Why Does My Weave Itch so Bad at Night

Six Helpful Tools That Can Relieve an Itchy Weave

Mikey Moran

Ladies, we all are guilty of the infamous 'pat your weave until it stops itching' movement.

I know I'll pat my head until I get a headache or my mom yells at me.

We do this because,

#1 We are too lazy to get up and get something to scratch with.

#2 We don't know what to use.

#3 We don't know what is causing it to itch so badly.

Let's quickly discuss why human hair extensions can cause so much itching once installed.😖

Then, you can check out these simple tools and tips to help rid yourself of that itchy install.

Curly hair girl in pink sweatshirt with itchy hair

Treat Your Hair Before You Get Your Hair Extensions Installed

It's not rocket science that you must wash your hair often, especially before installing hair extensions for weeks at a time.

The key to an adequately clean scalp is the right shampoo and conditioner. In addition, you want to ensure that you use moisturizing products that will not dry out your hair.

Once you thoroughly wash and condition your hair, applying a moisturizing agent before styling is always best. That product can be anything from light oil, soothing cream, or a leave-in conditioner.

It is also always the stylist's job to ensure their client's hair is ready for installation.

They usually will grease your scalp upon completion of the braiding foundation.

Friends taking care of their mutual friends offering hair and skin care products

Six Scalp Soothing Tools

I know what you are thinking: can't you just use something pointy or pat your head until the itching stops?

Of course, you can; you are free to do what you please, ladies, but know there are more efficient ways to relieve yourself of that annoying itch.

Queen Bey definitely told us to pat our weaves, but I don't think she intended it to be aggressive and non-flattering, especially when there are hair products we can use to relieve the itch. Stop giving yourself a headache and try out these tools below:

Rat Tail Combs

Yes, using the end of a rat tail comb will help soothe your weave's constant itching.

This styling tool has been around for decades and helps with more than just combing and parting your hair.

I've found that the rat tail combs work best to get to those tight, hard-to-reach spots—one of the most iconic soothing tools for itchy weaves.

Stay away from the steel-ended rat tail combs if you can, as they can cause you to scratch your scalp beyond just getting at the itch of your weave.

In addition, you can pick at your scalp so much with the steel end that you can draw blood and cause further irritation.

Scalp Massaging Brushes

These things work wonders on the scalp, and they feel amazing!

You are probably familiar with that part of the shampoo process when your stylist brushes your hair, and you melt a little in the chair because it feels so amazing and gives you the chills.

This brush is what they use, the scalp massaging brush. Many companies make these, so you have options. These brushes are also great for dandruff and multifunctional at their best!

Scalp Soother

This three-prong tool is similar to a hair pick. It is relatively long but has a curve to it.

The scalp soother is the ideal tool to scratch that itch on your head and get in between those tight weave tracks.

The scalp soother is another multifunctional tool that can also be used during hair extensions wash day.

Afro curly hairstyle with brush through her hair

Scalp Bliss Itch Calming Dipstix Set

This is nothing like the other tools mentioned, but this might be the answer you ladies have been searching for.

This tool is a probing pointer that scratches and an organic serum that helps relieve that itchy sensation.

This soothing scalp tool can be applied directly to the scalp before, during, or after your hair extensions are installed. With many organic ingredients and nourishing oils, this tool will be sure to help out with itching.

Dry Shampoo

Apply dry shampoo directly to your scalp. It acts as a cooling spray when applied to your scalp instead of your hair.

On top of serving as a cooling agent, dry shampoo helps pull excess oils, dirt, and debris from your scalp: the main reason for the itching.

Dry shampoo does not replace regular shampoo; it can make your hair sticky and weigh it down with excessive use. So remember, apply directly to the scalp to relieve that itch.

Natural Remedies for Scalp Itching

DIY hair care products is achievable.

You can make the concoction that works for you and spray it on your scalp before and during the install of your weave.

One that works well for me is apple cider vinegar or witch hazel combined with water and Seabreeze.

Seabreeze is an old-school treatment that works wonders for a sensitive or irritated scalp, as it is an astringent.

Always do your research on ingredients before making this mixture. However, this tool is still helpful, inexpensive, and lasts forever because you won't need that much when applying.

