As someone who LOVES a good trend 😂, I did the no oils and butters for about 2 years. Chile my hair was like “b!tch what are you doing?!?” 😂😂 After two years, I returned to oils and my hair is thriving and happy. Whatever the science or reason is doesn’t matter to me. I’m just listening to what my hair wants 🤷🏾♀️
Girlllllllllllllllll you got me crakkkkkkkkkkkkin up!!!!!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂 I personally don't like oil, but I do love a good hair cream. My scalp doesn't like oils and my hair grows faster when it's not so clean. I rarely wash my hair. I mostly deep condition and my hair just does it's thing. But I am truly glad your hair is vibing and loving the oils. ❤😊❤
@@lilmoma90 I was speaking with a lady at church today. She has sister locks to her butt. She washes her hair ever 2 weeks. she said she puts nothing on her hair. she did not mention her scalp. she kept saying she puts noting on her scalp. Her hair is black she has no gray.
I wash my hair every 5-7 days and this works for me. Scalp doesn't like oils, butters or any style that does not allow me to access my scalp so I don't do either often. Washing 5-6 times a week tho! Yeah your scalp will be healthy, but you may not have any hair! I say that simply because of the detangling and manipulation involved every time we wash my hair. At once or twice a week the benefits outweigh the mechanical damage, and the time involved in the cleansing and conditioning process, but more than that is just not practical for most.
I do the same and my scalp is the same, I can’t do oils or butters either, even though I have naturally dry scalp, but I have to remediate without oils and such otherwise is just a mess. Washing weekly definitely helps in my case.
I wash every 7 days....Sunday reset. My scalp is not flaky, like at all. I don't deal with dandruff either. However, my scalp was itching more in my personal opinion, so I used head & shoulders and the problem is gone. I can't stand to not wash my hair once a week. I don't want to smell like dirty hair when I walk by people. Especially being in close proximity like in elevators or hugging family. The rest of the body is fresh, but there's this non-offensive odor, but not as fresh as the rest.....can't do it.
You're spot on. I would wash my hair twice a week (did this for a while) but I don't have the time for the needed detangling process to avoid damage. So I wash once a week now and do a very patient detangle. I'm managing dandruff with dandruff shampoo.
@jen-vj4vq i detangle in the shower with an unbrush. It doesn't have a back so that mold doesn't get in there. Wash in sections, like 4. Condition in those sections, with LOTS of conditioner and detangle and braid up in those sections. It cits down the detangle time immensely!
I don’t get why everyone is fighting basics of science and cosmetology. We think our scalp is completely different than everyone else on the planet just because we are black. It is so illogical. Bottom line is that a scalp clogged with products (including oils and butters) is not going to be able to grow or support healthy hair. And folks wonder why they are getting alopecia. You don’t comb your hair. You don’t wash your hair. You cover your hair and scalp With heavy products. What did you expect? You may not loose your hair immediately, but eventually you will see the damage of those practices. Thank you for sharing some facts on this issue. Personally my hair did a 180 when I stopped using gels, butters and creams and stopped greasing my scalp. I wash every 5-7 days. Deep condition. Blow out. And my hair is so much healthier. Fuller etc. and no itchy scalp. This woman is right. If your hair is dry - it needs WATER. May wash day takes 45 minutes. I have thick type 4 hair. It isn’t totally manageable
I use oils and butters and my scalp is fine because I WASH MY HAIR!!! Can we stop demonizing oils and butters already? Everyone's hair is different. Sigh. I'm so tired. I love the video and appreciate Rachael's presentation but one thing I've learned about scientists - and especially big pharma - is it's their way or the highway. And then when traditional methods WHICH WORK are promoted to HEAL they are dismissed (case in point C0w1D number before 20 😅). Phuleeeze! Let's tell people to wash their hair and tell them HOW to balance product use. What may work for one does not work for all and yes Jenn, what about the hair on our heads??? I'm not going to change what's working for my hair. I am learning a lot along the way and thanks Rachael I did learn quite a few things that I will put to use BUT I will still customize routines for my clients at my salon depending on their issues, state of the hair that already on their heads and many other contributing factors like the internal state of their health.
It can take years to see the consequences of those practices. Your scalp produces its own oil (sebum). If you keep your scalp Clean, it won’t be dry. If you keep your scalp healthy your hair will be healthier. This is not a conspiracy from big pharma 😂. It’s basic science. No one but black women want to fight over this stuff. Girl stop. Let’s be better. Question; have you ever tried cleansing your scalp and not using oil on it. You may be shocked when your scalp feels greasy after a few days
I have never contributed to this conversation because I do feel like I would be the judged but I rarely put oil on my scalp out of pure laziness and my scalp has always felt completely unbothered so I just keep it simple. Anyways Jen I love you... You're such a doll. And yes girl you're pregnant do whatever you want. We'll be here whenever you do pop up 😊❤
@@NathalieClair88 I am confirming that I will in fact, NOT be here after I pop lol. I actually think most of us will do just without oiling our scalps but it’s so engrained in us
Hi Jenn, I have seborrheic dermatitis that goes crazy when I put oils and butters on my scalp. For years I would slather oil on my scalp thinking that it would help with the flaking and itching but it made it worse. I also agree that itching starts about 3 or 4 days after washing. I have to wash my hair every 5-7 days otherwise the itching will drive me crazy.
Exactly, I was under the impression that piling on tons of oils on my scalp after picking out all the flakes, not realising I had a fungal infection, would help. Then I started to do some research and started to use a medicated shampoo,weekly until scalped improved. Then straighten, trimmed and oiled my ends and now it is under control. I can’t tell you the hundreds of pounds I spent over the years 🤦🏾♀️
I love that you showed your baby bump within the first minute 🩷 I think I was pregnant when you were with your first and I’m pregnant again and I totally understand. Pregnancy with a busy toddler is a whole different level! Thanks for making time to film for us ✨
Hi! I also have a science background, have been eagerly awaiting research on African/African diaspora hair. My question since the research presented by Racheal seems to be primarily focused on the appropriate microbiome of the scalp. It lacks how to maintain healthy hair that has growned out of the scalp with all those frequent washes. Clearly the hair shape straight vs wavy vs curly vs coily maintenance will need some adjustment. 🤔
Just wash your hair. Condition your hair. Protect your hair with a leave in. Blow dry it. Style it. Keep it moving. Weekly washes are fine, especially if your scalp is not covered in oil or products.
@@t156t2 I think it depends on what products you are using. Remember that water is ultimate hydrator. I was every 5 - 7 days and haven't experienced dryness. I can feel when my hair feels dry and that is when I wash it.
Using neem oil treatment on my scalp before cleansing shampoo healed my scalp condition in 2024. No more itching or flakes or sores and now I wash when hair is dirty or dry.
washing my hair 6 out of 7 days a week not going to happen but 1 out of 7 days is what I strive for and I do not oil my scalp. I am big on scalp massages and oiling my hair ends. I always appreciate you presenting details and you investigating the different angles for out natural hair community.
@@fanniewesson1310 yes it is though😂....everyone produces sebum, unless you have a medical condition or practices that block the follicles stopping sebum being released. If you have afro hair it is harder for the sebum to travel!! So you have to manually move it down the hair shaft. That bore bristle brush that people think is for slicking their hair, is actually for brushing through and moving sebum. If you can't brush through your hair with the brush without it breaking then your hair is damaged, Simple. healthy hair afro or not can be brushed through without breakage. You should just see shed hairs with roots....
Haven’t oiled my scalp since the 70’s….LOL. When I went natural in 2013, I was doing hot oil treatments got some EXTREME itching for my trouble. I stopped using anything on my scalp with the exception of water, 19:02 shampoo and the occasional conditioner. No itching or flaking. I with the science.
That's shows each person is different because my hair was too dry and once I started doing hot oil treatments and it keeps my hair moisturized but I do wash it out and I use certain oils too
Totally agree! Not oiling the scalp keeps the scalp healthy!!! I was using prescribed medicated oils, shampoos etc for years for seb dermatitis and dandruff. Washing my hair every 2-3weeks. Never got relief. I stopped all hair medications & oiling scalp along with washing my hair 1-2 per week since 2021 and have had 0…ZERO… scalp issues- no flaking, dandruff excessive itching. Along with rotating moisturizing shampoos and clarifying shampoos. If you have scalp issues please try stopping applying stuff to it and see if it gets better. I also don’t put anything on my kids scalp and theirs is great too! Good video @JennJackson
Same. I suffered with scalp issues most of my life and thought it was hereditary. Used to wash once per week or a little longer and used coconut oil, hair grease, jojoba hoping to find something that worked. I switched to using head and shoulders shampoo and for the first time in decades my scalp is amazing and my hair no drier. I never oil my scalp but do add the tiniest amount to my ends. Wash twice a week and love the fresh, light and airy feel and smell.
I think we all need to sit down with our parents/care givers and ask them what worked for us as kids and go from there on an independent journey because the social media-fixation on hair care has everybody hyper fixating on what the best new product or next Trend is damaging our hair/self esteem/ and overall health
I see where you are coming from but why go backwards when we can go forward? Our parents did they best, so why can't we improve on what they've done, especially as more information comes out? Methods and product chasing are two different things btw.
My mother slathered petroleum based hair grease on my head and scalp growing up which is when I developed scalp and hair issues. Her mother did the same to her. It took me years and a lot of money going to dermatologists to find out what was going on and how to fix the problems. I had to stop putting grease on my scalp, wash my hair more frequently and watch the ingredients of the products I was putting on my hair and scalp.
Unfortunately grease was applied to my scalp as a child and did nothing for the itchiness and dandruff I experienced. My hair was only washed once a month. As an adult I stopped using grease and oils on my scalp and the dandruff left shortly after doing hot oil treatments with tea tree oil. I can't go more than a week without washing my hair.
@sweetybyrd65 your experience basically proves the point of this video. Certain scalp conditions can not tolerant grease because the pores become clogged causing more irritation like scalp exczema
I think her argument is interesting especially as it aligns with what Anthony dicky recommends for Afro hair types doing wash and gos, which is to watch/redo everyday. I don’t have the time or inclination to do this but just wanted to put it out there that this info isn’t new per se.
The only grease I use on my scalp is Sulfur 8. I allow it to sit for 10 to 30 minutes before shampooing and conditioning. It has cleared my scalp of scaliness around my hair edges. Even at the end of the week, my scalp is scaliness free and dandruff free. After shampoo and deep conditioning, I use a hair cream on the length of my hair before twisting and then I use a hair butter on the ends of my hair. At the end of twisting my hair, I use a light oil on the length of the hair. I introduce grease/oil to the scalp only on wash day before shampooing and deep conditioning.
I love washing my hair. I wash every 4 to 5 days. I style my hair in wash a goes primarily. I use leave in conditioners and gels or foaming mousse for styling. I can’t tell you how much I love my hair. This method works and has helped me to maintain healthy hair.
Been doing the Anthony dickey method for about a year and a half, washing my hair up to 5 times a week (Sometimes with just conditioner) . My hair is less dry, scalp feels good and I can’t go longer than 3 days without washing. It’s like I feel the build up on my scalp now and immediately have to wash 😂 Still enjoy grease when braiding though! Dickey was right!
I wear my hair in mini braids and wash 5-6 days a week. I follow the Anthony Dicky method and basically do everything in the shower. Cleanse, condition, leave-in and oil on the ends. Get out the shower, blot dry as much as possible then apply styler and shake. I air dry as long as I can but if I absolutely have to have, I'll use the diffuse with my Dyson.
