We're all about protective styling here at Mayvenn (hint, hint--we're a hair company). While we love the process of choosing which style to wear next, we can't stress enough how important it is to pay close attention to your scalp while your hair is wrapped up. Ijeoma, a natural hair guru who blogs at Klassy Kinks, gives the scoop on some of her favorite products that help soothe and cleanse an itchy scalp while rocking a protective style.
There’s a good chance that at some point this summer, you’ve had a braided protective style. Whether you got box braids, crochet braids, a weave, Ghana braids, or some Felicia braids to rock underneath a wig, it’s likely that you’ve experienced the infamous itchy scalp that accompanies a lot of braided hairstyles. Scalps itch for a variety of reasons, from tension to dryness to dirt, but regardless of the cause, you want some relief. Here are a few products to keep your scalp cleansed, hydrated, and relieved while rocking braids alone or under protective styles.
CAROL’S DAUGHTER MIMOSA HAIR HONEY CLARIFYING SCALP TREATMENT
I don’t know where exactly I got this squeeze bottle from (shoutout to natural hair event swag bags though!) but I picked it up a few weeks ago when I had Ghana braids and it immediately – immediately – soothed my scalp. This has a great cooling sensation for tension relief, and is also helpful for de-funking your hair. Plus, the large applicator bottle packaging makes it so easy to get in between even the tiniest of rows and will last for months on end.
Available at Carol’s Daughter, Walgreens, and Amazon for $10-$15.
GIRL + HAIR
Ever wanted to wash your braids or weave but didn’t know which cleanser or moisturizer to use to prevent frizz, dryness, and matting? Enter Girl + Hair Under Hair Care, which is an entire line of products specifically for relaxed and natural hair under hair extensions. Their Sulfate Free Cleanser, Leave in Conditioner, Restoring Balm, and new Clarifying ACV Rinse all have applicator tips and are chock full of nourishing oils.
Available at Girl+Hair, Vivrant Beauty (black owned beauty boutique!), and Amazon, for $17-$55 (set).
CANVIIY
For a super itchy scalp, try Canviiy’s line of itch relieving products, which are comprised of 50% organic ingredients, such as aloe vera, manuka honey, witch hazel, peppermint, lavender, and jojoba. Their innovative Dipstix are perfect for spot treatments and maneuvering underneath braids and weaves without disrupting your style. Plus, the cute on-the-go mini tube fits right into your makeup bag!
Available at Canviiy and Ebay, for $8-$15.
Bonus: DIY
If you’re in a serious bind and have a bad case of “pat your weave,” grab some aloe vera gel and add a few drops of both tea tree oil and peppermint oil. Mix them together and apply to your scalp using your fingers or a q-tip. Get additional relief by letting the mixture sit in the freezer for 10 minutes so it cools your scalp as well!
