Although I no longer relax my hair, I feel that the damage incurred from the relaxers is still affecting me today. Before perming my hair, I used go several weeks in between washes. Now, I can barely go one week before the itchy scalp and flaking begins. Over the years I’ve learned to deal with dandruff by following some of these rules, especially during the cooler drier months:
Avoid Scratching
Although it can be extremely tempting, I’ve learned that scratching your itchy scalp does NOT help. It irritates your scalp and, when done frequently, can break the skin and make the situation much worse. INSTEAD, try massaging the scalp with your fingertips to loosen dandruff and alleviate itching.
Cowash Frequently
Yes I know washing your hair can seem like a tedious task, but I have found that it is the best way to alleviate my itchy scalp. Especially if you’re like me and are prone to scratching. It’s better to just bite the bullet and avoid the damage caused by scratching. I would prefer to wash my hair once a week, but as the weather cools down, I need to cleanse my scalp every 4 days or so. Co-washing is great because it allows you to cleanse without drying out your scalp and hair, which can lead to more dandruff.
Use Apple Cider Vinegar On Your Scalp
After co-washing I apply a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water to my scalp. As I pour the mixture over my head I massage it into my scalp. The vinegar is wonderful for removing product buildup and flakes. Apple cider vinegar seals in moisture, so I make sure to finger detangle my hair before rinsing out the mixture.
Add Tea Tree Oil To Your Routine
Tea tree oil is a constant in my hair care routine. After my co-wash and apple cider vinegar rinse, I apply tea tree oil diluted in a small amount of coconut oil. The antiseptic properties of tea tree oil helps fight the bacteria that can grow on the scalp and act as a catalyst for dandruff. The coconut oil not only dilutes the concentrated tea tree oil, but also adds some light moisture to the scalp.