I believe these issues should be addressed internally. My scalp flares are definitely in line with my overconsumption of certain foods, change in medication, and stress levels. I think using oil directly on scalp is unnecessary but the hair strand needs some type of protection from environmental effects. If anyone is dealing with dandruff, fungal acne and the likes....buy Pine Tar Soap (doubles as a shampoo bar) that can be used head to toe. Then clean up your diet, mind, and life and watch your scalp flourish.
Hey Jenn, good to see you! You're right, that is crazy talk because what are you going to do with your hair every day when you have to get out of the house? Or WFH and be on an early Zoom? It's just not feasible. And so many people have really great hair and they don't do this. I get her point about keeping the scalp clean to limit the growth of the fungus; but I already know, I'm not gonna keep up a regimen like that!
yeahhhh from a practical POV I am not sure how this would work but then I imagine we would do different styles to accommodate this. For example, the Anthony Dicky wash and go method comes to mind.
You look adorable! Your skin looks amazing! 🥰🤗 5-6 times a week washing is excessive unless you have a TWA, a fade or are bald. I think every 5-14 days is adequate enough for most BW and their lifestyles. I could see washing every 3-4 days for excessive sweating to due hot flashes or exercise. I could see a BW going longer (maybe once per month) if she had tailbone length hair or longer if she used things that were antifungal/antimicrobial on her scalp in between washes due to the amount of time and product it would take to wash and style this amount of hair.
I’ve always put natural oils and butters on my scalp (not store bought concocted ones) and have never had any problems. I steer way clear of putting conditioners on my scalp though as when I do, I get really bad itching. Normally wash my hair once every 2 weeks and use a variety of herbs on my hair in the form of a tea and my hair seems to be doing well 🤷♀️
Same!! I use rosemary oil mixed with raw Shea butter every 3days if needed and my hair loves it. And that's after a week with nothing on my scalp. I wash every 10-14 days
I have never been someone that puts butters or oils on my scalp. It was never a thing in my family. I learned about the lipid loving scalp fungus ages ago and I tried to spread that information but I feel like a lot of people in our culture care more about anecdotal evidence than actual science. There was a woman on the Reddit natural hair group that was complaining about her scalp itching for 15 years and she doesn't use shampoo. Yet all these comments were trying to give her other solutions besides using shampoo. It was so bizarre to me. Butters and oils are good for the hair shaft though, you're just not supposed to get them on your scalp and they don't need to even be near your scalp because the hair up there is brand new and very healthy with it's own covalently bond lipid layer still intact (18-MEA). I really enjoy hearing about the science of hair. And this video taught me some things I never knew - that hair can infact grow out damaged. I wonder where she got that information from though because I've mentioned this on r/haircarescience about hair growing out damaged (it was just a theory I had) and the cosmetic scientists on the forum and they immediately shot me down and said that that was impossible according to the Chemical and Physical Behavior of Human Hair which is often cited as the holy grail. Edit: I actually just saw a clip from Abbey Yung about the same exact topic and how the oxidative stress impairs hair growth and hair quality. I'm so shook. I wash my scalp once a week and I don't have any scalp issues, but I'm currently trying to order a Zinc Pyrithione product until I can get to a place where I can start washing my hair more often.
I've missed you... But happy to know it's just 'you're pregnant 😊'. Take care of you & baby on the way & baby girl. Take your time. Blessings on a smooth delivery 🙏🏾💖
Thank you so much Jenn! I'm so happy you came across Rachel because I have been looking for questions and answers about itchy scalp. What Rachel has said regarding the 72hours is correct because I have thick hair since when I was little and the issue I have with my hair is the scalp. It's sensitive like crazy! how is that possible ..okay. for example, when I wash my hair and condition it, It doesn't itch until couple of days but if I did that and immediately oil my scalp right, within minutes it starts to tingle and then itching begins. Then on top of all this thick hair I got, my hair is not passing my shoulders! Its still the same length for years. so what Dr Rachel is saying is correct! we need to wash everyday if possible. Its quiet interesting when you mention from the text, that not washing your hair could determine the type of texture you may get, due to the bacteria building up on the scalp. Please we need more of Rachel Right away because Lace wigs will not save us! but make things worse.... Thank you so much and God Bless You!!!
Jen, think about it, If we cannot go without taking a bath, ie washing our body, can you imagine how our body would feel, smell and even look? If we look at our hair and scalp like we do our body, then we could possibly be onto something! My mind set at this point is treat my hair as if it was my body. The body odor that the body would have if we go a month or even a week without washing hair or at least wetting it. I am definitely pro wash once a week! I have see a difference in my hair. I was also doing the no oils and butters in the past. Now I use oil only to seal after i was and style. Not on my scalp. My scalp itches when I put oil on it unless I use peppermint oil to massage into my scalp. Thanks for sharing with us! Congrats on the baby!
The problem is not so much that we use oil on our scalps. The problem is we leave it on our scalps. After applying the oil on scalp you are supposed to leave it for 15-30 minutes. An hour or over night. Whichever you prefer. Some oils are strong and should be left on for a short period of time (Rosemary Oil). You can use oil on the scalp. But as a culture blacks misuse oil. A lot of blacks put oil on the scalp and leave it on there. Other races use oil too but they rinse it out with shampoo. Lets move smarter as a people. Some folks say in the slave days blacks used grease and oil on the scalp to protect from the harmful rays of the sun being in the fields all day. We are in different times. That's why some had cloths on their head to protect from the sun. Greasing and oiling the scalp and leaving it on there does not grow the hair. Hair already grows. Our sebum coats our scalp and hair. As a race we produce the most sebum. Comb and brush that hair to transport it.
Enjoyed this video very much. Before going natural, I had a relaxer and scalp problems. Probably because I wasn’t washing my hair enough. I am now natural for over 6 years and my scalp is great. I wash my hair once a week and only use a leave-in conditioner and a gel post shampoo and deep conditioning. This routine seems to work well for my color treated hair. (Ignore the photo on the left. It’s me before I did all my experimentation during the lockdown.)
Thank you Jenn, for staying on top of the black community hair care game for as long as you have btw.my hair is 4c, dense texture, and low porosity just in case you care to know and proud of my hair love it ❤
I have to dry my hair. Blow drying my hair 5 to 6 times a week? Might as well rock a bald head. I like the information provided because it highlights how important nutrition is for our hair health.
I have tried washing my hair three times a week. My scalp loved it, but my hair did not. Air drying isn't good for my hair and a blow dryer three times a week wasn't good either.
@kmj2000 I tried that regimen. Its worked for a lil while then Didn't work for either hair or scalp. If I wasn't working out so often, I'd go two weeks in between washes. Now, it's weekly with deep condition. Also, I realized the shampoo I was using had too much protein for my hair. Relearning my hair has been a challenge. But I'll figure it out
Now that I have been in UA-cam university for 4 years 😂, I've noticed that science-based discussions on hair can get a lot of push back or might not be as popular as other channels. However, my experience with "listening to my hair" has been avoiding products that inflame my scalp/body and if it means NOT putting grease on my scalp, I've done it, which seems to be backed by science. I'd rather wash off whatever is irritating my skin and then treat it if needed. I really think that finding a good moisture, protein, and oil balance is ultimately what matters to our hair/scalp health.
Very interesting 🤨. I’ve been following Katherine Sewing’s method of hair care and although she doesn’t have 4 category hair she does base her method on historical evidence. A natural anti fungal/ anti microbial oil is a foundation of her method. My hair and scalp are thriving and I’m 6 weeks in to a mini braid challenge. I’ve only washed my hair once at 5 weeks. I don’t have any scalp issues if anything my new growth feels smoother. I’m trying to document my journey now.
So watching this video takes me to the Anthony Dickey method, cowashing the hair everyday and using a shampoo once a week. I know I saw you start his method a few months back, but only did the way he says to style. I know it's hard to do everyday with children and everything else going on in life. I've been trying to do it myself. I haven't been consistent because sometimes I'm too lazy to wake up earlier to workout. I think I'm gonna try, no I'm going to wake up at 5 am instead of 5:30/6:00 to workout and fit the the hair reset in my shower. I have been doing like every 2-3 days, but I want to really try a straight week and see how my hair changes.
I remember doing the AD method as well and it solved all my scalp problems and wash days significantly took less time as long as I stayed consistent. When you hydrate your hair as often as everyday or everyday other day, you won’t have as many tangles or shed hairs, ssk. It’s just the wash and go. And the more often you do it, as he states, your wash days can literally be when you bathe. there won’t be a need to pre poo, deep condition, or long term style. It worked for me!
I have had dandruff issues since childhood. Spent years greasing (and as an adult) oiling/buttering my scalp. Never used an anti-dandruff shampoo because shampoos were "stripping", so cowash I did. I stopped oiling about three years ago, and that's when the dandruff became much more noticeable. I began burning myself with tea tree oil, spot correcting the outbreaks along my hairline. Earlier this year I was at my wits end so I did some googling and came across the Anti Candida Diet. This diet along with Dove antidandruff shampoo have cured my life-long struggle! And get this...I'm no longer "tenderheaded" either. Racheal knows what she's talking about
Appreciate the time and effort you put in this discussion Jenn as always 😊. I was intrigued and a few points mentioned sounded logical. I recently started weekly washdays and have experienced less itching and buildup up. I do use tea tree and rosemary oil on my scalp after washdays which soothes my scalp rather than the opposite. I thoroughly enjoyed the science based aspect of why we tend to stunt our hair growth. But washdays 5-6x…..like really… I was with you when you got up running 😂
Right! It baffles me how quick we were to throw dirt (chebe), stinky rice water, garlic and onion juice, and cloves on our heads but give so much pushback to someone who suggests simply washing daily and keeping our heads clean. It's kinda odd to me.
I am no scientist, but who on earth with tight coily kinky hair is thinking that washing hair up to 6 (??!!) a week is doable? Practical? manageable? reasonable? maybe if you have short hair and you can do it in the morning and let it air dry during the day. But anyone with more than 3 inches of hair knows that it won't dry fast enough for it to be doing this nearly daily. So then you end up with continuously wet hair. You know what microbes love more that oil? A wet environment! Yes, you could use a dryer to speed it up, but again, who wants to do that? and how are you styling? And if your hair is on the longer side that also means more time under the dryer. How practical is all this doing your hair routine? Who's going to be applying heat daily to their hair? I'm questioning if this research actually had black participant and what their hair looks like and also what did the scientists look like themselves. Because no way that that would have been the conclusion of people who understood the tight curly hair experience.
The studies were not concerned about how you're gonna style your hair after. Just condition of the scalp. So yeah that is something to keep in mind. If you are not willing to troubleshoot the aftercare and styling of the actual hair itself then this method is not for you. There are those who are and are successful at it. I suppose we don't see too many sharing because of all of the statements made such as yours. There is a woman on UA-cam besides Rachael that washes her type 4 hair daily (with shampoo) and she gets so much unnecessary pushback despite the fact that it's clearly working for her.
