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OK, What in the world is scab hair??
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ChocolateCutee
New Member
like I said that some people get it some don't. I remember transitioning when I was much younger and I had no scab hair. But this time arround I did. Its really weird. All I can describe this hair was just dry and brittle. Thats why I descided to transition with braids b/c I couldn't handle the different textures.
CaramelKiss
New Member
The Case for Scab Hair
For those of u who don't think that our scalps don't absorb relaxers, think again!!!
Why do u think many chemical and hair companies test products on animals?? Why do we wear cleaning gloves when we mop the floors or do windows?? Or what about tanning lotions or sunscreens??? These are applied to our skin to counter the effects of damaging rays. Are u saying that the sun doesn't have an effect on our skin?? That using sunscreen is useless in preventing skin cancer?? Isn't skin cancer caused by our skin absorbing all those harmful rays??
What about Propecia? Do u know that when a pregnant woman handles a cruched or broken tablet of Propecia, her risks of giving birth to a child with abnormalities increases. She's not taking the pill, she might be giving it to her father for instance. She only touched it. Anyhow here's the propecia info, cause I know some of you are gonna ask:
http://www.propecia.com/propecia/cns/ppi/warning.html
There are also chemical that u can touch which will not only mess up your dna but the dna of your grandchildren as well. But fortunately, these for the most part, out of reach of the general populous.
Anyhow, I'm not trying to scare anyone, but I am saying that some people are more sensitive to chemicals than others. And everything on this earth is a chemical.
And for people who stop taking relaxers the first few inches of hair can be "scab" hair. It doesn't haev the complete properties of relaxed hair,but it does grow out and the new growth following is softer. And it happens to some people.
As someone on this post already said, the skin is the largest organ. It can absorb many things.
I'm not saying relaxers are bad. They have been beneficial for millions of women and men and as with all chemicals, when administered properly, can have wonderful effects. I was just one of the many women who was terrible at having it done and having to maintain it.
For those of u who don't think that our scalps don't absorb relaxers, think again!!!
Why do u think many chemical and hair companies test products on animals?? Why do we wear cleaning gloves when we mop the floors or do windows?? Or what about tanning lotions or sunscreens??? These are applied to our skin to counter the effects of damaging rays. Are u saying that the sun doesn't have an effect on our skin?? That using sunscreen is useless in preventing skin cancer?? Isn't skin cancer caused by our skin absorbing all those harmful rays??
What about Propecia? Do u know that when a pregnant woman handles a cruched or broken tablet of Propecia, her risks of giving birth to a child with abnormalities increases. She's not taking the pill, she might be giving it to her father for instance. She only touched it. Anyhow here's the propecia info, cause I know some of you are gonna ask:
http://www.propecia.com/propecia/cns/ppi/warning.html
There are also chemical that u can touch which will not only mess up your dna but the dna of your grandchildren as well. But fortunately, these for the most part, out of reach of the general populous.
Anyhow, I'm not trying to scare anyone, but I am saying that some people are more sensitive to chemicals than others. And everything on this earth is a chemical.
And for people who stop taking relaxers the first few inches of hair can be "scab" hair. It doesn't haev the complete properties of relaxed hair,but it does grow out and the new growth following is softer. And it happens to some people.
As someone on this post already said, the skin is the largest organ. It can absorb many things.
I'm not saying relaxers are bad. They have been beneficial for millions of women and men and as with all chemicals, when administered properly, can have wonderful effects. I was just one of the many women who was terrible at having it done and having to maintain it.
CaramelKiss
New Member
Re: The Case for Scab Hair
Let me throw in another example:
Rub some green chilies on your nostrils. That's natural. It's safe. Shouldn't have any affects.
Uh-huh...thought so.....!
Allright, I'm not trying to be smart. I apologize.
Just tryng to state a case. But if a pepper can have that effect, imagine what a relaxer would have to do in order to break down the chemical bonds of your hair...why would it not, to some degree be absorbed by the scalp?
Let me throw in another example:
Rub some green chilies on your nostrils. That's natural. It's safe. Shouldn't have any affects.
