How to Treat a Dry Scalp under Weave

Most African American’s endure mild to moderate dry scalp under the weave. Unfortunately, it can become a chronic problem, especially during extreme hot and cold weather. It removes moisture from the hair and scalp, leaving it feeling overly dry and uncomfortably itchy. It is no fun at all.

The desire to continually scratch your head leads to the release of small white flakes. When you have black hair, dry scalp flakes are highly visible. Even if people don’t comment, they’re bound to notice. And this has consequences for your confidence and self-esteem. Nobody wants the embarrassment of having dandruff-like symptoms.

In this guide, we’re going to look at the different ways that you can treat the itchiness and dryness of natural hair. This includes an examination of the best treatments for African American hair and looking at natural remedies that work. We’ll also provide some hints and tips on how to prevent your scalp becoming overly dry.

How to Stop My Scalp from Itching Under a Weave

This guide will give you tips on how to ease a dry, itchy scalp underneath a weave. Caring for and moisturizing your scalp, hair and weave are all equally important. When you practice the right care routine, your weave will stay comfortable longer, and your scalp underneath will be healthier.

First, it’s important to know what could be causing the dry, itching sensation in the first place. Once you know where the problem starts, it can be easier to treat it quickly and more effectively.

So, let’s take a look at why your weave might start itching. If you can take some steps to prevent the itchiness before sewing it in, you may not have to deal with dryness, dandruff or irritation at a later stage.

Can a Weave Damage the Scalp?

There are many myths and misconceptions about sew-in weaves. It’s important to know what’s fact and fiction.

But, you also shouldn’t ignore some of the potential dangers of this process. Most of the problems that occur are due to having them attached incorrectly. But, it could also be due to your scalp health.

• Important: One of the worst things you can do is getting a weave glued directly to your scalp. When this is done repeatedly, it can lead to hair loss and inflammation. For some people, it can even lead to alopecia.

Sew-in weaves can help with this problem. But, it’s important to make sure it isn’t sewn in so tightly that it constantly pulls on your hair follicles. That can create just as much stress on the scalp.

The other factor to consider is if you already have a scalp condition. Many people struggle with seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, or an itchy scalp for other reasons. If you attach a weave to an itchy or inflamed scalp, it could make things worse.

The itching and potential hair loss from a weave could lead to things like infection, or even balding and permanent scarring on the scalp.

Why Does My Weave Itch When I Wrap It?

The cause of a dry scalp can be due to many external factors. When you have a weave, it can become even worse. The reason weaves and tight braids usually itch and even hurt is because they pull on the hair follicles attached to the scalp.

If your hair is pulled too tightly when the weave is being sewn in, the follicles can become inflamed. That causes a lot of itching. Unfortunately, that’s only problem number one when it comes to having a weave sewn in.

A further problem that happens when you get a weave is that the skin of your scalp experiences a lack of moisture and air. These are two necessary things for a healthy scalp. Without these elements, it’s easy for a bunch of problems to occur.

When your hair is underneath a net or a lot of ‘fake’ hair, that means it is going a long time without the moisture it needs. That leads to a dry scalp and a lot of itching and discomfort. Some people can even experience a burning sensation.

It’s risky to get your hair wet unless you know how to dry it properly. Sweating, or getting your hair wet beneath your weave can lead to the wrong kind of moisture getting trapped. That can cause some nasty side effects, including mold.

Not only can that be embarrassing, but it can cause a lot of itching, too. When you wrap your weave, you can intensify this problem by trapping in moisture and not letting your scalp air out.

Prevent an Itchy Weave with a Net

If you’re going to get a weave, we recommend getting one with a net.

Netting weave caps or netting weaves are meant to protect the hair from breaking or thinning. A net also works as a barrier when you’re sewing or braiding in your weave. This creates less stress on the follicles that can, in turn, cause less itching.

Unfortunately, netting weaves can still be itchy and have some of the same problems as regular sewn-in weaves. There are nets that contain moisturizing ingredients. These caps can create a protective barrier from the sew-in weave and also use ingredients like argan oil to keep your scalp from drying out.

If you still have an itchy weave with a net, you can start by using one of these caps. Otherwise, follow some of the tips we’ll list later in this guide to reduce the discomfort.