@@cfoster6804 I don't know what you mean by "not willing to troubleshoot the aftercare and styling..." but the after and styling were exactly the concerns in my comment. And a study about hair care that does not take into account the styling after washing is incomplete and therefore not worth it in my opinion. Far from me to tell someone to stop doing something that works for them. If washing your hair 6-7 times a week works for you, Enjoy sis! "Comments like mine" are made because the vast majority of people with tight curly hair spend several long hours washing and styling their hair. Which is why wash day is so dreaded and why i am skeptical. I wash my hair twice a week and spend about 2-3 hrs each time, i can tell you im in the minority. I don't beliebe that the people you are referring to are not sharing because of push back and "comments like mine". Its because they are not in the majority. But again do whatever works for you.
I’ve noticed that oils increase my itching tbh. I’ve noticed this for years but never took the time to do the deep dive into the subject. Thank you doing this. My only styling product has been mousse def texture foam by the doux and I get no sense of buildup whatsoever which allows me to use gentle shampoos.
Because I like to play in skincare, I found out that all oils aren't occlusive. That's probably why the silicone side still felt more moisturized than the butter side. I used to think that just because it's thick, it will hold in the moisture.
OMG! Could this explain my constantly itching scalp? No flakes just tenderness and itching. Not to mention "4C" dry, brittle, and rough texture. This is very interesting I definitely want to know more! Thank you for sharing this.
Of course - I can attest that my flaky/itchy scalp went away once I stopped oiling it. It wasn't immediate but after a month or so, its almost like it balanced itself out.
I agree with Rachael’s report! However, I do feel that the rates given, i.e. the time from washing the hair to feeling itching in the scalp will vary depending on other factors. I support this research and I can confirm that while I was learning to swim, I was in the pool about 5 days per week. I did not use a shower cap and I washed my hair directly after leaving the pool. I remember having to get a shampoo which cleaned and protected my hair from the chlorine in the pool. Knowing that I was going back the next day, I would not place oils on my scalp. For the months that I swam afterwards (to shed my post baby fat) I can say that my hair flourished. Once I began these more frequent washings (I wash my hair weekly) I noticed that I never itch my scalp. In fact, for years that have passed , I have observed other Black sisters and I wait to see how long it takes before they ultimately (almost always) scratch their scalps. That was the first thing that I noticed. The second thing was the narrative of the “tender headed” scalp which too many of us claim to have. The only time my scalp hurts to the touch is when I am sick, recovering from surgery, or when I was studying and was too busy to wash my hair. I would notice that parts of my scalp were painful to the touch. This pain would always go away after washing my hair. These are my experiences prior to watching this informative video, so hearing these facts really justify what I already felt. Also, I do have dandruff at the one week mark so I will try washing my hair after about 5 days. I live in the desert now and we have a lot of clay in the air. Regarding our weak immune systems from infrequently washing our hair, as Rachael reported, we really need to stop our heavy usage of products and we need to understand how we were made by society to culturally hate the hair that grows under and out of our scalps. My 2 sisters and I have all had hysterectomy surgery and we all grew up using relaxers once we entered into junior high school. I really want us to pull back and use the minimum natural products on our hair and invest in cleaning our crown fully. I hurts me to see the numerous videos of dead scalp snowing on our sisters hair after prolonged wig wearing. We were shamed for our God given beautiful hair, and then we were given products which cause us harm. I locked my hair 28 years ago and I never looked back. I wash my hair weekly, but will try more often, and I use single oils on my hair only. I do not oil my scalp and have no itching or tender headed issues. Thank you Rachael for the research and thank you so much Jenn, for the discussion! Congratulations on your beautiful bundle of joy on its way!
Indian people oil their scalps all the time…why is it a problem when we do it? I think the fungal growth has a lot to do with diet too. In western countries we have a high sugar diet, coupled with low physical activity, leads to excessive fungal growth. Our hair products are not naturally anti-microbial, as they would have been 100+ years ago before when people used natural ingredients in their daily lives. Now, if you want something that’s anti-fungal, you have to formulate it specifically for that. Synthetic ingredients and packaging are a breeding ground for microbes (I.e. soybean oil). Even European people didn’t wash their hair daily in the past, they washed it weekly and brushed the sebum down the strands daily.
I see a lot of pushback for daily washing but I think Rachael has done her job if she convinces black women to at least throw one more wash day in there somewhere.😂
My scalp starts itching at about 5-7 days which is when is when I wash it. Every three days might be a bit much. I do find if I use a clarifying shampoo or a tea tree oil shampoo it cuts down on the itching and even at 7 days it doesn’t itch much. But I don’t like using those shampoos too often.
It’s pretty simple. Wash you hair every 1-2 weeks. Of course your scalp is irritated if you haven’t washed your hair in weeks and is trapped under synthetic hair styles are also very irritating. I stopped oiling between washes and cleanse my hair every week and my scalp has never felt better. It’s simple! UA-cam has everyone over complicating the basics. When I put oils on my scalp it immediately started itching so I stopped. I think oils are fine for hot oil treatments that you wash out or the actual hair strands.
Soooo, Anthony Dickey teaches we should wash our hair every day or every two days. He also says, that shampoos with suds are not good for our hair. I read comments on his page where people talked about how their hair changed for the better after switching to washing daily. Lastly, someone mentioned tangles. The more often you wash your hair the less tangles. This I know to be true. I was washing twice a week and detangling was definitely easier. So imagine every day, would result is almost no tangles. I do not apply oils to my scalp anymore, instead I apply aloe Vera gel from the plant.
I currently have oil an my scalp after going months without it and my scalp has been itching all week. For the first couple weeks without oils or butters my scalp was itchy but afterwards my natural sebum was all I needed. No dryness or itchy scalp. Sis is not wrong ( going by my experiences).
My dermatologist said once a week is fine. I do use a pyrithione zinc shampoo and conditioner and it helps my scalp tremendously. I follow with a moisturizing shampoo after the pyrithione zinc shampoo, and I deep condition once a month to combat dryness. I don’t oil my scalp and try to be careful with stylers touching my scalp. According to my stylist my hair looks good and my scalp looks good. I have flare ups but not that frequently anymore.
Hi Jen/All. Loved the vid. I don't oil my scalp. Wash my hair every other week. I am a product junkie. Trying to be reformed so have often found myself reading and attempting to decipher many a scientific paper. So found this fascinating. As everyone has said everyone is different so I don't think 6/7 times is ideal. I wonder if the paper that stated that was sponsored by a haircare company, but I am a cynic. 1 thing I have found is that I don't believe that I was previously rinsing my scalp and hair free of all products both post shampoo and post conditioner stage. I now make sure that the water is running clear after each stage and that has definitely improved my scalp. My hair is kept in mini twists and on wash day I nearly always use a scalp exfoliant and a chelating shampoo. Seems to have worked so far. As with all of us I am still waiting for that next wonder product.
First. I love second full term pregnancy Jenn. I feel like your personality is coming out more. Second. I was thinking Jenn is a scientist definitely watching but then turned into a STEM battle. Nerd heaven lol
Ok I’m totally confused I wash my hair every week and I use oils and butters as well and my scalp is fine. Everyone hair is different and responds to difference routines and hair products I can appreciate Rachael’s presentation and the information she presented to us about this topic but I plan to continue washing my hair weekly and using a oil once or twice a week. I have learned so much along the way with my natural hair journey since 2020 and so far I have mastered what my hair needs and wants to thrive and stay healthy first and stay soft and moisturized second and especially keeping the scalp healthy. Please let us know what else you discover when you dive into Rachael references deeper maybe the reference can tell us internally what needs to be done for a healthier scalp and hair care. Joann
This is so interesting, also when you said that your ends are rougher, I can relate and I’ve been cutting my hair to try and combat this but it always comes back. I saw this lady, she’s a chemist and she said to use products that contain amodimethicone, like the garnier fructis leave in conditioner. I’ve been using it but not consistently because my hair is usually in braids. But can you try to see if it works for you?
Thank you for sharing this, and I completely agree with both points about itching occurring 72 hours after washing and how oils can contribute to it-I’ve experienced the same. I deal with itching and dandruff regardless of whether I use oils or not. I’ve stopped using hair products that contain oils that feed malassezia, like coconut and castor oil. I’ve found a shampoo, conditioner, and an effective scalp serum that helps keep my scalp moisturized and reduces itching, but I’m still searching for a leave-in product that will keep my hair hydrated. Also, I was having the same responses every time you read. 😂 Like I don't want to wash my hair every three days let alone the two days a week I was already doing.
Love your channel. Ok so my daughter is 16 and she has 4c hair, and when I use oil on her hair, it does cause it to itch, but if I use butters or moisturizers then it doesn't. I've been braiding her hair on a regular basis, so it only got washed once every 2 to 3 months depending on the amount of new growth. After watching your videos I've just started a new regimen today. We are going to start by washing every 7 to 10 days and see how it works. We no longer want to put weaves in her hair after finding out about them causing cancer.
Hi Jenn. So good seeing you all up on my screen! The information presented was interesting but the hair washing frequency recommended is a no for me. I have 4A hair and wash my hair every 14 days with sulfate shampoo. I don't put oil on my scalp or on my hair but I use conditioners/deep conditioners, leave in conditioners and creams formulated with oils in the first 5 ingredients. I don't use gels. I also have no aversion to silicones. This has been my regimen for years including when my hair was relaxed and I don't have scalp issues or dry/brittle hair and retain length with trims every 4 months. This regimen has served me well so I will continue to stick with it.
Great vid Jenn. I am half way through! I dont use oils and butters on my scalp either. Last time i did i was catched down in the Walmart parking lot by a bee 😭😭😭😭😭😭. It was either olive or almond oil with an essential oil mixed it ugh. Lawd i still remember that lololol. Also... I like to take walks and the sun would heat up my head at the top. I'm good now 😅.
As somebody who was washing my hair and scalp (I had a buzz cut) every other day with no oils no butters I honestly experienced the opposite, my hair felt more dry and brittle and so did my scalp. I don't use oils or butters or grease on my scalp and I don't use raw oils or butters either, but I find that leave in conditioners and creams with a more oily feel to them do better than ones that have a more watery consistency. My hair doesn't dry up the next day and it can stay moisturized and soft for 2 weeks(when I push it, but I usually wash my hair once a week)
I think we all should know that an individual research article is very narrow. It will usually address one narrow topic. In this case, she's is talking about fungus. I also think the protocol would be different for someone dealing with a severe chronic case and that's what this sounds like. I imagine this protocol would change once everything stabilizes. And I would think that those without fungal or any other scalp condition can get by pretty well with the hygiene the typical cleanse and condition routine offers. The pre and post emergent hair idea has me curious. Think I'll do some reading for my own edification.
I think the person who emailed you is the same person who owns the UA-cam channel, Kinky Hair Chemistry (confirmed later in the video). She has a series that breaks this down too. One thing people rarely mention is that scalp creates its own lubrication, sebum. So, there shouldn’t be a need to oil the scalp. I agree that it’s cultural practice. There’s something to our issues for sure.
"Scalp creates its own lubrication, sebum" True like the skin on your face. It can produce sebum but now everyone has that. Those with dry skin for example. So I'm assuming it's not the case for everyone that scalp can be oily on its own.
Yes, she's the same. I started following her suggestion. I wash daily (sometimes every other if pressed for time). My scalp now produces more sebum than I have ever had while doing weekly washes. I am amazed by it. I don't put oil in my hair either (though honestly I'm not opposed to a bit of oil on the hair since I'm shampooing so frequently).
I'm enjoying this video and article, educational. I always wonder what our ancestors used for their hair because they never had all these fancy products 🤔
Weekly scalp health massage scalp with Nizoral shampoo leave on for 10 min. Wash & condition as my usual routine then only once will massage my scalp lightly with cbd oil mixed with drops of tea tree essential. Scalp has thrived!
