Applying chemicals to your hair and scalp should not be approached casually, whether it is a relaxer, texturizer, or color treatment. Just like hair cutting, some things should be left to trained, licensed, and skilled persons. Although there are some who successfully cut and chemically process their own hair, they are certainly anomalies, and seeking a professional is an option that should not be easily dismissed. Sareebees from Curly Q&A recently texturized her hair and has some concerns.
Question
I texturized my hair for the first time and it is sticking to the scalp, what seems to be the problem?
I’ve never used any product on my hair. I usually have a sensitive scalp. I just texturized and the hair is sticking to the scalp. Wen I washed the hair it looks ok, but as it dries, it sticks to my scalp and it hurts as if the scalp has burned.
Answer
If you do not trust licensed professionals, that is a valid concern, but it may be time to build a relationship with one you can trust. Don’t want to pay the money? If you really want a certain result, saving money for a trustworthy, licensed cosmetologist is more affordable than potential, multiple dermatological visits and prescriptions. Yes, NaturallyCurly does share a lot of content that is geared for at-home care, but there is still great value in seeking professionals. Discernment is important when reading information and understanding how it applies to your individual needs. Now, what is the next step?
Consult a dermatologist
I am not a professional and I cannot see your scalp, but from your description I assume that you indeed have a chemical burn. Please schedule an appointment with a dermatologist or trichologist. A chemical burn is nothing to be blasé about. Just like any other burn, there are different degrees and that cannot be properly evaluated without someone who can analyze your scalp up close. If your hair is adhering to your scalp, it appears that scabs are forming. The last thing you want or need is a bacterial infection, which I have witnessed with my own eyes after a dear friend was rushed to an emergency room due to scalp pain from multiple, improperly installed sew-ins. You may think I am comparing apples to oranges but a wound is a wound and they are always vulnerable to bacterial infections. Some trauma done to the scalp can cause irreversible damage to the follicle and that needs to be properly evaluated through scalp analysis with a professional.
Listen to your body
You noted that you have a sensitive scalp. I have a condition called sebborheic dermatitis and prior to going/returning natural, my scalp condition was drastically worse compared to now. With the regimen I have created I barely experience flakes but when my hair was relaxed, a clean, painless, flake-free scalp was hard to manage. Although I did not decide to go natural as a means to having a healthy scalp, I see the impact it has made. Please, listen to your scalp. If your scalp is sensitive, either cease chemical processing altogether or seek a professional.
Oil
When my hair was relaxed, the best way I released scabs from chemical burns was by applying oil to the spot to allow the scab to loosen up. Allowing oil to sit for an extended period of time and then applying shampoo loosened and dissolve a few of my scabs. I have never had a chemical burn that covered my entire scalp. It appears that your entire scalp is burned so I am not sure how to approach this other than referring you to a professional.
Leave chemical processes to professionals
Seeking a professional will assist you with the best means to achieving the results that you want without compromising the overall health of your hair. Does that guarantee that you will not experience breakage after texturizing or bleaching? Absolutely not, but a professional has first hand education and experience with different textures and needs that you may not be aware of. Some may rightfully discourage you from pursuing a certain services based on the condition of your hair. When in doubt about what one professional says, seek a second opinion from another professional. Whatever you do, trust the fact that if you cannot see what you are doing, it is probably best to seek assistance.
Have you ever had a chemical burn? What did you do?
