Have you ever installed a new weave, some braids or even wore a wig and your scalp began to itch immediately??
No matter how many times you scratched, applied braid spray, oiled your scalp, etc.. it just kept itching???
If so, keep on reading!
If so, keep on reading!
Most synthetic hair manufacturers use alkaline and other chemicals on their hair to produce a heat resistant/wear resistant product. Read more about that here.
Although the chemicals are used to "protect" the hair, many people(including myself) have allergic reactions to them.
To prevent any allergic reactions or the "itchies", it is highly recommended that you remove the chemical base. The best known way to do so is soaking the hair in Apple Cider Vinegar because of the high acidity and powerful enzymes contained in it.
This is how I soak my hair in water mixed with Apple Cider Vinegar:
1.) I fill up the below container(it's just a plastic cover to keep food warm) with some hot water straight from the sink.
2.) After Putting water in the container, I place 1 TABLESPOON of ACV in the water and mix
(Braggs (see below) is one of the best because it contains "the mother", but any ACV will do)
3.) I then place the synthetic hair(in it's original state, elastics and all) in the ACV and Water Mix. I let it soak for 20 minutes. You will start to see a white film lift from the hair. Do not remove the hair until you see that film.
Dramatization (No water and ACV because I'm not braiding my hair until July) |
4.) I then take the container to the sink, and dump all the water/acv out.
5.) Rinse the hair one more time with plain water then squeeze excess water and let air dry.
5.) Rinse the hair one more time with plain water then squeeze excess water and let air dry.
(I let it hang off my chair and put some plastic on the floor to catch any dripping)
That's it folks!
PS- If you forgot to remove the chemical base on your hair, installed it and your itching like crazy...spray your scalp with a ACV and water. 16 oz of water mixed with 1 tspn of ACV. You can always adjust for smaller servings.
A few additional tips:
- Too much ACV can make the hair hard. If the hair becomes hard after the soak, you can either rinse the hair again with some warm water or shampoo/condition the hair afterwards.
- If you are getting sores or scabbing on your scalp, take the fake hair out immediately and consult with a Doctor.
- If you install the hair before doing the soak and spraying your scalp doesn't ease the itching, you should try an acv rinse. So, use the same mixture as the spritz/spray and pour it over all of your hair in either the shower or sink then rinse off with water.
As always, if you have any questions, comments or success stories, leave it in the comment section.