What worked for me as a child having coarse curly 4b 4c type hair... not really sure of my hair type. All I know is once water hits it the curls be popping😂😂😂. My mother would do my sister and my hair every weekend on a Sunday. It usually consisted of a hot oil treatment and royal crown hair grease and hair food( the yellow one) and that's it 😊. As an adult, I went back to my roots.. for dry itchy scalp which I've recently developed in the last 3 or 4 yrs. I use vitamin e oil, neem powder and coconut oil. I wash my hair once every 7 or 8 days
What I'm getting from this is to oil your hair, ends especially. I read once that the scalp prpduces sebum, and that travels down the hair shaft. So the areas close to your scalp are good. I think i agree with the washing almost every day. I notice my scalp feels fresher after a wash. I currently do about every 5 days but will increase frequency and see how that goes. Just remember to oil/mousturize (with whatever) your hair after
It's interesting. When I was working out i used to watch my hair 2 times a week. And my scalp wasn't dry and my hair was great. I didn't make the connection 😮
Sebum is a natural scalp and skin oil. Perhaps the question should be how does sebum inform this thinking? We are all born with this natural oil, some more than others. My sebum has been decreasing as I age. Living in dry climate is also challenging. Both of these conditions has contributed to my scalp being more drier. Pre emergent hair sounds like an old natural hair term "scab hair" ( damaged hair follicles caused by hair relaxers) that was used when the natural movement gained popularity. A mid week water rinse, co-wash, or water spritzes using my spray bottle to reset or rehydrate my hair/scalp and scalp massages as needed to stimulate blood flow to increase my sebum are helpful when my scalp becomes dry and itchy. Shampoo, deep condition, and style with a curl cream (hair milk in the summer) weekly. I don't seal my hair with oil or use oil on my scalp. My hair products are formulated with enough oils for my hair. This notion that we should not redo our hair daily or more than once a week to avoid over manipulation) is contributing and resulting to some of the hair/scalp challenges being experienced in my humble opinion. Note: I am not including protective styles, however extending those styles over 4 weeks (mostly because of the cost involved) can cause hair and scalp issues if neglected. Learning how to protective style using your own hair might be more beneficial. I am currently wearing twist outs because I want to enjoy my hair being out in this stage of my life. Researching, learning, practicing simple styling methods, using hair products for the hairstyle you are embracing that nourish your hair, and listening to your hair needs are healthy hair care concepts. Striving for healthy hair should be everyone's goal.
I only use oil on my hair once a week...as a hot oil treatment. I've also started using clay instead of shampoo to wash and cleanse my hair and noticed my scalp doesn't itch like it used to and it definitely clarifies my hair way better than shampoo ever has....I wash my hair once a week....my hair is thriving! 🎉🎉
I personally don't use oil on my hair, especially in the summer. I live in a very hot and humid area and the combination of oil and sun will literally fry my hair. 😩😂 It took me so long to figure that out. Heavy creams and tucking my ends have been my saving grace.
Speaking from personal experience, for the past year I have been oiling my scalp every 2-3 days after hydrating it. I make and use my own scalp oils with infused herbs, low comedegenic rated oils and essential oils and I wash my hair/scalp weekly using clays & herbs. My hair is absolutely thriving and my scalp has never felt better. Shedding is also considerably low so I’m noticing the density of my hair has increased. My hair has never been as full as it is currently. My dormant follicles that were not growing hair for many years have started to grow healthy hair and my edges have grown back and have never looked so healthy. But again this is just my personal experience so I shall continue with my regimen because it’s working amazingly well for me. Loved this video! Thank you for sharing. All the best with your pregnancy💕
I used to always shampoo my hair once a week and I did not use oils or butter on my scalp. In Dec. 2022 I was diagnosed with CCCA and my dermatologist prescribed a ketoconazole shampoo after Nizoral wasn't strong enough. My derm highly recommended that I shampoo at least every three days or more frequently if the itch started before then. Since the diagnosis, I have shampooed two to three times a week and my hair is healthy, and my coils are different in that they are more well-formed and have very little frizz with more natural sheen. I never thought of that change as coming from more frequent shampooing. I thought it was from more frequent conditioning, but maybe it has been because of more frequent shampooing. Either way the condition of my hair has changed for the better.
@@kkwgirl1 I first shampoo my scalp with the prescription ketoconazole shampoo and try to keep it as close to the scalp as possible. My second lather is any shampoo I have on hand. Currently, I'm using Ouidad Ultra-Nourishing Oil Shampoo or Innersensce Hydrating Hair Bath. However, I also use shampoos like Sauve Avocado Shampoo or Redkin All Soft.
@@JennJackson I use a leave-in and either a foam, cream, custard, or gel styler. Sometimes I'll use leave-in only. Most of the time I wear WnG styling. Occasionally I just pin my hair in an updo.
I am so happy to have run across this post. I am a 55 year old woman and from as long as I can remember I have had itchy scalp. I wash twice a week. Before my hair dries I am scratching my scalp. This happens if i oil or if u don't. I have been to dematologist and can't seem to get any longterm help. I so wish that I can get access to this report or any other report that can help. I have no flaking just continues itching. How do you keep the scalp and hair healthy without oil. What can be done. Also presently I am relax but same thing happened when I was natural. Help
Whoa..5x a week with a strong dandruff shampoo sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. However, I think the 72hr itch is kinda like withdrawal. If a person who oils their hair 2-3x a day for yrs will have to go through a detox process until the inflammation and problem is cured. The use of harsh cleansers on the scalp more than 2x a week will force ppl to use a moisturizing shampoo after and a hella good DC. I don't oil my scalp and I haven't in 40yrs when I was 10. However I do use oil to detangle my hair b4 I wash bcus all that combing while wet crap had my hair weak and tangling like crazy. I also didn't adopt the piling of so much product on my hair. I tried that loc method and my hair hated it. I've always had long thick dense hair but, I also damaged my hair by doing to much voluminous times now I do the k.i.s.s. method. Keep it simple sista..I was condition use a leave in and blow dry to keep it stretched and I COMB MY HAIR OFTEN. I no longer lose globs of hair. I think YTU, made us lazy followers that put to much attention on length over health. I'm so glad my critical thinking skills kicked in b4 I went down the rabbit hole of nonsense.
I do think there is some truth to the oils causing more flaking and itching. I have found that leaving my scalp free makes it much happier and using a rag with a mild shampoo to clean my scalp if I cannot wash it weekly, helps. I am wondering too if the greasing and oiling of my scalp from a child has caused 'scalp tenderness' because of the bacteria feeding. I have stopped completely oiling my scalp, after putting in braids and having the braid gel on my scalp causing crazy itching and redness to the point where I had to wash my hair during the week. Oiling the scalp made it worst.
Although I understand the diagnostic I don't agree with the solution, at least for me and my hair. The take away is, keep your scalp clean and healthy, the solution to that problem is not necessarily to wash it so often. There are many ways to inhibit the bacterial growth on the scalp and keep it clean. Personally, I use ambunu, as a cleanser and live in conditioner. It doesn't leave build up, it keeps the microbial flora of my scalp in check. It's anti fungal and everything else, packed with minerals, protects from the sun, and it loosen my natural hair grease (sebum) and makes it a breeze to spread on the lenght of my hair. Clean scalp, and healthy microbiome. Not to mention having my hair coated with sebum keeps them in a constant state of moisture. My scalp and hair have never been so good and At the end of the day that's what I listen to. Check out Green Beauty's video "the science of Ambunu"
Ambunu is great if you don't use modern day hair products. Most people use silicones, polymers, and other coating agents that will not be removed by herbs and those agents shouldn't be left in the hair for weeks. Enter shampoo....
I have scalp eczema and if after washing I don't oil my scalp in 72 hours I will experience dry scalp. It doesn't matter if I have product in my hair or not. Although I use oil and butters, it's as needed. I don't oil my scalp everyday, but maybe once or twice a week in between wash days (which are max 21 days between protective styles)
a dermatologist told me that I had dandruff, and like you, I did not like the way my hair felt with the dandruff shampoo but I also tried the head&shoulders supreme hydrating scalp serum and I did like that
While I love learning from experts and am more than willing to take a back seat, as someone who studied a subject that also requires interpreting research, I know that scientific studies, the interpretation of those studies, and the recommendations given from the findings of those studies are three completely different things. Two experts can and often do disagree on interpretation and recommendation, and that’s okay. That said, I think starting these conversations based on the research can only be helpful in the long run. I haven’t oiled my scalp in years because I find that it just makes my hair stink after a couple days which is probably from the yeast build up lol.
As someone who LOVES a good trend 😂, I did the no oils and butters for about 2 years. Chile my hair was like “b!tch what are you doing?!?” 😂😂 After two years, I returned to oils and my hair is thriving and happy. Whatever the science or reason is doesn’t matter to me. I’m just listening to what my hair wants 🤷🏾♀️
Yes girl
Girlllllllllllllllll you got me crakkkkkkkkkkkkin up!!!!!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂 I personally don't like oil, but I do love a good hair cream. My scalp doesn't like oils and my hair grows faster when it's not so clean. I rarely wash my hair. I mostly deep condition and my hair just does it's thing. But I am truly glad your hair is vibing and loving the oils. ❤😊❤
@@lilmoma90 I was speaking with a lady at church today. She has sister locks to her butt. She washes her hair ever 2 weeks. she said she puts nothing on her hair. she did not mention her scalp. she kept saying she puts noting on her scalp. Her hair is black she has no gray.
Amen to that❤
The problem with her report is that everyone hair and scalp is different. So doing a one size fits all doesn't work
Yes, just like skin.
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I wash my hair every 5-7 days and this works for me. Scalp doesn't like oils, butters or any style that does not allow me to access my scalp so I don't do either often. Washing 5-6 times a week tho! Yeah your scalp will be healthy, but you may not have any hair! I say that simply because of the detangling and manipulation involved every time we wash my hair. At once or twice a week the benefits outweigh the mechanical damage, and the time involved in the cleansing and conditioning process, but more than that is just not practical for most.
I do the same and my scalp is the same, I can’t do oils or butters either, even though I have naturally dry scalp, but I have to remediate without oils and such otherwise is just a mess. Washing weekly definitely helps in my case.
I wash every 7 days....Sunday reset. My scalp is not flaky, like at all. I don't deal with dandruff either. However, my scalp was itching more in my personal opinion, so I used head & shoulders and the problem is gone. I can't stand to not wash my hair once a week. I don't want to smell like dirty hair when I walk by people. Especially being in close proximity like in elevators or hugging family. The rest of the body is fresh, but there's this non-offensive odor, but not as fresh as the rest.....can't do it.
There’s ways around the manipulation and detangling. I detangle when dry using fingers before and after wash. Much better 👍🏾
You're spot on. I would wash my hair twice a week (did this for a while) but I don't have the time for the needed detangling process to avoid damage. So I wash once a week now and do a very patient detangle. I'm managing dandruff with dandruff shampoo.
@jen-vj4vq i detangle in the shower with an unbrush. It doesn't have a back so that mold doesn't get in there. Wash in sections, like 4. Condition in those sections, with LOTS of conditioner and detangle and braid up in those sections. It cits down the detangle time immensely!
