Itchy Nape?? HELP!

[blondemane]

Hi everyone! I have a problem thats been bothering me. Every time I wash my hair afterwards my nape is really itchy even after I oil my scalp and it's just my nape. It's only for about 2-3 days after wash. I used to get burns when I had relaxers but I have been natural for almost 3 years in January. I use creme of nature shampoo (white bottle blue top, I think its an older kind, found it in Texas this summer) Any suggestions as to what could be going on? I know that Jojoba oil mimics your natural hair/scalp oils and I was going to try oiling with this next wash. As of now I use a hot 6 oil/coconut oil/olive oil mix. Thanks in advance for any advice!!!!

 

[bellebebe]

I have the same problem. #bumping

Sent from. my sexy phone

 

[blondemane]

well glad to know it's not just me. Hopefully we can figure this thing out! What do you use on your scalp if you don't mind me asking?

 

[jcdlox]

Did this just start or has it always done this? I developed scalp issues from an allergic reaction to hair color. Could you have an allergy or irritation to something new?

 

[blondemane]

Kinda of new or at least bothering me enough to notice it now. And I did color my hair in July.. I was thinking of trying a new shampoo as well maybe idk. Just started using the creme of nature I used it faithfully when I was younger though

 

[Bunnyhaslonghair]

What area are u located? Could just be the winter air.

 

[blondemane]

What area are u located? Could just be the winter air.

hmmm never thought about this. I do go to school in the mountains of Virginia

 

[Blyss_curls]

I've noticed when I need to replace my water filter (to filter out hard water), certain areas of my scalp will feel irritated/itchy.

You could have hard water.
The run off of water (down the back of your head), settles at your nape. So maybe your nape is more sensitive to the hard water, or that is just where it's all collecting after you shower, wash your hair, etc .

You might try keeping a spritz bottle w/distilled water in your bathroom. Spritz and rinse your nape w/the distilled after you shower, and wash your hair.

Sometimes when between filters, I'll use a hard water conditioner (from Sally's Beauty supply) to help the problem. I've heard some members talk about one by Redken, too (but I don't recall the name of it).

I hope this helps!

 

[blondemane]

Blyss_curls good point. I'm renting a older house in my college town and we definitely dont have filters. What if I filter water with our Brita water filter and just rinse my hair with that? Is that a good/strong enough filter?

 

[SimJam]

another suggestion, are you fully rinsing the product out of your hair and scalp?

I wash my hair at the bathroom sink (so my head is bent over) and I noticed sometimes the front of my scalp would itch and sometimes get flaky. Turns out I wasn't making sure to wash and rinse my scalp in that section properly.

if you wash your hair in the shower, then that possible problem area would be your nape ( though i think its less likely to happen when your washing your hair in the shower) but its a possibility

 

[blondemane]

SLiMJam I was my hair in the sink as well. Like a huge kitchen sink but I'll make sure to rinse better as well!

 

[Blyss_curls]

@Blyss_curls good point. I'm renting a older house in my college town and we definitely dont have filters. What if I filter water with our Brita water filter and just rinse my hair with that? Is that a good/strong enough filter?

I'm not sure about the Brita (as I don't use it for my hair). But I'd guess that it may be better than the water you are using, that's irritating your scalp.

You may also just purchase some distilled water in the bottle from the grocer. A half gallon is usually less than $2-$3.00.

Let us know if that helps your symptoms at all!

 

[Bunnyhaslonghair]

hmmm never thought about this. I do go to school in the mountains of Virginia

I'm in NC and I think the cold, less humid air this time of year gives me a dry scalp and dry skin overall which causes the itches. Plus I'm less likely to be outside with wet hair (and scalp) so naturally the skin is drier and more affected by the cold air. I'm always weary about putting things on my scalp, so I would try at least covering you're hair when you're outside before you have to mess with your regimen.

Perhaps the 2-3 days after
your wash is when the skin is most exposed because it is clean and lacking sebum. Therefore less protective barrier between your scalp and the air?? Just a theory.

 

[bellebebe]

well glad to know it's not just me. Hopefully we can figure this thing out! What do you use on your scalp if you don't mind me asking?

Since I've been doing ACV treatments, it doesn't happen anymore.

Sent from. my sexy phone

 

[Angelicus]

I used to have a horribly itchy scalp, no matter how hard I washed or scratched. After trial and error, I found the root of the problem and did the following to relieve my issue:

1. I do not apply anything to my scalp on a daily basis. The only times I apply something to my scalp is when I am shampooing my hair with a clarifying shampoo, doing a hot oil treatment, or basing my scalp before relaxing. No "greasing the scalp," no Monistat treatments, none of that.

2. I stopped using commercial dyes! Those commercial dyes contain PPD, ammonia, all types of stuff that my scalp hated. No matter how much I rinsed, my nape would always be on fire. The moment I started using natural dyes such as henna and indigo, my scalp thanked me.

3. I stopped washing and rinsing my hair in the sink. Since my head was tilted over the bowl, all the gunk and junk I was trying to rinse out was going back to my scalp, particularly in the nape area. I now wash my hair in the shower.

4. Stopped using products with all the crap. - I really pay attention to everything I put in my hair. I research ingredients and again, always make sure I am not putting anything on my scalp. I do not have scalp dryness-- in fact, my scalp health improved by not putting anything on it.

I really hope this helps!

 

[AFashionSlave]

I had an itchy scalp when I lived up north. It was the hard water.

It also could be your shampoo. You also may need to clarify your scalp. Whenever I use moisturizing shampoos sometimes my scalp will feel covered & super itchy a couple of days later.

 

[ElizaBlue]

Interesting...I just decided to transition after having my last relaxer back in May. My new growth is so dry in the crown and with these straight ends, it looks a mess...until I wash it and then it's just a mess I can comb a bit better...

Anyway in an effort to soften my new growth I bought a ton of stuff, including Ayurvedic oils. Using the Mahabhringaraj and Shikakai oils with some Neem on my scalp. That's when I noticed the itching started. I did some research and apparently the indigo if an ingredient can cause itching.

So I figured it was that. I also used S-Curl...so it could be glycerin. I was also HEAVILY using Edge Control and ECO Styler on edges and nape.

Last night I rinsed and left in my ORS Replinishing Conditioner, made a pony tail, wrapped it up in a scarf and went to bed.

I didn't scratch one time. Not once. My nape is fine now....so there may be an ingredient you nape doesn't like. This morning I have no frizz and some waves I'd never seen before...

 

[blondemane]

Just wanted to report back and say I definitely think it was the water. I boiled water and let it cool and did my final rinse with it and no itchies! I even went outside in the cold and still nothing I barely put oil on my scalp. Thanks for all of the suggestions and help!!! I really appreciate it!!!!!!

SN: I guess I'll invest in a water filter soon for my kitchen sink. Open to suggestions