Uh-huh...thought so.....!
Allright, I'm not trying to be smart. I apologize.
Just tryng to state a case. But if a pepper can have that effect, imagine what a relaxer would have to do in order to break down the chemical bonds of your hair...why would it not, to some degree be absorbed by the scalp?
BrnSthrngrl
New Member
I totally agree Ck, the fact that relaxers can be absorbed through the scalp is the very reason why it is recommended that pregnant women discontinue relaxing or coloring their hair during pregnancy.
marla
New Member
[ QUOTE ]
I am also not convinced. The first few inches of hair may not look like the n# of inches that come after it because it may have more definition once it is longer. Also, I think people would be walking around with all kinds of problems if relaxers soaked into their heads. Wouldn't someone somewhere be suffering neurological damage?
And what makes it stop at three inches?
I'd be less skeptical if a certified trichologist had something to say on it.
[/ QUOTE ] Maybe there are people who suffer neurological damage from long term use of relaxers, or maybe some other kind of damage like cancer.A study would have to be done to determine that, and maybe there are some. Research does show that there is a correlation between women who use black hair dye and bladder cancer. I'm not sure if it is a paticular brand, or a particular chemical. Probably the latter.Who knows what kind of damage we are doing to our bodies from long term use of relaxers? Might be worth investigating.I read somewhere, I think on this board where someone made a valid comment.We all want to grow our hair long and just might lose it all to chemo. Just a thought.
I am also not convinced. The first few inches of hair may not look like the n# of inches that come after it because it may have more definition once it is longer. Also, I think people would be walking around with all kinds of problems if relaxers soaked into their heads. Wouldn't someone somewhere be suffering neurological damage?
And what makes it stop at three inches?
I'd be less skeptical if a certified trichologist had something to say on it.
[/ QUOTE ] Maybe there are people who suffer neurological damage from long term use of relaxers, or maybe some other kind of damage like cancer.A study would have to be done to determine that, and maybe there are some. Research does show that there is a correlation between women who use black hair dye and bladder cancer. I'm not sure if it is a paticular brand, or a particular chemical. Probably the latter.Who knows what kind of damage we are doing to our bodies from long term use of relaxers? Might be worth investigating.I read somewhere, I think on this board where someone made a valid comment.We all want to grow our hair long and just might lose it all to chemo. Just a thought.
Laela
Sidestepping the "lynch mob"
[ QUOTE ]
I for sure know it does because I had it when I was transitioning. My hair felt so hard and coarse. It nearly put me of transitioning b/c I thought my hair would be like that.
After a couple of months my hair became softer and more managable. I honestly think that some people get it (those who are transitioning) and some don't. I for one thought I had no curl in my hair and after a few months the curl/coil def. did improve.
Not being rude but if you have relaxed hair how can you dissmiss something that your not going through. (transitioning)
[/ QUOTE ]
You make the most sense to me. I think that scab theory is a bit off, too. I'm transitioning, again, and my new grow's texture is in contrast to the relaxer but it's not as tough to the touch or wiry, as I'm reading others are experiencing. so I don't think I've ever experienced scab hair....
My last touch-up was in March.
I for sure know it does because I had it when I was transitioning. My hair felt so hard and coarse. It nearly put me of transitioning b/c I thought my hair would be like that.
After a couple of months my hair became softer and more managable. I honestly think that some people get it (those who are transitioning) and some don't. I for one thought I had no curl in my hair and after a few months the curl/coil def. did improve.
Not being rude but if you have relaxed hair how can you dissmiss something that your not going through. (transitioning)
[/ QUOTE ]
You make the most sense to me. I think that scab theory is a bit off, too. I'm transitioning, again, and my new grow's texture is in contrast to the relaxer but it's not as tough to the touch or wiry, as I'm reading others are experiencing. so I don't think I've ever experienced scab hair....
My last touch-up was in March.