I don’t get why everyone is fighting basics of science and cosmetology. We think our scalp is completely different than everyone else on the planet just because we are black. It is so illogical. Bottom line is that a scalp clogged with products (including oils and butters) is not going to be able to grow or support healthy hair. And folks wonder why they are getting alopecia. You don’t comb your hair. You don’t wash your hair. You cover your hair and scalp
With heavy products. What did you expect? You may not loose your hair immediately, but eventually you will see the damage of those practices.
Thank you for sharing some facts on this issue.
Personally my hair did a 180 when I stopped using gels, butters and creams and stopped greasing my scalp. I wash every 5-7 days. Deep condition. Blow out. And my hair is so much healthier. Fuller etc. and no itchy scalp.
This woman is right. If your hair is dry - it needs WATER. May wash day takes 45 minutes. I have thick type 4 hair. It isn’t totally manageable
I agree.
@@cfoster6804so do you put anything on your scalp to soothe that dry itchy feeling
Agree, my hair is longer than it’s ever been and I don’t grease my scalp or do anything extra. Just have been leaving my hair alone.
I use oils and butters and my scalp is fine because I WASH MY HAIR!!! Can we stop demonizing oils and butters already? Everyone's hair is different. Sigh. I'm so tired. I love the video and appreciate Rachael's presentation but one thing I've learned about scientists - and especially big pharma - is it's their way or the highway. And then when traditional methods WHICH WORK are promoted to HEAL they are dismissed (case in point C0w1D number before 20 😅). Phuleeeze! Let's tell people to wash their hair and tell them HOW to balance product use. What may work for one does not work for all and yes Jenn, what about the hair on our heads???
I'm not going to change what's working for my hair. I am learning a lot along the way and thanks Rachael I did learn quite a few things that I will put to use BUT I will still customize routines for my clients at my salon depending on their issues, state of the hair that already on their heads and many other contributing factors like the internal state of their health.
It can take years to see the consequences of those practices. Your scalp produces its own oil (sebum). If you keep your scalp
Clean, it won’t be dry. If you keep your scalp healthy your hair will be healthier.
This is not a conspiracy from big pharma 😂. It’s basic science. No one but black women want to fight over this stuff. Girl stop. Let’s be better.
Question; have you ever tried cleansing your scalp and not using oil on it. You may be shocked when your scalp feels greasy after a few days
I feel the same way fr. My hair loves oils and butters
@@zacharydrake156 hair or scalp? I put a small
Amount of a light oil on my hair. But not on my scalp.
@@Kmvxh4wn I just put it on my hair. I wouldn’t put it on my scalp because my scalp doesn’t need extra oil
@@Kmvxh4wn if you put it on your hair it will end up on your scalp, yepee!!
I have never contributed to this conversation because I do feel like I would be the judged but I rarely put oil on my scalp out of pure laziness and my scalp has always felt completely unbothered so I just keep it simple. Anyways Jen I love you... You're such a doll. And yes girl you're pregnant do whatever you want. We'll be here whenever you do pop up 😊❤
@@NathalieClair88 I am confirming that I will in fact, NOT be here after I pop lol.
I actually think most of us will do just without oiling our scalps but it’s so engrained in us
Hi Jenn, I have seborrheic dermatitis that goes crazy when I put oils and butters on my scalp. For years I would slather oil on my scalp thinking that it would help with the flaking and itching but it made it worse. I also agree that itching starts about 3 or 4 days after washing. I have to wash my hair every 5-7 days otherwise the itching will drive me crazy.
Exactly, I was under the impression that piling on tons of oils on my scalp after picking out all the flakes, not realising I had a fungal infection, would help.
Then I started to do some research and started to use a medicated shampoo,weekly until scalped improved. Then straighten, trimmed and oiled my ends and now it is under control.
I can’t tell you the hundreds of pounds I spent over the years 🤦🏾♀️
@sweetybyrd65 Did you try sulfur 8 grease ?
Same here. It can be so frustrating.
Me too! I have seb derm and have to wash every week. I got my hair done last Thursday and I’ll be washing tomorrow. It needs it!
I have the same so what do you use for moisturizer kn your hair I been doing nothing
I love that you showed your baby bump within the first minute 🩷
I think I was pregnant when you were with your first and I’m pregnant again and I totally understand. Pregnancy with a busy toddler is a whole different level! Thanks for making time to film for us ✨
Hi! I also have a science background, have been eagerly awaiting research on African/African diaspora hair. My question since the research presented by Racheal seems to be primarily focused on the appropriate microbiome of the scalp. It lacks how to maintain healthy hair that has growned out of the scalp with all those frequent washes. Clearly the hair shape straight vs wavy vs curly vs coily maintenance will need some adjustment. 🤔
Same questions here and I also wonder how grease play a role? 🤔
Just wash your hair. Condition your hair. Protect your hair with a leave in. Blow dry it. Style it. Keep it moving. Weekly washes are fine, especially if your scalp is not covered in oil or products.
@@Kmvxh4wnyep!!
My question is regarding the more frequent NOT weekly washes. Very drying in my opinion. Weekly washes are my standard...
@@t156t2 I think it depends on what products you are using. Remember that water is ultimate hydrator. I was every 5 - 7 days and haven't experienced dryness. I can feel when my hair feels dry and that is when I wash it.
Using neem oil treatment on my scalp before cleansing shampoo healed my scalp condition in 2024. No more itching or flakes or sores and now I wash when hair is dirty or dry.
washing my hair 6 out of 7 days a week not going to happen but 1 out of 7 days is what I strive for and I do not oil my scalp. I am big on scalp massages and oiling my hair ends. I always appreciate you presenting details and you investigating the different angles for out natural hair community.
Right...that's not for all hair types, most white ppl do that because they say they produce more oils on the hair
@@fanniewesson1310 yes it is though😂....everyone produces sebum, unless you have a medical condition or practices that block the follicles stopping sebum being released.
If you have afro hair it is harder for the sebum to travel!! So you have to manually move it down the hair shaft.
That bore bristle brush that people think is for slicking their hair, is actually for brushing through and moving sebum.
If you can't brush through your hair with the brush without it breaking then your hair is damaged, Simple. healthy hair afro or not can be brushed through without breakage. You should just see shed hairs with roots....
Haven’t oiled my scalp since the 70’s….LOL. When I went natural in 2013, I was doing hot oil treatments got some EXTREME itching for my trouble. I stopped using anything on my scalp with the exception of water, 19:02 shampoo and the occasional conditioner. No itching or flaking. I with the science.
That's shows each person is different because my hair was too dry and once I started doing hot oil treatments and it keeps my hair moisturized but I do wash it out and I use certain oils too
I don't put oil on my scalp, period, my scalp is healthy.
Totally agree! Not oiling the scalp keeps the scalp
healthy!!! I was using prescribed medicated oils, shampoos etc for years for seb dermatitis and dandruff. Washing my hair every 2-3weeks. Never got relief. I stopped all hair medications & oiling scalp along with washing my hair 1-2 per week since 2021 and have had 0…ZERO… scalp issues- no flaking, dandruff excessive itching. Along with rotating moisturizing shampoos and clarifying shampoos.
If you have scalp issues please try stopping applying stuff to it and see if it gets better. I also don’t put anything on my kids scalp and theirs is great too! Good video @JennJackson
Same. I suffered with scalp issues most of my life and thought it was hereditary. Used to wash once per week or a little longer and used coconut oil, hair grease, jojoba hoping to find something that worked. I switched to using head and shoulders shampoo and for the first time in decades my scalp is amazing and my hair no drier. I never oil my scalp but do add the tiniest amount to my ends. Wash twice a week and love the fresh, light and airy feel and smell.
I think we all need to sit down with our parents/care givers and ask them what worked for us as kids and go from there on an independent journey because the social media-fixation on hair care has everybody hyper fixating on what the best new product or next Trend is damaging our hair/self esteem/ and overall health
I see where you are coming from but why go backwards when we can go forward? Our parents did they best, so why can't we improve on what they've done, especially as more information comes out?
Methods and product chasing are two different things btw.
Her parents might not be black American so she might have not experienced growth
My mother slathered petroleum based hair grease on my head and scalp growing up which is when I developed scalp and hair issues. Her mother did the same to her. It took me years and a lot of money going to dermatologists to find out what was going on and how to fix the problems. I had to stop putting grease on my scalp, wash my hair more frequently and watch the ingredients of the products I was putting on my hair and scalp.
Unfortunately grease was applied to my scalp as a child and did nothing for the itchiness and dandruff I experienced. My hair was only washed once a month. As an adult I stopped using grease and oils on my scalp and the dandruff left shortly after doing hot oil treatments with tea tree oil. I can't go more than a week without washing my hair.
@sweetybyrd65 your experience basically proves the point of this video. Certain scalp conditions can not tolerant grease because the pores become clogged causing more irritation like scalp exczema
I think her argument is interesting especially as it aligns with what Anthony dicky recommends for Afro hair types doing wash and gos, which is to watch/redo everyday. I don’t have the time or inclination to do this but just wanted to put it out there that this info isn’t new per se.
His recommendation is to wash with shampoo weekly, and co wash daily when refreshing the wash n go.
The only grease I use on my scalp is Sulfur 8. I allow it to sit for 10 to 30 minutes before shampooing and conditioning. It has cleared my scalp of scaliness around my hair edges. Even at the end of the week, my scalp is scaliness free and dandruff free. After shampoo and deep conditioning, I use a hair cream on the length of my hair before twisting and then I use a hair butter on the ends of my hair. At the end of twisting my hair, I use a light oil on the length of the hair. I introduce grease/oil to the scalp only on wash day before shampooing and deep conditioning.
I love washing my hair. I wash every 4 to 5 days. I style my hair in wash a goes primarily. I use leave in conditioners and gels or foaming mousse for styling. I can’t tell you how much I love my hair. This method works and has helped me to maintain healthy hair.
It may seem excessive but we shower our body everyday.
We have to treat our body the same way.
Never thought about it that way. Good point!
Been doing the Anthony dickey method for about a year and a half, washing my hair up to 5 times a week
(Sometimes with just conditioner)
. My hair is less dry, scalp feels good and I can’t go longer than 3 days without washing. It’s like I feel the build up on my scalp now and immediately have to wash 😂
Still enjoy grease when braiding though! Dickey was right!
This was a great and interesting watch! Glad you have been taking care of yourself during your pregnancy!
Thank you!
I wear my hair in mini braids and wash 5-6 days a week. I follow the Anthony Dicky method and basically do everything in the shower. Cleanse, condition, leave-in and oil on the ends. Get out the shower, blot dry as much as possible then apply styler and shake. I air dry as long as I can but if I absolutely have to have, I'll use the diffuse with my Dyson.
I believe these issues should be addressed internally. My scalp flares are definitely in line with my overconsumption of certain foods, change in medication, and stress levels. I think using oil directly on scalp is unnecessary but the hair strand needs some type of protection from environmental effects. If anyone is dealing with dandruff, fungal acne and the likes....buy Pine Tar Soap (doubles as a shampoo bar) that can be used head to toe. Then clean up your diet, mind, and life and watch your scalp flourish.
Hey Jenn, good to see you!
You're right, that is crazy talk because what are you going to do with your hair every day when you have to get out of the house? Or WFH and be on an early Zoom? It's just not feasible. And so many people have really great hair and they don't do this. I get her point about keeping the scalp clean to limit the growth of the fungus; but I already know, I'm not gonna keep up a regimen like that!
yeahhhh from a practical POV I am not sure how this would work but then I imagine we would do different styles to accommodate this. For example, the Anthony Dicky wash and go method comes to mind.
