Question:
Dry Itchy Scalp

My scalp is so dry and itchy I don't know what to do! I am a black woman, so I put oil on my scalp daily and this doesn't seem to help. I have scratched sores on scalp, I wake up at night because of the itch. I was told that it could be because I am not getting enough protein. Can someone give some help.    — noreale (posted on June 25, 2008)

June 25, 2008
I am not sure what kind of hair-do you are wearing, weave of glue, non-glue weave, pressNcurl, braids, relaxer, or coloring, but now is the time to make sure you give your hair the best of the care, due to WLS. Make sure you do get your protein and vitamins, and some say Biotin works too, drinking lots of water, and nightly good nights rest. If you can, use a vented hair band to keep your hair in place while at home, try not to wear rollers to bed, and too much hair oil and curling irons. Your scalp will be irritated from the extra dryness and scratching. Try not to scratch because eventually you could get scabs and infections which can be really hard to control and heal. Since you are on line, use a search engine to find a black hair care supply store because they will carry an assortment of specific products made for people of color trying to manage their hair. This what I recommend, even though I am not a profession hair person, but I have three sisters and a daughter and I have done my and my sisters hair since I was in 4th grade. Light oils with bergamot, calendula, sage, and citrus mixture with a base oil of almond will help a lot. I you have the extra cash; there are natural oils vendor-carriers who specifies in these type of product, which have great scents for hair, face, and body all related to people of color. I am a self taught hair do lady wishing you the best.
   — sor09

June 25, 2008
Hi Mary. I am not black and cannot address the issue of if you are using some type of chemical in your hair that may be causing this because I am not familiar with that, but I did have RNY (14mos out), I did have a very similar problem with my hair, and did work in a WLS center. I'm not sure the lack of protein is causing dry scalp, but here is what I do know and recommend. Do make sure you are getting enough protein, for lack of it will cause your hair to fall out! You need at least 60g per day, and if your hair is thinning, then increase it to 70-80g. Make sure you are getting enough water. You need at least 64oz per day, but with it being hot like it is right now, your body needs closer to 80oz, especially if your skin is dry and you are outside any at all. (this has been a recent problem with me!) I also had my hair hightlighted about 5 months post RNY, and it totally burned my hair. I had to have it cut pretty short to get the dry burnt hair off and I'm just having to let the gray shine thru for a while :-). And lastly, do make sure you are taking your vitamins! All of them! Not sure which WLS you had, but if it's Lap Band or Sleeve, you should be taking a good multivitamin a day plus calcium if it's needed. If you had RNY, then you should be taking vitamins specifically made for RNY patients, such as Bariatric Advantage. RNY patients should be taking multis, calcium, iron, and B12. I hope this helped and feel free to email me if you want to talk more! Happy losing!
   — pam2007

June 25, 2008
I agree fully with the thoughts of upping your protein and water, but also suggest something like "Silk" or "SoSilk" to help with the itch and possibly the texture of your hair
   — Ravenwulf

June 25, 2008
I have, through out my life experienced dry and itchy scalp. I am almost 3 months post-up and I haven't experienced any hair issues. However, my recommendation is that along with getting in your protein and water, that you find a good conditioner that will not only work for your hair, but for your scalp too. I like the cholesterol conditioner when doing my hair at home. You may also want to make sure the shampoo you are using doesn't contain a drying agent such as alcohol. You might also try a hot oil treatment. If all else fails you may want to check with a qualified hair dresser or your dermatologist.
   — Carmie08

June 26, 2008
Haven't had WLS yet, but I run into that problem quite a bit myself because my scalp is pretty sensitive. When it gets bad I wash my hair more often, since nothing is wetter than water. ;) It also helps because being hot and sweaty in this weather can aggravate things. Then I deep condition with a cholesterol treatement and let it stay on for a while. As far as more long-term relief goes-- when my hair is braided/twisted this product called Sulfur 8 directly on my scalp. It feels WONDERFUL, all cool and tingly when it first goes on. It does have a bit of a smell, but there's also a light version without the odor that works almost as well.
   — snickersblk

June 28, 2008
I was told that it is a lack of vitamin D
   — bariatricdivalatina