Thread by @Takon_dwa, If you braid your hair using Xpression braids please see the thread [...]

If you braid your hair using Xpression braids please see the thread below. The number of people in my DMs after I shared this on Instagram is ridiculous and it might just save your scalp.

I've been braiding back-to-back over the past 10 months and noticed that my scalp was EXTREMELY itchy, red, and tender. This came on the heels of another hair issue, so I chalked it up to that initially but after a while it made no sense.

I do my own hair and do not treat it with chemicals, so it was absolutely not about the unsanitized combs in hair salons or relaxer burns. Your girl was in class and meeting like

Growing up I was taught that braids bring a little itch if you don't oil your scalp. So I oiled. I used olive oil + lavender oil + peppermint oil for its antifungal properties but NOTHING helped. I even ditched naturalistas and tried petroleum-based grease again but nothing.

It reached a point where it even hurt to rest my head on a pillow. I couldn't stand it anymore so I went digging.

I found out that hair companies, have started coating their synthetic braids with an alkaline formula that many people are allergic to. (Theories include that it's supposed to make it resistant to mold & mildew when storing and shipping).

Naturally, I found that treating it with something acidic would neutralise and strip the substance off of the hair.

I had braids at the time, so after washing them, I made an apple cider vinegar mixture & sprayed it on my scalp & the section of the braids that touched or was closest to it.

According to the blogs and YouTubers, I should have left it in for at least 10min but because my scalp was so sore and tender, the vinegar burned, so I kept it for about 6 min and rinsed. IT HELPED. I kept my braids in and my scalp was not as aggravated.

I'm trying to braid my hair this weekend so today I pre-rinsed my hair with a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar and I am still SHOOK at the results.

It's crazy how quickly the film formed over the water.

Second attempt, same results

COUNTLESS people reached out telling me they have had the exact same problem

1. Use lukewarm water (you'll still want the hair to be sensitive to heat after braiding when you need to seal the ends).
2. I recommend washing it wish a bit of shampoo after you drain this icky water. It helps clean it off well and helps it smell better if you've used ACV.

3. Rinse thoroughly!
4. Still take lots of care of your scalp once you braid. Use and ACV rinse on your scalp after shampooing to restore pH even while in braids (also helps with inflammation). I swear by olive oil + peppermint oil blend to soothe the scalp and keep it healthy.

5. Many of us who have had a rough time might also see higher dandruff occurrence. ACV rinses have helped me manage this but as with anything, it all boils down to consistency.

Sidenote: It angers me that things that most black women I know use can be this toxic to our bodies. It's difficult for me not to chalk that up to manufacturers caring more about our coins than about our wellbeing.

6. More than anything I'm not a dermatologist. If you have chronic issues it's best to consult one and maybe take a break from synthetic things and chemicals until you seek out their professional opinion.

Stay safe and slay safe, y'all. I'll post updates in a week or two.

Q1:

On a hanger. You can hang it outside but I have construction happening right where I live + there dust and debris everywhere so I hung it on a door-knob with a bucket underneath (had 3 hangers)

https://twitter.com/angiengugi/status/1144855582719053825?s=19