You look adorable! Your skin looks amazing! 🥰🤗 5-6 times a week washing is excessive unless you have a TWA, a fade or are bald. I think every 5-14 days is adequate enough for most BW and their lifestyles. I could see washing every 3-4 days for excessive sweating to due hot flashes or exercise. I could see a BW going longer (maybe once per month) if she had tailbone length hair or longer if she used things that were antifungal/antimicrobial on her scalp in between washes due to the amount of time and product it would take to wash and style this amount of hair.
I’ve always put natural oils and butters on my scalp (not store bought concocted ones) and have never had any problems. I steer way clear of putting conditioners on my scalp though as when I do, I get really bad itching. Normally wash my hair once every 2 weeks and use a variety of herbs on my hair in the form of a tea and my hair seems to be doing well 🤷♀️
Same!! I use rosemary oil mixed with raw Shea butter every 3days if needed and my hair loves it. And that's after a week with nothing on my scalp. I wash every 10-14 days
I have never been someone that puts butters or oils on my scalp. It was never a thing in my family. I learned about the lipid loving scalp fungus ages ago and I tried to spread that information but I feel like a lot of people in our culture care more about anecdotal evidence than actual science. There was a woman on the Reddit natural hair group that was complaining about her scalp itching for 15 years and she doesn't use shampoo. Yet all these comments were trying to give her other solutions besides using shampoo. It was so bizarre to me. Butters and oils are good for the hair shaft though, you're just not supposed to get them on your scalp and they don't need to even be near your scalp because the hair up there is brand new and very healthy with it's own covalently bond lipid layer still intact (18-MEA). I really enjoy hearing about the science of hair. And this video taught me some things I never knew - that hair can infact grow out damaged. I wonder where she got that information from though because I've mentioned this on r/haircarescience about hair growing out damaged (it was just a theory I had) and the cosmetic scientists on the forum and they immediately shot me down and said that that was impossible according to the Chemical and Physical Behavior of Human Hair which is often cited as the holy grail.
Edit: I actually just saw a clip from Abbey Yung about the same exact topic and how the oxidative stress impairs hair growth and hair quality. I'm so shook. I wash my scalp once a week and I don't have any scalp issues, but I'm currently trying to order a Zinc Pyrithione product until I can get to a place where I can start washing my hair more often.
Loved this comment thank you. Yes the hair emerging damaged was fascinating info.
I've missed you... But happy to know it's just 'you're pregnant 😊'. Take care of you & baby on the way & baby girl. Take your time. Blessings on a smooth delivery 🙏🏾💖
My Nigerian scalp/hair: “Now why am I in it?” **insert Nene voice** 😂😂
The person who wrote this may be Nigerian too lol but s/o to her she has tried ooo lol
@@chibi0109😂😂😂
Thank you so much Jenn! I'm so happy you came across Rachel because I have been looking for questions and answers about itchy scalp.
What Rachel has said regarding the 72hours is correct because I have thick hair since when I was little and the issue I have with my hair is the scalp. It's sensitive like crazy! how is that possible ..okay. for example, when I wash my hair and condition it, It doesn't itch until couple of days but if I did that and immediately oil my scalp right, within minutes it starts to tingle and then itching begins.
Then on top of all this thick hair I got, my hair is not passing my shoulders! Its still the same length for years. so what Dr Rachel is saying is correct! we need to wash everyday if possible.
Its quiet interesting when you mention from the text, that not washing your hair could determine the type of texture you may get, due to the bacteria building up on the scalp.
Please we need more of Rachel Right away because Lace wigs will not save us! but make things worse....
Thank you so much and God Bless You!!!
Hey Jenn! You look beautiful as always! Thank you for the update and video! Very informative! Hope you and your family are thriving!
Jen, think about it, If we cannot go without taking a bath, ie washing our body, can you imagine how our body would feel, smell and even look? If we look at our hair and scalp like we do our body, then we could possibly be onto something! My mind set at this point is treat my hair as if it was my body. The body odor that the body would have if we go a month or even a week without washing hair or at least wetting it. I am definitely pro wash once a week! I have see a difference in my hair. I was also doing the no oils and butters in the past. Now I use oil only to seal after i was and style. Not on my scalp. My scalp itches when I put oil on it unless I use peppermint oil to massage into my scalp. Thanks for sharing with us! Congrats on the baby!
This video literally just saved my hair. I was about to cut it all off! Thank you!❤🙏🏿
The problem is not so much that we use oil on our scalps. The problem is we leave it on our scalps. After applying the oil on scalp you are supposed to leave it for 15-30 minutes. An hour or over night. Whichever you prefer. Some oils are strong and should be left on for a short period of time (Rosemary Oil). You can use oil on the scalp. But as a culture blacks misuse oil. A lot of blacks put oil on the scalp and leave it on there. Other races use oil too but they rinse it out with shampoo. Lets move smarter as a people. Some folks say in the slave days blacks used grease and oil on the scalp to protect from the harmful rays of the sun being in the fields all day. We are in different times. That's why some had cloths on their head to protect from the sun. Greasing and oiling the scalp and leaving it on there does not grow the hair. Hair already grows. Our sebum coats our scalp and hair. As a race we produce the most sebum. Comb and brush that hair to transport it.
Enjoyed this video very much.
Before going natural, I had a relaxer and scalp problems. Probably because I wasn’t washing my hair enough.
I am now natural for over 6 years and my scalp is great. I wash my hair once a week and only use a leave-in conditioner and a gel post shampoo and deep conditioning.
This routine seems to work well for my color treated hair.
(Ignore the photo on the left. It’s me before I did all my experimentation during the lockdown.)
Thank you Jenn, for staying on top of the black community hair care game for as long as you have btw.my hair is 4c, dense texture, and low porosity just in case you care to know and proud of my hair love it ❤
I have to dry my hair. Blow drying my hair 5 to 6 times a week? Might as well rock a bald head. I like the information provided because it highlights how important nutrition is for our hair health.
I have tried washing my hair three times a week. My scalp loved it, but my hair did not. Air drying isn't good for my hair and a blow dryer three times a week wasn't good either.
@kmj2000 I tried that regimen. Its worked for a lil while then Didn't work for either hair or scalp. If I wasn't working out so often, I'd go two weeks in between washes. Now, it's weekly with deep condition. Also, I realized the shampoo I was using had too much protein for my hair. Relearning my hair has been a challenge. But I'll figure it out
Now that I have been in UA-cam university for 4 years 😂, I've noticed that science-based discussions on hair can get a lot of push back or might not be as popular as other channels. However, my experience with "listening to my hair" has been avoiding products that inflame my scalp/body and if it means NOT putting grease on my scalp, I've done it, which seems to be backed by science. I'd rather wash off whatever is irritating my skin and then treat it if needed.
I really think that finding a good moisture, protein, and oil balance is ultimately what matters to our hair/scalp health.
Very interesting 🤨. I’ve been following Katherine Sewing’s method of hair care and although she doesn’t have 4 category hair she does base her method on historical evidence. A natural anti fungal/ anti microbial oil is a foundation of her method. My hair and scalp are thriving and I’m 6 weeks in to a mini braid challenge. I’ve only washed my hair once at 5 weeks. I don’t have any scalp issues if anything my new growth feels smoother. I’m trying to document my journey now.
@sabrinacarter6904 That’s great! Have you tried Katherine’s scalp oil? It smells amazing and feels really nice and light. ☺️
The key is you said you use antifungal/antimicrobial hair oil. It is keeping the microbes on your scalp in check. It is not a plain oil.
The issue is not putting oil on your mid length and ends, it's putting oil on your scalp that feeds the bacteria, as they live on the scalp
I am currently on a healthy scalp journey, so your vlog was very timely. Thanks for sharing this information 🙏🏿🕊️🤎
So watching this video takes me to the Anthony Dickey method, cowashing the hair everyday and using a shampoo once a week. I know I saw you start his method a few months back, but only did the way he says to style. I know it's hard to do everyday with children and everything else going on in life. I've been trying to do it myself. I haven't been consistent because sometimes I'm too lazy to wake up earlier to workout. I think I'm gonna try, no I'm going to wake up at 5 am instead of 5:30/6:00 to workout and fit the the hair reset in my shower. I have been doing like every 2-3 days, but I want to really try a straight week and see how my hair changes.
I remember doing the AD method as well and it solved all my scalp problems and wash days significantly took less time as long as I stayed consistent. When you hydrate your hair as often as everyday or everyday other day, you won’t have as many tangles or shed hairs, ssk. It’s just the wash and go. And the more often you do it, as he states, your wash days can literally be when you bathe. there won’t be a need to pre poo, deep condition, or long term style. It worked for me!
I have had dandruff issues since childhood. Spent years greasing (and as an adult) oiling/buttering my scalp. Never used an anti-dandruff shampoo because shampoos were "stripping", so cowash I did. I stopped oiling about three years ago, and that's when the dandruff became much more noticeable. I began burning myself with tea tree oil, spot correcting the outbreaks along my hairline. Earlier this year I was at my wits end so I did some googling and came across the Anti Candida Diet. This diet along with Dove antidandruff shampoo have cured my life-long struggle! And get this...I'm no longer "tenderheaded" either. Racheal knows what she's talking about
Appreciate the time and effort you put in this discussion Jenn as always 😊. I was intrigued and a few points mentioned sounded logical. I recently started weekly washdays and have experienced less itching and buildup up. I do use tea tree and rosemary oil on my scalp after washdays which soothes my scalp rather than the opposite.
I thoroughly enjoyed the science based aspect of why we tend to stunt our hair growth. But washdays 5-6x…..like really… I was with you when you got up running 😂
Well, we’ve tried everything else. Why not try this❤ thank you Jen and Rachel for this information
Right! It baffles me how quick we were to throw dirt (chebe), stinky rice water, garlic and onion juice, and cloves on our heads but give so much pushback to someone who suggests simply washing daily and keeping our heads clean. It's kinda odd to me.
I am no scientist, but who on earth with tight coily kinky hair is thinking that washing hair up to 6 (??!!) a week is doable? Practical? manageable? reasonable? maybe if you have short hair and you can do it in the morning and let it air dry during the day. But anyone with more than 3 inches of hair knows that it won't dry fast enough for it to be doing this nearly daily. So then you end up with continuously wet hair. You know what microbes love more that oil? A wet environment! Yes, you could use a dryer to speed it up, but again, who wants to do that? and how are you styling? And if your hair is on the longer side that also means more time under the dryer. How practical is all this doing your hair routine? Who's going to be applying heat daily to their hair? I'm questioning if this research actually had black participant and what their hair looks like and also what did the scientists look like themselves. Because no way that that would have been the conclusion of people who understood the tight curly hair experience.
The studies were not concerned about how you're gonna style your hair after. Just condition of the scalp. So yeah that is something to keep in mind. If you are not willing to troubleshoot the aftercare and styling of the actual hair itself then this method is not for you. There are those who are and are successful at it. I suppose we don't see too many sharing because of all of the statements made such as yours.
There is a woman on UA-cam besides Rachael that washes her type 4 hair daily (with shampoo) and she gets so much unnecessary pushback despite the fact that it's clearly working for her.
@@cfoster6804 I don't know what you mean by "not willing to troubleshoot the aftercare and styling..." but the after and styling were exactly the concerns in my comment. And a study about hair care that does not take into account the styling after washing is incomplete and therefore not worth it in my opinion.
