I thought the flakes were gone, but they are back!

[KurlyNinja]

Ever since I was 12 (when I got my first perm), I've been having serious flakes. Not the small ones that may be easy to disguise, but HUGE ones! They almost comb off looking like scabs. They used to be all over my head, but they were REALLY bad where my hair dips back in the front on either side of my widows peak. Its also where my hair had started to thin out really bad. After I started transitioning and putting down the flatiron, I havent had the flaking problem since and hair has started to regrow in the areas. So I thought all was good in the world of hair. WRONG! I've had my hair in flat twists for about 3 days now and the flaking problem is back, but only in those two little dip areas on each side of my widows peak. I must admit, its not as bad as it use to be, but its still happening! And also where the flakes are my scalp is red, but it doesn't hurt or feel tender. I dont know whats going on. Has anybody ever had this problem before? I can't afford to go to a derm (broke college student) so its either find a solution from offline or live with this. erplexed

 

[Natural Hair Stylist]

Vinegar and tea tree oil

 

[KurlyNinja]

Are there any other suggestions? Has anybody ever had this?

 

[Mandy4610]

I have scalp issues too, unfortunately I dont have a solution yet, but if you do a search for flakes or dandruff, you might find some suggestions that may help you. Something I am gonna be aware of are:

Don't let conditiners touch you scalp
Avoid putting products on you scalp (no greasing or oiling)

 

[mzteaze]

You haven't mentioned anything about the products you use and routine. Definitely keeping your scalp clean and clear helps. The fact that the flakes are large sounds like you really need to have a doctor look at the situation.

You could cheat and go to a place like Hair Club for a free consult. (Why Hair Club? Generally speaking they will take inferred pics of your scalp and check it for any conditions they may be able to help you with, for a fee of course...LOL - BUT, you might be able to glean some helpful information for the minor level of discomfort as well its the right price.) Or a local hair expert. There is a place in NYC (Brooklyn) that might work as she used to offer a free consult. But the bottom line is, if a basic ACV rinse and keeping your scalp clean doesn't work, try taking advantage of free consults.

Also, check for a clinic at a local medical school college. You might be able to find low cost services from supervised student doctors - particularly those looking for dermatology patients. While you might be a teaching case, you might be able to get a professional answer for a low cost.

 

[silenttullip]

Yep I have it and same thing happened to me when I was relaxed it was bonkers I transitioned and went natural it went away and came back about a year after me being natural. If you have what I have it's called seborrheic dermatitis (you can do a search on google to see if the pics look like your scalp). I'm guessing it's that by the huge scab like flakes and inflammation you spoke of... Might wanna see a derm to get a proper diagnosis but if they prescribe ketaconozole be careful it caused my hair to get very dry and start thinning. Whats helped me is chagrin valley poo bars, qhemets tea tree pomade, teatree shampoo, not scratching, prepooing with oil and massaging the scalp leaving the shampoo on only my scalp for 5-10mins, drinking more water, and washing twice a week or when my scalp seems icky. I keep conditioner away from my scalp and I try to limit my brushing, and acv rinses help some people I find they help if I do it before I shampoo let it dry the flakes and then shampoo. hth

 

[Itllbeokbaby]

i agree with every lady here... docs, and vinegar, and tea tree oil.