I Have Scabs in My Hair

Scabs on the scalp are common to woman who use hair relaxers. Hair relaxers are typically applied to new hair growth, but those who apply it too early in their growth cycle run the risk of applying the hair relaxer directly on the scalp. The extreme pH level in the hair relaxer will cause chemical burns, resulting in scabs and bald spots.

Scabs On The Scalp

Scabs on the scalp not only plague black woman and hair relaxer fans - woman who bleach their hair
carelessly also run the risk of damaging their scalp. Like hair relaxers, hair bleach treatments are highly alkaline, with most bleaching creams formulated with ammonia that contains a pH level of 14. Here's how you can help heal scabs in your hair and how to prevent them altogether.

How To Heal Scabs on the Hair

1) Stop using chemical processes altogether, while your scalp is healing. Scabs on the scalp are scary but easily fixed. However, it can be a complex problem if you continue to apply the chemicals that are causing the scabs in the first place.

2) Do not pick your scabs. Your body will create a scab. You pick it, it drops. Your body create another scab. You pick it, it drops. Your body create another scab... Do you understand where we're going with this? Leave it alone. It'll naturally drop off on its own. Also if you keep playing with the scab, you increase the chance of a keloid scar forming. This will create a permanent bald spot. LEAVE IT THE HELL ALONE!

3) Use Witch Hazel to clean the Scabs in Your Hair. Witch hazel effectively calms the inflammatory response while cleaning the area. After taking a bath, dip a cotton ball into the witch hazel, and gently pat the scab.

4) The scab will eventually fall out. NOW STOP APPLYING CHEMICALS ON YOUR SCALP.

Tips For Damaged Scalps from Hair Relaxers

• Relax new growth only. Typically, people apply their hair relaxer every 6 to 8 weeks. Extend that to 10 to 12 weeks. You hair will be healthier, you will have obvious new growth that will be easier to apply the hair relaxer to, and you lower the chance of overlapping hair relaxing treatments aka rudely killing your hair.

• Apply relaxer on somewhat dirty hair. Something like to 2 to 3 days post shampoo. This will create a barrier on your hair and scalp, acting as a guard between the hair relaxing cream and your tender scalp.

• Neutralize properly. Most hair relaxing kits come with its own brand of neutralizing shampoo. These shampoo stop chemical processes, salvaging your scalp and your hair. However if you do not have a neutralizing shampoo in hand – or if you want to make sure that your hair is thoroughly neutralized – then create a white vinegar solution. Vinegar is an acid, so it will close the hair's cuticle and strip any remaining chemicals from your hair and scalp. A solution of one parts vinegar and one parts water is usually enough. Please keep in mind that this is highly effective, but might sting a little bit if you have any abrasions or minor chemical burns on your scalp.

Tips For Damaged Scalps from Hair Bleach

• Use ammonia free hair bleach. Ammonia free hair bleach is gentler on the scalp and hair, while still lightening your tresses.

• Don't scratch your scalp 24 hours before your salon visit. Scratching your scalp creates small tears on the scalp that can cause a stinging sensation if you apply bleach or any chemical to it. So don't do it – or vigorously brush your scalp with a comb, either.
• Use coconut oil as an overnight treatment. Coconut oil is one of the only oils that promotes healthy protein bonds on your hair. Chemical processes destroy this protein bond. Coconut oil will safeguard your hair from protein loss by preserving the cuticle's integrity. Do this treatment a few nights before your bleaching session. On the day of bleaching your hair, make sure you wash the coconut oil out with a clarifying shampoo.