Hair Stuck to Scalp After Using Relaxer [Here’s What You Must Do]

Relaxers are chemically-based treatments created to straighten black hair. It changes the texture of the hair. There are two kinds of relaxers: No-lye relaxer and a lye-based relaxer. The no-lye brand is made with potassium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide.

Lye-based relaxers contain sodium hydroxide. Curly hair is straightened by breaking down the hair shaft’s bond. If the relaxer is not used accordingly, it can result in scalp damage and sometimes it can be severe. The outcome is hair loss, and the problem could be irreversible.

Now, some people get the terms “perm” and “relaxer” confused, but the two are very different, depending on the hair type. When Black people use relaxers, it’s to flatten the hair. When non-African American people refer to a perm, it’s to make the hair curly or wavy.

The one thing the two have in common is a chemical burn. This burn is, however, applied willingly and routinely. Often, it comes with side effects like hair loss, itchy scalp, and weeping scalp. Some people report their hair stuck together after using relaxer treatments.

Chemical Burn from Perm Solution

Yes, women go through chemical burn every 6-8 weeks by choice. Unfortunately, when women routinely use perms or relaxers, they can damage the very strands they are trying to improve on. Even styling can cause harm to the shaft and roots of the hair.

Because of the pH factor in a lye-based relaxer, it will change the hair’s natural structure. Also, the scalp could burn from the chemicals used in the relaxer. Why does the burning happen?  It could be the relaxer was left in the hair for too long.

Another reason could be the chemicals were left too close to the scalp, or there could be other underlying conditions, like scalp irritation. However, there are several organic relaxers which don’t have lye in them or other harmful chemicals if you want to use an alternative.

Some people report that their hair stuck together after relaxing their hair. This is not uncommon for women who leave the solution in over the limit.  How do you handle this unfortunate occurrence? The answer may not be what anyone suspects, so keep reading to find out.

Hair Stuck to Scalp after Using Relaxer?

Often, people experience extreme discomfort while relaxing their hair. It happens more so when the scalp is tender or irritated and if other chemicals are added to the scalp after a relaxer. Avoid using hairsprays or products containing alcohol, or it will worsen the condition.

When it comes to the hair being stuck to the scalp, it will break free of itself after a couple of days. Plenty of people use the Affirm Relaxer Kit to avoid this from happening. It comes with four applications that the user mixes.

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:

1. Premix the activator according to the instructions and the desired strength to prevent burning.
2. Wear the gloves that come in the box and the Vaseline.
3. Add a generous layer of the petroleum jelly to the hairline to prevent burning.
4. Take a fine tooth comb and apply an ample amount of the relaxer on the hair and press in or comb through.
5. When there’s enough of the cream to cover the entire head of hair, you should leave it in for about 10 or 15 minutes.
6. Rinse out thoroughly, then use a natural shampoo, such as Christina Moss Naturals. Repeat until the relaxer is gone and condition the hair.
7. Use Vaseline to coat hair stuck to the scalp.

How to Get Rid of an Itchy Scalp after Using Relaxers

Relaxers containing lye are dangerous. The user should take care when applying to the hair. An itchy scalp is a sign that it’s too much in the hair.  It may be time to find another straightening system or a safer alternative to the current relaxer or perm.

Remember, the relaxer contains lye and a few other chemicals which can wreak havoc on the locks. When the scalp can’t produce sebum naturally, the hair starts to dry and become itchy after using a relaxer. To restore the hair, one will need to add oil manually.

Here’s how it works:

1. Mix one tablespoon of olive oil and two drops of lavender oil with a single drop of tea tree oil
2. Apply the mixture to scalp
3. Massage gently using fingertips
4. Comb or brush through and style as usual
5. Repeat for the next five days

As a result, the itchy feeling should go away, and the oils should help to protect the hair from damage. Another option is to apply salicylic acid.

How to Get Rid of Relaxer Scabs

Some people use a combination of essential oils to help combat relaxer scabs. Let’s find out how they treat their hair and scalp.