Far from me to tell someone to stop doing something that works for them. If washing your hair 6-7 times a week works for you, Enjoy sis! "Comments like mine" are made because the vast majority of people with tight curly hair spend several long hours washing and styling their hair. Which is why wash day is so dreaded and why i am skeptical. I wash my hair twice a week and spend about 2-3 hrs each time, i can tell you im in the minority. I don't beliebe that the people you are referring to are not sharing because of push back and "comments like mine". Its because they are not in the majority. But again do whatever works for you.
I’ve noticed that oils increase my itching tbh. I’ve noticed this for years but never took the time to do the deep dive into the subject. Thank you doing this. My only styling product has been mousse def texture foam by the doux and I get no sense of buildup whatsoever which allows me to use gentle shampoos.
My hair does better when i wash daily. I get dry hair and scalp if i don't, so this study applies to me
Because I like to play in skincare, I found out that all oils aren't occlusive. That's probably why the silicone side still felt more moisturized than the butter side. I used to think that just because it's thick, it will hold in the moisture.
OMG! Could this explain my constantly itching scalp? No flakes just tenderness and itching. Not to mention "4C" dry, brittle, and rough texture. This is very interesting I definitely want to know more! Thank you for sharing this.
Of course - I can attest that my flaky/itchy scalp went away once I stopped oiling it. It wasn't immediate but after a month or so, its almost like it balanced itself out.
Girl. Am done with oils on my scalp.i have peace.
I agree with Rachael’s report! However, I do feel that the rates given, i.e. the time from washing the hair to feeling itching in the scalp will vary depending on other factors.
I support this research and I can confirm that while I was learning to swim, I was in the pool about 5 days per week. I did not use a shower cap and I washed my hair directly after leaving the pool. I remember having to get a shampoo which cleaned and protected my hair from the chlorine in the pool. Knowing that I was going back the next day, I would not place oils on my scalp. For the months that I swam afterwards (to shed my post baby fat) I can say that my hair flourished. Once I began these more frequent washings (I wash my hair weekly) I noticed that I never itch my scalp. In fact, for years that have passed , I have observed other Black sisters and I wait to see how long it takes before they ultimately (almost always) scratch their scalps. That was the first thing that I noticed. The second thing was the narrative of the “tender headed” scalp which too many of us claim to have. The only time my scalp hurts to the touch is when I am sick, recovering from surgery, or when I was studying and was too busy to wash my hair. I would notice that parts of my scalp were painful to the touch. This pain would always go away after washing my hair. These are my experiences prior to watching this informative video, so hearing these facts really justify what I already felt. Also, I do have dandruff at the one week mark so I will try washing my hair after about 5 days. I live in the desert now and we have a lot of clay in the air.
Regarding our weak immune systems from infrequently washing our hair, as Rachael reported, we really need to stop our heavy usage of products and we need to understand how we were made by society to culturally hate the hair that grows under and out of our scalps. My 2 sisters and I have all had hysterectomy surgery and we all grew up using relaxers once we entered into junior high school. I really want us to pull back and use the minimum natural products on our hair and invest in cleaning our crown fully. I hurts me to see the numerous videos of dead scalp snowing on our sisters hair after prolonged wig wearing. We were shamed for our God given beautiful hair, and then we were given products which cause us harm.
I locked my hair 28 years ago and I never looked back. I wash my hair weekly, but will try more often, and I use single oils on my hair only. I do not oil my scalp and have no itching or tender headed issues.
Thank you Rachael for the research and thank you so much Jenn, for the discussion! Congratulations on your beautiful bundle of joy on its way!
Wow! This is game-changing information!
Indian people oil their scalps all the time…why is it a problem when we do it?
I think the fungal growth has a lot to do with diet too. In western countries we have a high sugar diet, coupled with low physical activity, leads to excessive fungal growth.
Our hair products are not naturally anti-microbial, as they would have been 100+ years ago before when people used natural ingredients in their daily lives. Now, if you want something that’s anti-fungal, you have to formulate it specifically for that. Synthetic ingredients and packaging are a breeding ground for microbes (I.e. soybean oil).
Even European people didn’t wash their hair daily in the past, they washed it weekly and brushed the sebum down the strands daily.
I see a lot of pushback for daily washing but I think Rachael has done her job if she convinces black women to at least throw one more wash day in there somewhere.😂
My scalp starts itching at about 5-7 days which is when is when I wash it. Every three days might be a bit much. I do find if I use a clarifying shampoo or a tea tree oil shampoo it cuts down on the itching and even at 7 days it doesn’t itch much. But I don’t like using those shampoos too often.
Hey Jenn! I was actually thinking of you & wondering if you’re ok. I’m glad you are 😊 Thanks for the informative video!
It’s pretty simple. Wash you hair every 1-2 weeks. Of course your scalp is irritated if you haven’t washed your hair in weeks and is trapped under synthetic hair styles are also very irritating. I stopped oiling between washes and cleanse my hair every week and my scalp has never felt better. It’s simple! UA-cam has everyone over complicating the basics. When I put oils on my scalp it immediately started itching so I stopped. I think oils are fine for hot oil treatments that you wash out or the actual hair strands.
Is it UA-cam that’s complicating things or… ourselves? 🤔
Soooo, Anthony Dickey teaches we should wash our hair every day or every two days. He also says, that shampoos with suds are not good for our hair.
I read comments on his page where people talked about how their hair changed for the better after switching to washing daily.
Lastly, someone mentioned tangles. The more often you wash your hair the less tangles. This I know to be true. I was washing twice a week and detangling was definitely easier. So imagine every day, would result is almost no tangles.
I do not apply oils to my scalp anymore, instead I apply aloe Vera gel from the plant.
I currently have oil an my scalp after going months without it and my scalp has been itching all week. For the first couple weeks without oils or butters my scalp was itchy but afterwards my natural sebum was all I needed. No dryness or itchy scalp. Sis is not wrong ( going by my experiences).
Enjoyed your video and thanks for sharing. I can't begin to wash my hair every 72hrs..My life doesn't allow me too❤
What you are discussing makes sense! Keep going!!!
My dermatologist said once a week is fine. I do use a pyrithione zinc shampoo and conditioner and it helps my scalp tremendously. I follow with a moisturizing shampoo after the pyrithione zinc shampoo, and I deep condition once a month to combat dryness. I don’t oil my scalp and try to be careful with stylers touching my scalp. According to my stylist my hair looks good and my scalp looks good. I have flare ups but not that frequently anymore.
Hey JennJ yes I can’t wait to hear more about it.
Hi Jen/All. Loved the vid. I don't oil my scalp. Wash my hair every other week. I am a product junkie. Trying to be reformed so have often found myself reading and attempting to decipher many a scientific paper. So found this fascinating. As everyone has said everyone is different so I don't think 6/7 times is ideal. I wonder if the paper that stated that was sponsored by a haircare company, but I am a cynic. 1 thing I have found is that I don't believe that I was previously rinsing my scalp and hair free of all products both post shampoo and post conditioner stage. I now make sure that the water is running clear after each stage and that has definitely improved my scalp. My hair is kept in mini twists and on wash day I nearly always use a scalp exfoliant and a chelating shampoo. Seems to have worked so far. As with all of us I am still waiting for that next wonder product.
First. I love second full term pregnancy Jenn. I feel like your personality is coming out more. Second. I was thinking Jenn is a scientist definitely watching but then turned into a STEM battle. Nerd heaven lol
Ok I’m totally confused I wash my hair every week and I use oils and butters as well and my scalp is fine. Everyone hair is different and responds to difference routines and hair products I can appreciate Rachael’s presentation and the information she presented to us about this topic but I plan to continue washing my hair weekly and using a oil once or twice a week. I have learned so much along the way with my natural hair journey since 2020 and so far I have mastered what my hair needs and wants to thrive and stay healthy first and stay soft and moisturized second and especially keeping the scalp healthy. Please let us know what else you discover when you dive into Rachael references deeper maybe the reference can tell us internally what needs to be done for a healthier scalp and hair care. Joann
This is so interesting, also when you said that your ends are rougher, I can relate and I’ve been cutting my hair to try and combat this but it always comes back. I saw this lady, she’s a chemist and she said to use products that contain amodimethicone, like the garnier fructis leave in conditioner. I’ve been using it but not consistently because my hair is usually in braids. But can you try to see if it works for you?
Thank you for sharing this, and I completely agree with both points about itching occurring 72 hours after washing and how oils can contribute to it-I’ve experienced the same. I deal with itching and dandruff regardless of whether I use oils or not. I’ve stopped using hair products that contain oils that feed malassezia, like coconut and castor oil. I’ve found a shampoo, conditioner, and an effective scalp serum that helps keep my scalp moisturized and reduces itching, but I’m still searching for a leave-in product that will keep my hair hydrated.
Also, I was having the same responses every time you read. 😂
Like I don't want to wash my hair every three days let alone the two days a week I was already doing.
Love your channel. Ok so my daughter is 16 and she has 4c hair, and when I use oil on her hair, it does cause it to itch, but if I use butters or moisturizers then it doesn't. I've been braiding her hair on a regular basis, so it only got washed once every 2 to 3 months depending on the amount of new growth. After watching your videos I've just started a new regimen today. We are going to start by washing every 7 to 10 days and see how it works. We no longer want to put weaves in her hair after finding out about them causing cancer.
Hi Jenn. So good seeing you all up on my screen! The information presented was interesting but the hair washing frequency recommended is a no for me. I have 4A hair and wash my hair every 14 days with sulfate shampoo. I don't put oil on my scalp or on my hair but I use conditioners/deep conditioners, leave in conditioners and creams formulated with oils in the first 5 ingredients. I don't use gels. I also have no aversion to silicones. This has been my regimen for years including when my hair was relaxed and I don't have scalp issues or dry/brittle hair and retain length with trims every 4 months. This regimen has served me well so I will continue to stick with it.
I think it makes sense bc shampoos were not formulated for our hair and were too drying. now that we have options we should wash more often.
Great vid Jenn. I am half way through! I dont use oils and butters on my scalp either. Last time i did i was catched down in the Walmart parking lot by a bee 😭😭😭😭😭😭. It was either olive or almond oil with an essential oil mixed it ugh. Lawd i still remember that lololol. Also... I like to take walks and the sun would heat up my head at the top. I'm good now 😅.
As somebody who was washing my hair and scalp (I had a buzz cut) every other day with no oils no butters I honestly experienced the opposite, my hair felt more dry and brittle and so did my scalp. I don't use oils or butters or grease on my scalp and I don't use raw oils or butters either, but I find that leave in conditioners and creams with a more oily feel to them do better than ones that have a more watery consistency. My hair doesn't dry up the next day and it can stay moisturized and soft for 2 weeks(when I push it, but I usually wash my hair once a week)
Dang.. how is a buzz cut dry and brittle? 🤔
@@JennJackson lol when it grew out to about 4 inches. I was washing my hair like that for a couple of months
@@Wallflowerxc ah okay. My hair does fine without raw oils/butters as well. I do enjoy thicker products though
I wash my hair every 2 weeks, Use jojoba oil when needed, I will spray brahti tea to moisturizer as well. I’m thinking of trying fenugreek water next
I learned the hard way. My scalp hates raw oils on it UNLESS I mix with a scalp serum or grease.
