Itchy Scalp? Try Soaking Your Synthetic Hair in Apple Cider Vinegar

During the colder months, it’s time to finally break out those protective styles you’ve been adding to your Pinterest board all year long and put them to work. Whether you’re opting for waist-length box braids or intricate feed-ins, the choices are endless. And spoiler alert, they’re all cute. But if you’ve ever gotten a protective style with added synthetic or kanekalon hair only to have your scalp itch or for small red bumps to appear on your edges a few hours later, you’re not alone. 

This itchiness and irritation is a common reaction to braiding hair and is a sign that you might be allergic to synthetic hair. Most braiding hair is coated with an alkaline base that can trigger a reaction in many people. But don’t despair — it can often be avoided by pre-treating the hair with a simple solution: apple cider vinegar. 

Apple cider vinegar lifts the alkaline base from the hair. Once dry, it can be installed without irritating the scalp and hairline. The process is simple and can be the difference between struggling through the next five weeks of a protective style and flourishing from one look to the next. To do this, all you need is apple cider vinegar, hot water and a large bowl or bucket. We’re walking you through how to do it, step-by-step, ahead.