Coconut Oil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1. Take a ¼ cup of olive oil or coconut oil and heat it, so it’s warm
2. Massage in for five minutes or so
3. Use a wide tooth comb to spread oil throughout the hair and scalp
4. Cover hair with towel or shower cap
5. Leave in for approximately 10 minutes or overnight
6. Rinse it out and follow up with a moisturizing conditioner and shampoo

This regime is good because it soothes the scalp, plus unclog the pores. Also, it speeds the healing process. However, refrain from picking at the scabs and scratching it. This can cause an infection and make conditions worse, and it will take longer to heal.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe cures scalp scabs due to its soothing qualities. It will help stop itching and scratching.

To make a mask, follow these directions:

1. Break off a leaf of aloe and spoon out the gel
2. Part hair and apply to infected areas
3. Leave it on overnight or wash out after one hour using medicated shampoo
4. Repeat until completely healed

Perhaps it’s best to treat the scalp for scabs is to keep the hair clean. Stop pores from clogging and acne from forming.

How to Prevent Relaxer Burns

Have sensitive skin? If so, it’s easier for these individuals to burn during a relaxer treatment. Some people prefer to add petroleum jelly to the scalp, hairline and around the ears before relaxing and some don’t. However, the person applying the application should wear gloves. There are also hair relaxers for people with a sensitive scalp.

Besides that, try these suggestions to avoid scalp burn.

• Don’t workout for two days before getting a relaxer. The sweat will open the pores making the scalp susceptible to burning quicker.
• Avoid shampooing the hair before as this will irritate the scalp. Make sure it’s been at least one week since the hair was cleaned.
• Don’t relax the hair if it’s already irritated or has sores already.
• Avoid applying the relaxer if the scalp is itchy or refrain from scratching before relaxer
• Don’t leave in for longer than suggested
• Use the proper relaxer strength (i.e., super, mild, regular)
• Do smooth relaxer in using the back of a comb instead on combing through
• Discuss any concerns with the stylist before commencing. This will alert the stylist to any problems so they may avoid burning the scalp.
• If burning, tell the stylist so they may decide to wash out early or speed up the process
• Apply Vaseline or petroleum jelly to the scalp in case or burning to relieve pain

How to Treat Scalp After Relaxer Burn

Feeling the relaxer burn? The first thing to do is wash where’s it burning with lots of water. Be sure to use the neutralizing shampoo that came with the kit. The purpose is to get rid of all the chemicals on the scalp before it becomes a real problem.

Treat Scalp Burn with an Antiseptic

With a cotton ball, apply hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol to the wound to prevent an infection from happening. Rubbing alcohol will do the trick if the peroxide is not available. When applying the antiseptic or alcohol, you should remove the hair stuck to scalp after using a relaxer.

Leaving the hair stuck will be a mistake as it won’t be so easy to take off the scab once the wound starts to form. It may even begin to bleed. With this in mind, avoid scratching at all cost. It’s going to be hard to do but resist the urge.

Detangle the hair. Mostly, the kinks will be around the scalp burn, so be gentle.

Take a cotton swab and an antibacterial cream and apply directly to the area of scalp burn.

Continue as usual with regular styling regimen, but use care. The scalp will be sensitive for the next few weeks or so.

Natural Remedies for Hair Stuck to Scalp

Aloe is the go-to plant for cuts and sores, but especially, burns. Massage the aloe vera gel into the scalp to soothe the burn. The thing about aloe is it can be left on the hair for a long time without any side effects.

Also, eating fresh fruits can help to reduce the discomfort that you may experience. Besides eating fruits, vitamin E will help reduce pain, weeping scalp after a relaxer, soreness, and itching. Warming olive oil provides support to the healing process as well as tea tree, grapeseed, flaxseed, peppermint, and fish oils.

How Long Does it Take to Heal?

The time it takes to heal will, of course, depend on the individual and the treatments used. However, it will likely take a week or a few weeks to heal depending on the severity of the burns.

Remember to rinse the chemicals out well, or the hair will stick to scalp after using a relaxer. Always use the right relaxer strength to avoid burning. This is perhaps the number one consequence of relaxing the hair at home.

Don’t wait until the scalp is on fire to wash out. That’s another huge mistake. This could be another reason the hair stuck to scalp after using a relaxer.  Be sure to use petroleum on the hairline, ears, and neck to prevent burning.

While waiting for the scalp to heal, you should avoid wearing wigs or weaving the hair. This will irritate the scalp, and it will take even longer for the scalp to heal.