I think we all should know that an individual research article is very narrow. It will usually address one narrow topic. In this case, she's is talking about fungus. I also think the protocol would be different for someone dealing with a severe chronic case and that's what this sounds like. I imagine this protocol would change once everything stabilizes. And I would think that those without fungal or any other scalp condition can get by pretty well with the hygiene the typical cleanse and condition routine offers.
The pre and post emergent hair idea has me curious. Think I'll do some reading for my own edification.
I think the person who emailed you is the same person who owns the UA-cam channel, Kinky Hair Chemistry (confirmed later in the video). She has a series that breaks this down too.
One thing people rarely mention is that scalp creates its own lubrication, sebum. So, there shouldn’t be a need to oil the scalp. I agree that it’s cultural practice.
There’s something to our issues for sure.
I recently stumbled across her videos and wondered if she’d post again since it has been 4 months. It was very enlightening!
@@CoilyCode I wonder the same thing. I subscribed just in case.
"Scalp creates its own lubrication, sebum" True like the skin on your face. It can produce sebum but now everyone has that. Those with dry skin for example. So I'm assuming it's not the case for everyone that scalp can be oily on its own.
Yes, she's the same. I started following her suggestion. I wash daily (sometimes every other if pressed for time). My scalp now produces more sebum than I have ever had while doing weekly washes. I am amazed by it. I don't put oil in my hair either (though honestly I'm not opposed to a bit of oil on the hair since I'm shampooing so frequently).
@CoilyCode She didn't post new videos but she did finally come back to answer questions in the comment section.
I'm enjoying this video and article, educational. I always wonder what our ancestors used for their hair because they never had all these fancy products 🤔
They weren’t on hair growth Olympics - just fancy styles
@@CharlotteMasonTT 🤣🤣🤣🤣 true
Weekly scalp health massage scalp with Nizoral shampoo leave on for 10 min. Wash & condition as my usual routine then only once will massage my scalp lightly with cbd oil mixed with drops of tea tree essential. Scalp has thrived!
Excellent information thanks for sharing. I shampoo every 7 days but if my hair feels dry I will wet it down in the shower in between shampoo.
I agree adding oils and butters right after my wash causes itching within two to three days.
What worked for me as a child having coarse curly 4b 4c type hair... not really sure of my hair type. All I know is once water hits it the curls be popping😂😂😂. My mother would do my sister and my hair every weekend on a Sunday. It usually consisted of a hot oil treatment and royal crown hair grease and hair food( the yellow one) and that's it 😊. As an adult, I went back to my roots.. for dry itchy scalp which I've recently developed in the last 3 or 4 yrs. I use vitamin e oil, neem powder and coconut oil. I wash my hair once every 7 or 8 days
What I'm getting from this is to
oil your hair, ends especially. I read once that the scalp prpduces sebum, and that travels down the hair shaft. So the areas close to your scalp are good.
I think i agree with the washing almost every day. I notice my scalp feels fresher after a wash. I currently do about every 5 days but will increase frequency and see how that goes. Just remember to oil/mousturize (with whatever) your hair after
It's interesting. When I was working out i used to watch my hair 2 times a week. And my scalp wasn't dry and my hair was great. I didn't make the connection 😮
Sebum is a natural scalp and skin oil. Perhaps the question should be how does sebum inform this thinking? We are all born with this natural oil, some more than others. My sebum has been decreasing as I age. Living in dry climate is also challenging. Both of these conditions has contributed to my scalp being more drier. Pre emergent hair sounds like an old natural hair term "scab hair" ( damaged hair follicles caused by hair relaxers) that was used when the natural movement gained popularity.
A mid week water rinse, co-wash, or water spritzes using my spray bottle to reset or rehydrate my hair/scalp and scalp massages as needed to stimulate blood flow to increase my sebum are helpful when my scalp becomes dry and itchy. Shampoo, deep condition, and style with a curl cream (hair milk in the summer) weekly. I don't seal my hair with oil or use oil on my scalp. My hair products are formulated with enough oils for my hair.
This notion that we should not redo our hair daily or more than once a week to avoid over manipulation) is contributing and resulting to some of the hair/scalp challenges being experienced in my humble opinion. Note: I am not including protective styles, however extending those styles over 4 weeks (mostly because of the cost involved) can cause hair and scalp issues if neglected. Learning how to protective style using your own hair might be more beneficial.
I am currently wearing twist outs because I want to enjoy my hair being out in this stage of my life. Researching, learning, practicing simple styling methods, using hair products for the hairstyle you are embracing that nourish your hair, and listening to your hair needs are healthy hair care concepts. Striving for healthy hair should be everyone's goal.
I only use oil on my hair once a week...as a hot oil treatment. I've also started using clay instead of shampoo to wash and cleanse my hair and noticed my scalp doesn't itch like it used to and it definitely clarifies my hair way better than shampoo ever has....I wash my hair once a week....my hair is thriving! 🎉🎉
I personally don't use oil on my hair, especially in the summer. I live in a very hot and humid area and the combination of oil and sun will literally fry my hair. 😩😂 It took me so long to figure that out. Heavy creams and tucking my ends have been my saving grace.
Speaking from personal experience, for the past year I have been oiling my scalp every 2-3 days after hydrating it.
I make and use my own scalp oils with infused herbs, low comedegenic rated oils and essential oils and I wash my hair/scalp weekly using clays & herbs.
My hair is absolutely thriving and my scalp has never felt better. Shedding is also considerably low so I’m noticing the density of my hair has increased. My hair has never been as full as it is currently.
My dormant follicles that were not growing hair for many years have started to grow healthy hair and my edges have grown back and have never looked so healthy.
But again this is just my personal experience so I shall continue with my regimen because it’s working amazingly well for me.
Loved this video! Thank you for sharing. All the best with your pregnancy💕
I used to always shampoo my hair once a week and I did not use oils or butter on my scalp. In Dec. 2022 I was diagnosed with CCCA and my dermatologist prescribed a ketoconazole shampoo after Nizoral wasn't strong enough. My derm highly recommended that I shampoo at least every three days or more frequently if the itch started before then. Since the diagnosis, I have shampooed two to three times a week and my hair is healthy, and my coils are different in that they are more well-formed and have very little frizz with more natural sheen. I never thought of that change as coming from more frequent shampooing. I thought it was from more frequent conditioning, but maybe it has been because of more frequent shampooing. Either way the condition of my hair has changed for the better.
May I ask what shampoo you are using 2-3 times a week? Thanks!
Thank you for sharing. What is your routine after using shampoo/conditioner?
@@kkwgirl1 I first shampoo my scalp with the prescription ketoconazole shampoo and try to keep it as close to the scalp as possible. My second lather is any shampoo I have on hand. Currently, I'm using Ouidad Ultra-Nourishing Oil Shampoo or Innersensce Hydrating Hair Bath. However, I also use shampoos like Sauve Avocado Shampoo or Redkin All Soft.
@@JennJackson I use a leave-in and either a foam, cream, custard, or gel styler. Sometimes I'll use leave-in only. Most of the time I wear WnG styling. Occasionally I just pin my hair in an updo.
Sis, may I ask what prescription ketoconazole you are using? I am currently on Nizoral.
I am so happy to have run across this post. I am a 55 year old woman and from as long as I can remember I have had itchy scalp. I wash twice a week. Before my hair dries I am scratching my scalp. This happens if i oil or if u don't. I have been to dematologist and can't seem to get any longterm help. I so wish that I can get access to this report or any other report that can help. I have no flaking just continues itching. How do you keep the scalp and hair healthy without oil. What can be done. Also presently I am relax but same thing happened when I was natural. Help
Try a medicated hair grease. Sulfur 8 and Design essentials should have one.
Try washing more frequently using head and shoulders supreme the one with argan oil. I wonder too if your water is very hard?
Thank you, this was informative and helpful
Whoa..5x a week with a strong dandruff shampoo sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. However, I think the 72hr itch is kinda like withdrawal. If a person who oils their hair 2-3x a day for yrs will have to go through a detox process until the inflammation and problem is cured. The use of harsh cleansers on the scalp more than 2x a week will force ppl to use a moisturizing shampoo after and a hella good DC.
I don't oil my scalp and I haven't in 40yrs when I was 10. However I do use oil to detangle my hair b4 I wash bcus all that combing while wet crap had my hair weak and tangling like crazy. I also didn't adopt the piling of so much product on my hair. I tried that loc method and my hair hated it. I've always had long thick dense hair but, I also damaged my hair by doing to much voluminous times now I do the k.i.s.s. method. Keep it simple sista..I was condition use a leave in and blow dry to keep it stretched and I COMB MY HAIR OFTEN. I no longer lose globs of hair.
I think YTU, made us lazy followers that put to much attention on length over health. I'm so glad my critical thinking skills kicked in b4 I went down the rabbit hole of nonsense.
Massaging the scalp alone increases your sebum. Do it one to three times a week without using oils. See what happens.
I do think there is some truth to the oils causing more flaking and itching. I have found that leaving my scalp free makes it much happier and using a rag with a mild shampoo to clean my scalp if I cannot wash it weekly, helps. I am wondering too if the greasing and oiling of my scalp from a child has caused 'scalp tenderness' because of the bacteria feeding.
I have stopped completely oiling my scalp, after putting in braids and having the braid gel on my scalp causing crazy itching and redness to the point where I had to wash my hair during the week. Oiling the scalp made it worst.
Shampoo conditioner leave in conditioner and a hair serum to seal in moisture....that's it!
Although I understand the diagnostic I don't agree with the solution, at least for me and my hair. The take away is, keep your scalp clean and healthy, the solution to that problem is not necessarily to wash it so often. There are many ways to inhibit the bacterial growth on the scalp and keep it clean. Personally, I use ambunu, as a cleanser and live in conditioner. It doesn't leave build up, it keeps the microbial flora of my scalp in check. It's anti fungal and everything else, packed with minerals, protects from the sun, and it loosen my natural hair grease (sebum) and makes it a breeze to spread on the lenght of my hair. Clean scalp, and healthy microbiome. Not to mention having my hair coated with sebum keeps them in a constant state of moisture. My scalp and hair have never been so good and At the end of the day that's what I listen to.
Check out Green Beauty's video "the science of Ambunu"
Ambunu is great if you don't use modern day hair products. Most people use silicones, polymers, and other coating agents that will not be removed by herbs and those agents shouldn't be left in the hair for weeks. Enter shampoo....
@@cfoster6804 True ambunu works for me because that is the only product I use .
I have scalp eczema and if after washing I don't oil my scalp in 72 hours I will experience dry scalp. It doesn't matter if I have product in my hair or not. Although I use oil and butters, it's as needed. I don't oil my scalp everyday, but maybe once or twice a week in between wash days (which are max 21 days between protective styles)
a dermatologist told me that I had dandruff, and like you, I did not like the way my hair felt with the dandruff shampoo but I also tried the head&shoulders supreme hydrating scalp serum and I did like that
Anti-dandruff shampoos have blessed my life! I wash once or twice a week and I don't oil my scalp anymore...who knew 😧☺️!
While I love learning from experts and am more than willing to take a back seat, as someone who studied a subject that also requires interpreting research, I know that scientific studies, the interpretation of those studies, and the recommendations given from the findings of those studies are three completely different things. Two experts can and often do disagree on interpretation and recommendation, and that’s okay. That said, I think starting these conversations based on the research can only be helpful in the long run. I haven’t oiled my scalp in years because I find that it just makes my hair stink after a couple days which is probably from the yeast build up lol.