I remember when I permed reguarly, the new growth coming in was a bit crispy. Now, several years later - since all of the hair is natural, when new growth comes in - it is more or less wavy. How would one get around the scab hair problem? Is there a way to perm safely so that scab hair doesn't come an issue? Do those who perm their hair every 3 months or twice per year notice any "scab hair" when new growth comes in?
mkstar826
supersonic
When I cut my relaxed ends off, I did not have scab hair. My friend said she did experience it when she cut her relaxed ends off. She said her hair was coarse and dry no matter what she did or what products she used.
I do think this is a real thing because so many people experience it. I don't think it's not knowing what to do with the hair or anything like that. I think for some people, depending on how frequently they relaxed, how many years, and what strength they used, it does take sometime for the hair and scalp to "heal" themselves from the relaxer. I've noticed that as my hair grows out the texture is changing and I attribute that to my system purging the relaxer.
I do think this is a real thing because so many people experience it. I don't think it's not knowing what to do with the hair or anything like that. I think for some people, depending on how frequently they relaxed, how many years, and what strength they used, it does take sometime for the hair and scalp to "heal" themselves from the relaxer. I've noticed that as my hair grows out the texture is changing and I attribute that to my system purging the relaxer.
RushGirl
#1 PARTY GIRL
BUMP! Hey all of the new naturals out there.. do you have any scab hair?? I definitely do and it's GROSS! 
the only place that I don't have much of it is in my nape area...there is only about 1/2 inch of it there..but the other areas.. I have anywhere from 1.5-2.5 inches.. there are areas of my hair that I don't even have a 1/2 inch of non-scab hair.. YUCK! If you have it.. are you cutting it off soon or are you going to wait till your hair gets longer?? Just curious....
the only place that I don't have much of it is in my nape area...there is only about 1/2 inch of it there..but the other areas.. I have anywhere from 1.5-2.5 inches.. there are areas of my hair that I don't even have a 1/2 inch of non-scab hair.. YUCK! If you have it.. are you cutting it off soon or are you going to wait till your hair gets longer?? Just curious....
Cinnabuns
Active Member
sassygirl125 said:I read in a natural hair book that some of the chemicals in relaxers are absorbed through the scalp. So the first few inches of hair aren't your true texture.
I had no idea what "scab hair" was. I heard the term a long time ago but I never knew what it meant.
Poohbear
Fearfully Wonderfully Made
I'm transitioning to natural and have almost 3 months of new growth. My new growth isn't coarse and dry like that description of scab hair. It feels soft and curly. I think it all depends on the form of your hair: whether it grows in straight, wavy, or curly. Here's a website about the different forms---> http://www.visual-makeover.com/form.htm 
And about relaxer application... if I'm not mistaken, you're not suppose to apply relaxer to your scalp, just a few cm's or mm's away from your scalp on your hair. I know the skin is porous but I do not think your scalp absorbs the relaxer. So how can relaxer affect the hair that hasn't grow in yet unless you apply the relaxer on your scalp?
And about relaxer application... if I'm not mistaken, you're not suppose to apply relaxer to your scalp, just a few cm's or mm's away from your scalp on your hair. I know the skin is porous but I do not think your scalp absorbs the relaxer. So how can relaxer affect the hair that hasn't grow in yet unless you apply the relaxer on your scalp?
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RushGirl
#1 PARTY GIRL
Mine new growth.. well, not what's coming out now.. but what came out before..is coarse and dry..what's coming out now is a completely different texture.. the coarse and dry hair.. aka "scab hair" it's still really curly..but you can have coarse and dry curly hair.Poohbear said:I'm transitioning to natural and have almost 3 months of new growth. My new growth isn't coarse and dry like that description of scab hair. It feels soft and curly. I think it all depends on the form of your hair: whether it grows in straight, wavy, or curly. Here's a website about the different forms---> http://www.visual-makeover.com/form.htm
And about relaxer application... if I'm not mistaken, you're not suppose to apply relaxer to your scalp, just a few cm's or mm's away from your scalp on your hair. So how can relaxer affect the hair that hasn't grow in yet unless you apply the relaxer on your scalp?