How to Moisturize Your Hair Under a Weave

Take care of the weave itself, and your hair underneath. By moisturizing your hair under a weave, it will become less itchy and you reduce the chance of damage, dandruff and more. It’s easy to forget that your hair is still there underneath a long and luxurious weave, but don’t ignore it.

You don’t need to fuss with your real hair every single day. But, if you take the time to moisturize it at least once a week, you’ll be doing yourself and your scalp a huge favor.

Thankfully, it’s easy to do and there are several ways you can add healthy hydration to your hair:

1. Clean and cleanse: Many people opt for something called ‘co-washing.’ That means they ‘wash’ their hair with conditioner and no shampoo. The idea is that the sulfates in some shampoos can cause your hair and scalp to lose moisture. Unfortunately, just using conditioner can cause a product build-up on your scalp. This can lead to even more itching and flaking. Instead, wash with a good shampoo for African American hair and condition your hair underneath the weave every 7-10 days. Use a moisturizing shampoo, such as DeMert Wig & Weave System Shampoo, if possible. To do this without damaging the sewn-in areas, let your fingers go beneath the weave and focus on the areas between your braids.
2. Essential oils: Natural oils like jojoba and tea tree can help your scalp feel less itchy and lock in moisture beneath your weave. You can place some of these oils (be sure to dilute tea tree oil) directly on your scalp and gently massage them in. Be sure not to use too much, or they could loosen your braids.
3. Spritz your scalp: Fill a spray bottle with a water-based conditioning product. If your scalp is feeling dry and itchy, gently spritz it as needed. Again, be sure not to overdo it or you could create a product build up. Try to focus on areas of your scalp where the braid line is, rather than getting your weave ‘wet’ with a conditioning product.

If you cleanse your hair underneath your weave regularly, you shouldn’t experience so much irritation and itchiness from dryness. But, if you still do, follow these other tips to help lock in moisture without causing more damage to your scalp.

How to Stop Dandruff in Your Weave

A dry scalp underneath can lead to dandruff in your weave.

When dandruff occurs on your scalp, the large flakes can become trapped within the weave, which can lead to embarrassment. Thankfully, the treatment for dandruff under a weave is much like treating dandruff any other way. One of the best solutions is to use an anti-dandruff shampoo like Nizoral A-D.

Follow these steps when using a dandruff shampoo with your weave:

1. Massage a quarter-sized amount of dandruff shampoo onto your scalp. Be careful around the area where your weave is attached. Massing too thoroughly around this area could cause it to come loose.
2. Let the shampoo sit on your head for about five minutes. This will give it a chance to work more effectively and get rid of whatever may be causing dandruff.
3. Rinse your hair with warm water until all the shampoo is gone. It’s best to use warm water, not hot. Hot water can dry out your hair and scalp even more.
4. Comb your hair with a wide-tooth comb gently, and style as desired.
5. Comb your hair gently 3-4 times a day to get rid of any excess flakes.
6. Repeat the shampoo process two times a week until all traces of the dandruff are gone.

If you find that you’re more prone to dandruff underneath your weave, you can continue this process once or twice a week to prevent it from coming back or getting worse.

What is the Best Shampoo for a Weave?

Washing your hair and scalp is still important, even with a weave. Most African American women who are familiar with sew-in weaves know that moisture on the hair and scalp underneath can be an issue. If you don’t get enough, it can create a world of problems.

But not all shampoos are created equally. If you have a dandruff problem, using an anti-dandruff shampoo as suggested above is a great option. But, if you just want to keep your hair and scalp healthy when you do wash it, the best way to go is with a natural shampoo.

Most traditional cosmetic shampoos contain a lot of ingredients that can dry out your scalp. Things like sulfates and preservatives strip your hair of its moisture. Again, that’s why many women choose to only condition their hair.

Instead of just using conditioner, focus on using the right shampoo instead. One of the best natural shampoos is Christina Moss Naturals Organic Shampoo. It can be used on all hair types and even on treated hair. It contains only natural ingredients and won’t strip your hair or scalp of its natural oils.

If you don’t want to use the Christina Moss shampoo, choose something similar with simple, nourishing ingredients. Your shampoo should help to keep your hair and scalp healthy, not take away from it.

Taking Care of Your Scalp and Hair

When you take care of your hair and scalp underneath the weave, it can help to end dryness and itching. Keep these tips in mind and remember to do them carefully. If not, you could loosen the braids holding your weave in place.

