Protective styles are great, from weaves, wigs, cornrows, Senegalese twits the list of options is long. You sit in the chair looking one way and get up looking like a whole new you. They can add life back into the hair, they can also add itching. What gives?
Cornrows are a pretty protective style that can be used in the summer or the winter to protect your natural hair from the temperatures. They can also prevent you from having to handle your hair on a regular basis. This style helps make life easier by allowing you to wake up with styled hair on a daily basis with little maintenance. Sadly cornrows can cause itching, this article will help you deal with all that.
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Causes of itching:
Your protective style is too tight:
This is a common occurrence especially if you aren’t braiding your hair yourself. In an effort to make the hair look “neat” the hair stylists pull and yank your hair. When your hair is too tight it irritates the skin and makes it itchy.
You are allergic to the products:
The styling products used in the salons to prep your hair before braiding or the products used after you braid might be giving you a reaction. If you aren’t vigilant and don’t check to see what products are being used on your head and don’t check the ingredients list you can be susceptible to itching due to ingredients in the products.
Not rinsing out product properly:
This can happen when you do your own hair or you get it done at a salon. Leaving product in our hair which contains harmful processing chemicals can be very dangerous. There is a reason that certain products shouldn’t be left in for longer the recommended amount of time. These ingredients can be the reason your scalp irritation. These can also clog up your pores if left in for too long. You can learn more about scalp exfoliation in this article.
A dry scalp:
A dry scalp equals an itchy scalp. If you leave your cornrows exposed with no moisture the skin will dry out and cause itchiness. This will also cause flakiness. A dry scalp can also be as a result of overuse of products that aren’t moisturizing. You need to properly moisturize your scalp on a daily basis giving it massages as well. This will also stimulate hair growth.
Product build up:
The products that collect on your hair need to be removed when washing, if not they will combine with the dirt on your scalp to create itchiness. In addition, hair products can give you acne, read how in this article.
You are allergic to the synthetic hair used.
Synthetic hair is processed for us to be able to use it. The chemical used on the hair isn’t exactly always scalp friendly and can cause an itchy scalp or worse. Adding synthetic hair when braiding comes with its own set of issues. If you are planning on wearing a wig over the cornrows then be careful of your use of glue. Learn how hair glue can poison you if not used correctly.
How to make it stop:
Apple cider vinegar:
This is a marvel for your hair as it can clean the hair in a natural way quickly, easily and painlessly. This is great when trying to remove product build on your hair. The smell might be off-putting at first but as soon as the product dries it goes away. Be sure to dilute it in water as it is drying
Aloe Vera juice:
I like this option because it smells better than the ACV (apple cider vinegar) and it isn’t drying like the apple cider vinegar. If used on your scalp the itchy feeling will disappear in no time. It’s also great for hair growth as well as dealing with eczema and psoriasis.
Which hazel:
It’s not only good for your face as a toner but it is great at keeping your scalp clean. It is an antiseptic and won’t irritate your skin. Note that it can be drying if overused.
Oils:
Using natural oils such as jojoba oil will be a great addition to your hair care regimen as a whole. If you apply it to your scalp it will mimic the natural oils produced by the skin, which the scalp will welcome. You can also use grapeseed oil in place of jojoba. To use this oil you simply massage it into your scalp with your fingertips, don’t wash it out.
Shampoo:
If your scalp is very itchy using a good clarifying shampoo will help you get all that product build-up and gunk out of your hair and off your scalp. This doesn’t have to be done on a weekly basis but when you feel that you need some TLC for your hair then wash up. Here is a guide to how to take care of your hair at home.
Tea tree oil:
This is also great to use as it is a natural antiseptic which will keep our hair and scalp looking and feeling healthy and happy all day. Rub it in between your cornrows and make sure you cover every area you can,
I hope you enjoyed this article and found it interesting. I hope that your cornrows stop itching soon after you use these tips. Please share if you enjoyed this article.
