Today, I want to talk about a subject that no one likes to talk about but a subject nonetheless that needs to be talked about. That subject being scalp acne! Even as a teenager I was very fortunate. I hardly had any acne, and up until now rarely had breakouts.
For those that do not know, I have a condition called Crohn's Disease. To learn more about Crohn's Disease click here to read about it. With my Crohn's (and the medicines they have me on currently) I get really bad patches of acne, and most of the time they are in my scalp. The first thing I did once it happened was research! There are so many theories and ideas out there about how to get rid of it. However, I found the following five ways below the most interesting, as well as helpful... (credit goes to Kristen Jackson, hairbudda.net, and Bustle)
Tea Tree Oil
"This powerful essential oil has some serious anti-inflammatory properties. Purchasing shampoos with tea tree oil in it is a great way to prevent for pimples on your scalp. If you're looking to get rid of a blemish covered in hair, apply ice on the site for about 7 minutes (or as long as it takes for the ice to completely melt) and then apply tea tree oil to continue keeping the inflammation down. This is a great method for one-off pimples on the scalp."
I have personally used Tea Tree Oil, and I have found so far for me this is the best way to get rid of it (or at least "calm it down").
Brush/Comb Your Hair Daily
"One great way to avoid acne is by removing dead skin cells that are clogging your pores. Combing (several times) not only does that, it also boosts scalp circulation, bringing with it more oxygen and nutrients. And this boost of vitamins helps heal acne as well as improve the overall condition of your hair."
"Every night before going to bed make a habit to comb your scalp several times. Be gentle on the areas that hurt, as you don’t want to injure the pimple."
It is suggested that you should either use a wide-tooth wood comb or a bamboo pin hair brush. It really does make a difference, and I have found this tip to be part of daily routine.
Apple Cider Vinegar
"With an innate ability to restore pH levels and all those antioxidants, Apple Cider Vinegar is defiantly one of the easiest and more popular ways to treat scalp acne naturally. Not only will a simple rinse of one part apple cider vinegar and two parts water give your hair a healthy boost, you'll also give your scalp astringent properties that can alleviate painful blemishes."
I especially like using Apple Cider Vinegar for painful blemishes and outbreaks. It is another one of the few things that has helped me, and the best part is most of us have this in our cabinet at home!
Change Your Pillowcase Weekly!
"All of the sweat, oil and dirt from your head is seeping into your pillow case every night. So if you don’t wash them regularly you’re basically putting your head on a pillow of sweat and dirt f0r 6-8 hours. Not a good idea, as unclean dirty pillow clovers and towels is perfect ground for bacteria to grow and thrive – leading to more breakout. So it makes sense to wash your pillow covers and towels at least weekly."
Since I have started doing this I have significantly noticed a difference. It is amazing what accumulates on your covers and sheets in a week. Wanna have fun? Turn off the lights and scan a black light over your bed, you will totally be surprised!
Ditch The Conditioner!
"Conditioners coat the hair and scalp and may cause too much oil/grease to be trapped against the scalp. So, give them a break. If you are worried about how your hair will look after shampoo, try using a hair rinse – which won’t clog your pores, but make your hair look beautiful."
If you would of told me this a month ago, I would of said you were crazy. However, when I have outbreaks this is the one thing that significantly cuts down how long the outbreak lasts. I like using a leave in spray conditioner such as Davines Oi All in One Milk or Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream. I prefer these particular ones, because they not only condition but they prevent frizz as well.
I hope that you will find these tips useful if you are struggling with hair acne like I am. Also, feel free to share any tips you may have below! :)
Until Next Time,
Stay Beautiful by Staying You!
XOXO,
