Itchies!

[cammym]

I had quite a bit of itchy scalp when my dreads were first formed, and it sucked, man. Now at 5+ months in, I'm having another bout of super itchy head, to the point where I was getting nervous it was lice O.O after inspection, no lice thank goodness, but what can I do about this itching?! Is it normal? Can I apply aloe Vera directly to my scalp? It's worse the day that I wash, so I may try to lengthen my washes out to every 4-5 days instead of 3 days. Help me please and thank you!

[Dreadlocktruth]

Neutrogena T/Gel shampoo helped a lot with my itchies, though if you use it for too long it makes matters worse.

Besides that, an apple cider vinegar rinse does the job for me.

Also, if you had scalp problems before dreads then it's a good idea to continue using something like Head & Shoulders, if it's really an issue. I'd recommend watering it down and doing a deep clean every couple of months to get rid of the residue, but I find that using that and an ACV rinse really freshens me up.

[cammym]

Mar 8, 2016 13:59:12 GMT Dreadlocktruth said:

Neutrogena T/Gel shampoo helped a lot with my itchies, though if you use it for too long it makes matters worse.

Besides that, an apple cider vinegar rinse does the job for me.

Also, if you had scalp problems before dreads then it's a good idea to continue using something like Head & Shoulders, if it's really an issue. I'd recommend watering it down and doing a deep clean every couple of months to get rid of the residue, but I find that using that and an ACV rinse really freshens me up.

Thank you! I have apple cider vinegar on hand so I'll try rinsing with that. I never had itching like this before dreads, but I have SUPER dry skin in general so I'll pick up some head & shoulders and give it a go too! Thanks again

[Dreadlocktruth]

Oh I should probably mention, with the ACV... I tend to just use it straight from the bottle but a lot of people water it down. It can sting a little but I leave it on for 10-15 minutes (wrapped in a towel) and then rinse it out.

Also, a good tip is to put a bowl under your head when you pour it onto your scalp because it will catch the run-off which you can then pick up and re-use.

And finally, you'll smell like a fish and chip shop..... but it dries odourless so don't freak out too much!

[gingerdreadman]

Ah the smell! It is so strong. Ha. I have nevr tried that Paul. I have rinsed with it a few times after deep cleans per Lazydreads advice. But i shampoo immediately after. I always kind of wondered the benefit from such a short amount of time.

[cammym]

I've used acv before having dreads, as a rinse after baking soda I've never had problems with it! I actually weirdly love the smell haha

[danzia]

I've had horrible problems with itchies... Took almost 2 years to figure it out. Acv with some essential oils is the answer! I put peppermint, rose, lavendar and rosemary in it.

[cammym]

Mar 8, 2016 14:53:47 GMT danzia said:

I've had horrible problems with itchies... Took almost 2 years to figure it out. Acv with some essential oils is the answer! I put peppermint, rose, lavendar and rosemary in it.

I usually only hear about people having the itchies when their dreads are new, it's nice to know I'm not the only one having problems a little further into having dreads. Do you use the ACV/ EOs as a soak or rinse? Or do you spray it on and leave it for a while?

[danzia]

I do both actually. I've figured out my perfect washing regime finally. So I use vital goods rosemary and lavender shampoo. I dilute it 50%. I let it sit for a bit. Then I rinse with 1 part acv to 3 parts water with the added essential oils. I do let it sit on my scalp for about 5 mins. I do a soak for 2 hours once every few months

[alethionaut]

Never had itchies but I wonder if it's due to conditioning my hair every 6 weeks when I dye it?

I have to be super careful what I use in case it strips the colour but it's useful to see what does work "just in case"

[gingerdreadman]

Mar 8, 2016 16:25:23 GMT danzia said:

I do both actually. I've figured out my perfect washing regime finally. So I use vital goods rosemary and lavender shampoo. I dilute it 50%. I let it sit for a bit. Then I rinse with 1 part acv to 3 parts water with the added essential oils. I do let it sit on my scalp for about 5 mins. I do a soak for 2 hours once every few months

2 hours!!! Holy cow. My neck kills after 30 min.

[danzia]

Oh! I just wrap it up in a towel! I don't actually soak! Should have been more specific

[lipstic]

I went through this same thing the first time I had dreads; my scalp would get supper itchy so I would put oilive oil on it, which would give me a bit of relief but then it would be horrible right after my shower or any time my hair got wet. It turned out they were too tight, I was afraid of having loose ends and fly-aways, when I stopped tightening them it got better.

My current washing starts with baking soda(dry), rinse out, then ends with 2 parts white vinegar, 1 part water, 10-20 drops lavender 15-20 drops clary sage, 5-10 drops jasmine, leaves my colours vivid and soothes my scalp. (I spray on the vinegar and don't wash it off).

Don't know if that helps you any but good luck.

[cammym]

Mar 9, 2016 2:51:11 GMT lipstic said:

I went through this same thing the first time I had dreads; my scalp would get supper itchy so I would put oilive oil on it, which would give me a bit of relief but then it would be horrible right after my shower or any time my hair got wet. It turned out they were too tight, I was afraid of having loose ends and fly-aways, when I stopped tightening them it got better.

My current washing starts with baking soda(dry), rinse out, then ends with 2 parts white vinegar, 1 part water, 10-20 drops lavender 15-20 drops clary sage, 5-10 drops jasmine, leaves my colours vivid and soothes my scalp. (I spray on the vinegar and don't wash it off).

Don't know if that helps you any but good luck.

I don't tighten my dreads or do any maintenance on them, but I'm definitely noticing the itching is worse right after my wash days. I will try the vinegar/EO spray, thank you!

[cammym]

I just tried the ACV rinse, I'm away from home and I don't have my EO's with me but I diluted some acv and poured it all over my scalp, and let it sit for a few minutes. I'm really hoping it will work! The itching is worse at night while I'm trying to sleep