Why Do Braids Itch?
Braids itch due to the following factors:
Tight braids might cause scalp irritation. ’Sandy’ hair because of a day out-and-about on the beach. Infrequent oiling of the scalp. Sweat and oil trapped in the hair.
Apart from these external factors, your hair itself may sometimes make your scalp raw, tender, and itchy. Synthetic hair extensions are coated with an alkaline formula, which prevents mold and makes the hair heat-resistant. But, on the flip side, it causes allergies, skin irritation, and itchiness. A box braid gone wrong can lead to a tender and raw scalp. Follow these steps to stop your braids from itching.
Top 8 Ways To Manage An Itchy Scalp With Braids
1. Relieve The Tension
Box braids lead to hair tension because of constant pulling. Avoid tight up dos to avoid pulling on the roots. Also, ask your stylist to adjust your braids if they feel too tight.
2. Soak In Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Rinse your hair extensions with apple cider vinegar before installation. The ACV soak strips alkaline from the extensions. Here is a quick snapshot of the process:
Soak your store-bought braided hair in a solution of warm water and a cup of apple cider vinegar. Wait for about 15-30 minutes or until a white film appears (this is the chemical coming off the hair). Wash the extension in cold water twice. Air dry it completely before use.
If you have already installed the synthetic hair, use ACV as a braid spray to prevent itching. Here are the steps:
Mix 1 part ACV with 3 parts water. Pour the solution into a spray bottle. Spray it directly on your hair and scalp.
If you want to apply ACV without damaging the hair or need temporary relief from itchy braids, try spot cleaning. Here’s what you need to do:
Dip a cotton ball or Q-tip in ACV. Dab it on the affected areas.
This method prevents scalp buildup and soothes scalp irritation.
3. Condition, Condition, And Condition!
The best way to stop your braids from itching is to keep your scalp hydrated and nourished. Gently massage a leave-in conditioner in circular motions to combat scalp dryness. Repeat this daily for the best results.
4. Medicated Shampoos For The Win
An anti-itch shampoo is suitable for people with scars or scabs on the scalp caused by excessive itching. Choose a medicated shampoo with coal tar as the active ingredient. However, these shampoos might dry out your hair. Here’s how you can use it:
Apply the shampoo directly to the scalp. Massage it gently with your fingertips. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes and then wash off. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to prevent hair dryness.
5. Add Essentials Oils To Your Shampoo
Add a few drops of lavender, peppermint, castor, or tea tree essential oils to your shampoo to tackle bumps and inflammation. These oils are power-packed with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which help soothe the scalp (1), (2), (3), (4). Do a patch test before applying the essential oils to check for any allergies. If the oil does not cause any rashes or irritations, add it to your shampoo. Here’s what you need to do:
Pour 100 ml of shampoo into a bottle. Add 15-20 drops of any essential oils mentioned above. Do not go overboard as essential oils are strong and might irritate your skin. Mix the oil and shampoo well. Use this shampoo daily to stop your braids from itching.
6. Avoid Leaving Your Braids On For Too Long
Remove your box braids within 6-8 weeks as keeping them in for too long might irritate your scalp. If your braids are too tight, remove them within two months. Give your hair a break for a few days before reinstalling new braids. Trying out protective styles frequently might cause irritation and hair thinning. Oil your scalp with a nourishing hair oil and wash and condition your hair in between braids.
7. Opt For 100% Natural Human Hair Extensions
Go for 100% natural human hair extensions instead of Kanekalon hair extensions. Human hair is easier to wash, maintain, and style.
8. If Nothing Works, Get Rid Of It
If none of the tips mentioned above works for you, say goodbye to your extensions. Otherwise, you might run the risk of scalp trauma. Look out for damaged hair symptoms, such as inflammation, red bumps, severe itching, and hair thinning. If that pesky, uncontrollable itch persists, try these home remedies to eliminate the inflammation.
Easy Home Remedies To Treat An Itchy Scalp Under Braids
1. Witch Hazel And Tea Tree Oil Spray
Witch hazel is a natural astringent with anti-inflammatory properties (5). When combined with tea tree oil, which has antifungal and antibacterial properties, it can combat an inflamed, itchy scalp from box braids. You Will Need
1/2 cup of witch hazel extract 5-10 drops of tea tree essential oil A 100 ml spray bottle
Instructions
2. Baking Soda And Lavender Oil
If you want to prevent scalp itchiness, apply some baking soda to your braids before installing. Baking soda eliminates itchy flakes and restores the pH balance of your scalp (6). Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the scalp. You Will Need
3 tablespoons of baking soda 10-15 drops of lavender oil Clean/filtered water A bowl
Instructions Note: Apply this paste 2-3 days before braiding.
3. ACV And Tea Tree Oil Astringent
If you have a sweaty scalp, apply diluted tea tree oil between your braids for quick relief. You Will Need
15-20 drops of tea tree essential oil 30 mL of ACV 90 mL clean/filtered water Cotton balls A bowl
Instructions You may have experienced dry flakes while getting box braids, especially if your scalp is naturally dry and dandruff-prone. Let us look at how to manage scalp flakes that creep up after a braid session.
How To Get Rid Of A Flaky Scalp With Box Braids
Deep condition your hair before braiding. Use a hair mask and let it sit for 30-60 minutes before rinsing.
Use jojoba oil on dry hair spots to moisturize your hair. Avoid using excessive hair care products. Regular applications of gels and mousses cause extra buildup in your hair and irritate the scalp. Wash your braids once a week with diluted shampoo and conditioner. Diluting them helps eliminate buildup and ensure that the product spreads evenly. Remember to apply a scalp pomade post-wash.
Why does my scalp itch when I get braids? Check out the infographic below to know what to remember while caring for your itchy braids. Itchy braids result from three main factors:
Dry scalp Infrequent washing or long stretches between washes Tight installation
How do you stop your scalp from itching after braids? To prevent scalp itch after putting your braids on, soak them in an apple cider vinegar bath for about 15-20 minutes. Shampoo and condition as you usually do. Can tight braids cause itching? Yes, tightly-braided/weaved hair can cause hair inflammation and scalp dryness. How often should you oil your scalp with braids? Go for a bi-weekly coconut or olive oil hair massage to retain your hair’s moisture and prevent scalp irritation. Should I oil my scalp before braids? Yes, you can oil your scalp before braiding to keep it hydrated and prevent your braids from itching. Do itchy braids mean hair growth? No, itchy braids do not mean hair growth. Instead, they mean your scalp is not healthy and may have a negative impact on hair growth. Can coconut oil cause an itchy scalp? No, coconut oil may not cause an itchy scalp under normal circumstances. However, you should be careful if you have dermatitis. The oil may lead to itchiness and irritation. How do you soothe a sore scalp from tight braids? You may use a wet washcloth with lukewarm water and lightly massage it on your scalp. It will help loosen the braid and soothe the scalp.
