Itch because of my Dreads. Help! What to do?
Don’t panic! You can do something about this!
There are different options to prevent / ease the itch when your dreads have already been installed, but also before you install them.
Dreads not installed; Prevent itch in advance?
When your dreads are not installed yet you can treat the dreads (or synthetic hair if you’re making dreads or braids yourself) with apple cider vinegar.
Often synthetic dreads and synthetic hair are coated with an alkaline base, this coating can cause a lot of itch. A lot of manufacturers use alkaline and other chemicals to protect the hair from heat.
By treating the dreads/hair with apple cider vinegar you can get rid of most of the alkaline coating and reduce the (chance of) itch.
The Henlon hair and the Kanekalon hair from Dreadshop is developed without chemical coating, the Renate's Locks of Love also contain no chemical coating. So our synthetic hair and dreads don't need to be treated.
This is how you treat your dreadlocks with apple cider vinegar:
- Fill the sink or a big bowl with 2/3rd warm water and 1/3rd apple cider vinegar.
- Immerse the dreads / the hair in the water, make sure it is completely soaked.
- Let it soak for ± 20 minutes.
- Rinse the dreads / the hair thoroughly with water.
- Optionally wash the dreads / the hair with shampoo to get rid of the apple cider vinegar scent.
- Let the dreads / the hair dry.
With certain types of synthetic hair a white film will appear on the water, with others this won’t happen. In both cases it has the same effect.
If your dreads are already installed and you want to try this method, you can do this:
- Fill up a spray bottle with one half warm water, the other half apple cider vinegar.
- Spray this mixture on your dreads, make sure they’re soaked.
- Leave it in your hair for ± 20 minutes.
- Rinse the dreads thoroughly with water and if you want, wash it with shampoo.
- Let the dreads dry.
This will have a less strong effect than when you soak the dreads in a bowl, but it can definitely help.
What if my dreads are already installed?
Using a Conditioning Spray can help ease the itch, it contains aloe vera and this eases sore or itchy spots on your scalp.
You can use these sprays directly on your wet or dry scalp (and dreads), after spraying you can massage it in if desired. An additional benefit is that your scalp and dreads will smell nice and fresh after!
Using a shampoo in addition is also important to keep you scalp clean and itch free. The Spray Shampoo is enriched with Tea-Tree. This is a natural ingredient that keeps your scalp healthy and also prevents itching and irritation.
Here you can find more information about washing your dreads.
Enjoy wearing your dreads, hopefully itch free ;)
-X- Renate
With my 20 years of experience with Synthetic Dreads, I have incorporated my 5 golden tips about the care of Synthetic Dreads into a beautiful eBook. Would you like to read my experiences and tips? Then here to download my eBook for free.