Posted by BlueBeard (other posts) on February 12, 2019 at 04:51:09 Previous Next
In Reply to: Re: Scalp peel without damaging hair posted by Jin on February 12, 2019 at 03:11:36:
: : : : : Hi! I used to post fairly regularly in the early days of this board, and then gradually left off. Have been visiting on and off.
: : : : : A few months ago I had a head injury due to an accident. The hospital had bundled my waist-length hair up and bandaged it, and when the bandage was removed the hair was so badly tangled and clumped up with blood and sweat that I was forced to cut it back to shoulder-length. One thing I have noticed is that the ends tend to curl up rather a lot. My question, is there any chance of it growing back to it's earlier length? Is there anything I can do it help it do so?
: : : : : Sam
: : : : Hi Sam, I am very sorry to hear about your unfortunate accident. I'm sure it hurts both physically and emotionally to have to lop off that amount of hair you've painstakingly grew over the years.
: : : : Bundling up over an extended period of time certainly have caused damage to both your scalp and your hair. The gunk of blood and dirt would have infused into your hair structure, and clogged your pores, resulting in inevitable damage. The original protein structure could have been altered, and new hairs may be prevented from growing out well.
: : : : I guess the most painless way is to tough it out, take really good care of your present hair and its new growth. Do scalp cleansing once per week using Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), and use olive oil + argan oil to condition the length after that. You may have some clogged hair pores that require some months to get it completely unclogged. You may also try, once per month, to do deep scalp cleansing and exfoliation by a sparing amount of baking soda and salicylic acid. Trust me, it will recover, and you'll find fresh new hairs to be healthy and strong :).
: : : : I've underwent a major operation of intestinal blockage in 2002. My mid-back hair was bundled up for three whole weeks, with no chance to be washed. I was more fortunate to have an injury other than head, and that was why I did not have to cut my hair off. However, my hair was severely damaged and pores are very, very clogged. I spent the next six months recovering my hair and my health. If there is any consolation to you at all, please look at my recent pics. I've got my crowning glory back, with a length that was nearly double my mid-back :). I've attached another braid pic to serve as a motivation for you to get back up again.
: : : : My best wishes to you and wish you a swift recovery!
: : : Guys, look at this article, it should be really useful for you in your growth journey.
: : I like that article, Jin. I actually came across that last week but am unfamiliar with the salicylic acid scalp peel to remove the layer of plaque in step 2. What strength of salicylic acid is safe for thinning hair-I don't want to burn off the hair that's there? Maybe you just made the ACV in step 1 and that was good enough?
: : Marty
: OTC salicylic acid are generally well-diluted down to 2%-3% concentration, such that it is very safe to use on skin (you may even see this ingredient on many shampoos). You may use it without further dilution (just enough to get your scalp covered, which is about 5 ml). Do not use it daily, or even weekly. Fortnightly is perhaps needed for severely clogged pores, and then monthly for regular maintenance.
: Some may exhibit allergic reactions to SA. To be on the safe side, do a patch test by rubbing a small amount on the back of your hand. If nothing happens after 10 minutes, you are not allergic. If you see a raised bump that is red and itchy, then you are allergic.
: During a period of good hair for me, I only use ACV weekly without using SA for a good three months in-between.
: Hope this helps.
Thanks, Jin! I ordered a 5% mix which I may dilute to 2% with jojoba oil if my skin is sensitive in patch test. I imagine I'd know it works if the glow on my scalp gets dull like the rest of my scalp?
Does that sound right?
Marty