• Dry your hair: You don’t need to wash your hair every day when you have a weave. In fact, you should only wash it a couple times a week. When you do, though, make sure to dry it thoroughly. This means lifting up the weave and drying each track underneath. Leaving your hair wet underneath a weave can cause it to become damaged and break. If moisture gets trapped underneath the weave, it can also lead to mold and mildew and may cause a foul odor to come from your scalp.
• Don’t use extreme heat: When you’re drying out your weave and hair, use the low setting on your hairdryer. Using high heat could cause your scalp to burn and your hair to dry out.
• Let your scalp breathe: Don’t go from wearing a weave to getting another one sewn in when you take it out. It’s important to give your hair and scalp time to ‘breathe.’ Let down your hair and take out your braids every six weeks or so.
• Deep condition: Once you do take your weave out, apply a deep conditioning treatment to your hair. This will help to restore moisture. You can do this at home or go to a salon for a professional conditioning treatment.
• Dry shampoo: Applying dry shampoo between your tracks/braids can help to soak up excess oil and product buildup. Too much oil on your scalp can lead to dandruff. So, using dry shampoo to absorb it not only helps with itching but heavy flaking too.

Protecting Your Weave

Aside from taking care of your hair and scalp underneath, you should also focus on taking care of the weave itself. Keeping it ‘healthy’ can lead to less itching and irritation and may not pull on the braids as much.

One of the best things you can do is to wrap your weave at night. Many women opt to do this with a simple scarf. Satin scarves are the best choice in material. They help to lock in moisture from your hair and scalp and keep your locks protected from things like cotton pillows, etc.

You should also wear a scarf over your weave during certain weather conditions. Extreme temperatures, rain, or wind could cause damage and create irritation.

You should keep heat levels low, too. You already now know that it’s important to avoid too much heat on the hair underneath. But, whether you have a sew-in or leave-out, heat is the enemy.

Style your hair as much as you can without using things like flat irons or curling irons. Too much heat can cause damage to the weave and even make it look and feel ‘crispy,’ instead of soft and luscious.

What Are the Best Home Remedies for a Dry Scalp Under a Weave?

If you’ve tried all the other tips in this article but still have a dry, itchy scalp, don’t give up hope.

There are many home remedies that can ease the burning sensation caused by a weave:

• We’ve already touched on using tea tree oil for your scalp. But, aside from using it to moisturize it can also help you deal with different conditions. Tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is also a natural antiseptic. Because it is so potent, it needs to be mixed with a carrier oil (like olive oil). Applying a few drops to your scalp can help you deal with issues like itching and can help to prevent fungus or bacteria from growing if you’ve scratched your skin.
• Coconut oil also has antifungal properties. It’s used in many different hair products today because of its moisturizing ability. You can use coconut oil as a DIY ‘hair mask.’ All you need to do is warm up a bit of coconut oil and massage it into your scalp and hair. Let sit for one hour before rinsing away. It will help to prevent flaking and will reduce your desire to scratch.
• Aloe vera is another ingredient that is found in many hair and skin products. You can use an aloe vera hair product. Just make sure the other ingredients won’t dry out your scalp in the process. Or, you can use pure aloe vera directly on your scalp. It will help to soothe any burning sensation you might be feeling. If you’ve accidentally scratched your scalp, using aloe vera can help it heal faster and may ward off infection.

Conclusion

Black hair doesn’t always take on moisture, to begin with. One of the reasons many African American women get weaves is to give their hair volume, length, and shine. But, it’s important to take care of your hair and scalp underneath the weave or you could run into a lot of problems.

Preventing a dry scalp when you get a weave starts with how it’s put in. Avoid using glue if possible, especially if you take your weave in and out frequently. Sewing in the weave is a better option, but it’s still necessary to make sure the braids aren’t too tight.

Having a clean and healthy scalp to start with is another important factor. If you want to prevent your scalp from becoming dry and itchy, don’t start with a dry and itchy scalp. Take care of your hair and scalp before you get a weave.

Developing a good hair, scalp, and weave routine will be your greatest asset if you regularly have problems with dryness and itching. Once you’ve started to use some of these tips, you can keep them in mind as a part of that routine, and you won’t have to suffer from irritation and itching.