi_chelle

I haven't personally tried this(or heard about anyone else trying it) but I wonder...ok this is going to sound kinda gross...but instead of really ruining your hair with that Nizoral shampoo couldn't you get maybe similiar results with Monastat? I mean it's an anti-fungal cream vs an anti-fungal shampoo. AND if you google it you'll also find out that one of the side affects is that your hair will grow faster! Something to maybe consider.

You'll probably still need to use another method to get rid of buildup in addition though.

LOL, you know, I thought of that when I looked at the active ingredient (ketoconazole) on the Nizoral bottle. I used to work in a pharmacy and isn't it funny how the same medication can be found in foot creams, vaginal creams, and diaper rash creams, yet they are marketed for different ailments and people will just flat out refuse to buy "athlete's foot" cream for their baby's diaper rash, even if that is what the pharmacist recommends and it's half the price. Ah, the power of marketing! But I did think of that and also thought about the buildup as well and how would I apply it so that my roots don't look greasy? LOL, but you didn't gross me out...after all, this is a community of women who put KY jelly on their hair!

Alexjoujou · 11-15-2009, 01:19 PM

I just thought I'd stop in and say that I think the fungal stuff works. My daughter has had very stubborn acne on her forehead and I'm going to CVS to get some Nizoral since I think it might be fungal related.

I cannot do co-wash only. I have to use a poo or my scalp itches. I did find out that a great part of my "always" itchy scalp is due to SLS. I got rid of a lot of itchiness when I stopped using that type of sulfate..but not all of it. I do a lot of scalp massage and low poo every other day or every 3rd day and that is working very well.

Thanks for the ideas everyone!!

ChrsLvsBks · 11-15-2009, 04:30 PM

I am dealing with an itchy scalp also. I used a mixture of aloe vera gel, neem oil (smells horribly), tea tree oil, jojoba oil and lavender EO. I sprayed it on my scalp and massaged it in. It relieved the dryness and I was able to not wash my hair for a week. I blame the dryness/itchiness on the weather changing in the Mid-Atlantic. I had dandruff before going CG and didn't have problems until a couple of weeks ago.