How to Deal with an Itchy Weave

By: Jaimie Zinski

Whether you're adding volume to your thinning hair or length to your short tresses, weaves are a quick, stylish method to create an enviable head of hair. However, there is one side effect of hair weaves that many stylists forget to mention: itching and dry scalp. This itch occurs because the extensions are tightly woven into your natural hair, tugging on the scalp and making it difficult to shampoo your scalp effectively. Help combat this problem by caring for your hair properly, which includes avoiding giving in and scratching your scalp.

Step 1

Cut down washing your hair to every other day, or three times per week. Shampooing your hair every day dries out the scalp, making the itching worse.

Step 2

Apply a scalp and hair cream to your scalp daily. Choose a product featuring a nozzle applicator; this helps ensure the product reaches your dry scalp to help prevent and cure the unwanted itching. Work the product into your scalp with your fingertips.

Step 3

Apply a dry shampoo directly to your itchy scalp. The shampoo helps eliminate the excess oils, and relieves the itch. Use dry shampoo to help relieve the itch even if you've washed your hair, or work it through your hair with a wide-tooth comb, if you don't have time to wash your hair.

Step 4

Avoid covering your hair with a scarf or hat. Although wrapping your weave in a silk scarf or covering your head with a sleeping cap protects your extensions at night, it also doesn't allow air to circulate around your scalp, which can make the itching even worse. Wear the silk scarf or sleeping cap every other night to protect your extensions without making your itchy scalp even worse.