How To Treat A Scalp Burn With A Homemade Scalp Salve

A chemical scalp burn is usually caused by hair products such as dyes, bleaches or relaxers. While most who come to this blog are dealing with less chemicals, some are still using chemicals like hair dyes, bleaches and even texturizers. No judgement here. We are here to educate and assist in your natural hair journey. A scalp burn is a mild or minor irritation where redness may occur during or after these types of processes. They can be severe in some cases but often these burns can cause hair breakage and in even some scar tissue to form.

6 Ridiculously simple solutions to Natural hair problems

The extent of the burn depends on how much of the chemical was used, which chemical was actually used and how long it was in contact with your scalp. Now, before we go any further, some scalp burns may require medical attention but if they are minor, here are some tips and a remedy to assist.

First, Soothe the scalp burn

Remove the chemical product from your scalp and run cold water on it for at least 30 seconds. Rinse the burn area with white or apple cider vinegar. You can also apply the vinegar to a cotton ball and dab on the affected area. The Apple cider vinegar will help to balance your skin’s pH and in turn accelerates the healing and skin regeneration process. This will aid in reducing any scar tissue.  Then apply a burn cream or a healing salve onto the affected area.

Don’t have a burn cream or salve? Create one.

DIY scalp burn salve

1/4 cup raw honey, preferably Manuka honey
1/4 cup unrefined coconut oil
1 teaspoon beeswax
1 tablespoon Sea Buckthorn oil, optional
1/2 teaspoon aloe vera gel, aloe vera juice, or rosewater

Directions

.Heat the beeswax over low heat in a small saucepan or double boiler. Add in the coconut oil and melt completely once the beeswax is nearly melted. Stir in the honey and sea buckthorn oil and whisk over the heat only until the whole mixture is one uniform liquid.  Remove from the heat and either pour directly into tins or other containers OR stir in the aloe or rosewater briskly until the mixture is completely homogenous, then pour into your containers.

Let the mix sit until comfortable to touch before using. It should fully harden in approximately 6 to 12 hours. For an extra healing boost, infuse the oils with healing herbs before making the recipe. Comfrey and plantain are especially good options.

Some extra tips!

Keep the area clean. Besides applying the cool water, ACV and burn cream, try not to add a bunch of hair products directly onto the burned area. The less hair products the better.

• Try not to pick it. Picking it only allows the healing process to take even longer to get better. Also, all the bacteria you may have under your nails will not being doing your scalp burn any good. Leave it alone and only apply the burn cream when needed.
• Allow air to also get to the affected area to help speed up the process.
• Keep the heat styling tools away from the area. Those tools can impede the healing process.
• Keep the scalp moisturized from within by drinking plenty of water. Water is always good for your skin and most definitely your scalp when you have a scalp burn from chemicals.
• Wear a hat, loose scarf or turban while your scalp is healing and try to stay out of the sun or keep your scalp covered.

A scalp burn does not have to deter your chemical process so make sure care for it properly and quickly. Also remember that hair mishaps happen and will not end your natural hair journey no matter how you take it. Take care Naturals,

Sabrina