You probably aren't suppose to apply the relaxer on your scalp..but I did..I had no idea that you weren't suppose to.. I never read the directions.. I have no idea whether or not my mom avoided my scalp..but I did my own hair from sometime in high school I think..till a started transitioning.. I'm 34 now..so I was doing my own hair for at least 17 years.. in fact, now that I think about it.. I don't think my mom avoided my scalp either..
But, TigerLily is right.. you won't know if you have it or not until you chop off the relaxed ends.. I didn't know that I had it even for quite a while after that..
And about the neurological damage thing.. are brains are covered by a skull... so brain damage wouldn't come into play in this case..
FlowerHair
Reclaiming my time
paishens said:tekmommie said:
ITA, the skin is like a sponge.
jainygirl
New Member
I cant tell if i have scab hair or not. Everything seems normal so far. I dont think i have enough hair though to really make a comparison of what could be scab hair and what isnt. I'm sure i have a little somewhere but not enough to wreak havok or anything.
I do think i'll get a 1/2 inch trim in 3 months, just in case. I know when i was relaxed i self relaxed about every 10 weeks and was careful about it not touching my scalp and stuff. I do think that would make a difference in how much scab hair you have. -- jainygirl
I do think i'll get a 1/2 inch trim in 3 months, just in case. I know when i was relaxed i self relaxed about every 10 weeks and was careful about it not touching my scalp and stuff. I do think that would make a difference in how much scab hair you have
. -- jainygirl
RushGirl
#1 PARTY GIRL
Not for everyone.. I'm not sure why it happens..but I would say definitely for me.. the relaxer was put where it wasn't suppose to go..and that was done for a very long time...toinette said:
Edited to add: I also relaxed every 4-5 weeks.. that's probably why I have so much.. never avoiding my scalp..always overlapping..on not very much new growth.. who knew.. .I sure didn't..
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Poohbear
Fearfully Wonderfully Made
Poohbear said:
Hmmm... I analyzed my hair more after being introduced to the idea of scab hair. I think I said the wrong things earlier. But Tigerlily, I think you CAN tell whether you have it or not without chopping the relaxed ends off. I saw that I only have this rough, dry hair around my edges. When I put my hair in a bun, no matter how many times I moisturize my edges and then smooth them, my edges stay dry. There are little, brittle looking hairs that stick out around my edges. I felt my kitchen area and it seems like I have it there as well. In all other areas of my hair (top, crown, back, & sides), I have soft, spirally new growth.
So it looks like you can have scab hair in different areas of your hair. It also makes sense that I have scab hair around my edges and in my kitchen area because those areas are the thinnest/finest areas in my hair. After years of relaxing those areas, I'm sure it can have an effect on how my hair grows around my edges and kitchen.
What do you guys think?
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Cincysweetie
Well-Known Member
RushGirl said:
I don't know if I completely agree with this statement. I see what you are saying about our brains being protected by a skull, but chemicals, if absorbed into the scalp can enter the blood stream, which *I think* could def. have a route into the brain. I could be wrong though.
I admire those of you transitioning, I hope to do it one day! Good luck with the scab hair. I guess if you are experiencing that it is nice to know that it's only a phase that you should overcome shortly.
TigerLily
New Member
No, you can't tell if you have scab hair until you cut off the relaxed ends. Once the natural hair doesn't have anything attached to it and the air hits it fully, it will behave far differently than it does with a different texture attached to it. And then sometimes, you'll think you have one hair type, 'cause the relaxed hair is stretching your natural curl, only to find out that you have a different hair type after you've cut off the relaxed ends. It does make a difference.Poohbear said:
I saw that I only have this rough, dry hair around my edges. When I put my hair in a bun, no matter how many times I moisturize my edges and then smooth them, my edges stay dry. There are little, brittle looking hairs that stick out around my edges. I felt my kitchen area and it seems like I have it there as well. In all other areas of my hair (top, crown, back, & sides), I have soft, spirally new growth.
So it looks like you can have scab hair in different areas of your hair. It also makes sense that I have scab hair around my edges and in my kitchen area because those areas are the thinnest/finest areas in my hair. After years of relaxing those areas, I'm sure it can have an effect on how my hair grows around my edges and kitchen.
What do you guys think?
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