Curly hair model combing through her hair

Reasons Why Your Scalp Is Itchy

Before buying tools or products to relieve the itch, first, it's best to know what irritates your scalp.

Knowing precautions will permanently save your time, effort, and money, and who doesn't want to save?!

If you ask yourself, "Why does my weave itch so bad at night?" we should have the answer for you.

A Dry Scalp

The main reason for your hair to itch once your human hair bundles are in place. Always ensure you use moisturizing products before getting your hair extensions installed.

Please do not use too much oil, as it will cause your hair to become dirty, and where there is dirt, there will be irritation. Don't be afraid to wash, moisturize and condition your installation. between salon visits if you see fit.

An Irritated Scalp

Along with the right duo of shampoo and conditioner, you always need to ensure that your scalp isn't irritated before or during installation.

Make sure that your stylist isn't braiding your hair too tight. Weaving too tightly can cause the scalp to tense up, which will cause irritation that leads to dryness and scabs, creating an itchy weave.

Your Braid Foundation Is Too Tight

Make sure your stylist isn't braiding too tightly together. Braiding too closely together leaves little to no breathing room for your scalp.

What does something do when it cannot breathe? It will suffocate, and so can your scalp.

Tight Braids

If the braids used as the foundation for the weave are too tight, they can cause tension and stress on the scalp. If you are considering Boho Braids, we recommend using both synthetic and human hair as long as you don't have allergic reactions to synthetic. 

This tension can irritate the skin, leading to itching.

Allergic Reactions

Some individuals might have allergic reactions to the materials used in synthetic weaves or the chemicals used in treating human hair weaves.

These reactions can cause itching and even inflammation.

Lack of Air Circulation

Weaves can limit the air reaching the scalp, creating a warm and moist environment.

This lack of circulation can encourage the growth of bacteria and fungi, leading to itching and scalp discomfort.

Medical/Skin Related Issues

Of course, there are medical or skin associated issues can cause an itchy, dry and irritated scalp psoriasis or eczema. If so, check our medical wigs collection.

Confident curly hair model in crop top

Don’t Forget The Basics

If you have any medical or skin-related problem that affects your scalp, please see a dermatologist or physician before you try, and self-medicate.

Some conditions can cause a person's scalp to be extremely sensitive, leading to this article's main topic.

If you have any situation like previously mentioned, please find another method of wearing extensions so that your scalp can breathe and efficiently heal.

In the great words of Queen Bey, "Pat your weave ladies, "but before you pat yourself into a coma, check out these tools and some natural remedies.

Don't forget to look into why exactly your scalp is so itchy. Continue to take care of your hair, and adequately wash it before and while you have in your hair extensions.

See a dermatologist if the itching persists to no avail after you have exhausted all options.

Oil is your friend, but never use it too frequently or in large amounts because dirt will become your best friend, and your scalp will have excessive buildup and become irritated.

Black Short Hair Female Model Itching Her Head

Itchy Braids & Weave FAQ

Let's finish this off with a lot of questions we get asked at Private Label from those coming into our hair stores for more information about weave, braids, and how to manage them.

If you have additional questions please leave them in the comments below so we can add them to this article. 

How to stop braids from itching?

To stop braids from itching, ensure the scalp is kept clean and moisturized. Use a light, water-based scalp spray or oil to soothe dryness and alleviate itching.

Avoid tight braiding and tight sew-ins to reduce tension on the scalp, and regularly cleanse the scalp with a diluted shampoo or a scalp cleansing solution to remove product buildup and prevent irritation.

Additionally, consider using anti-itch sprays specifically designed for braids to provide immediate relief.

Why do braids itch?

Braids can itch for several reasons, including a dry scalp that lacks moisture and irritation.

Tight braiding can cause tension and stress on the scalp, resulting in discomfort.

Product buildup from oils and styling products can block pores, causing itching.

Additionally, the synthetic hair used in braiding can sometimes cause allergic reactions or sensitivity, leading to an itchy scalp.

Why does my weave itch so bad at night?

Your weave might itch more at night due to increased scalp dryness, as you may only apply moisture occasionally throughout the day.

Additionally, lying down can exacerbate tension from tight braids or weaves, increasing discomfort.

The accumulation of sweat and lack of air circulation while sleeping can also create a warm, moist environment, encouraging bacterial or fungal growth and causing itching.

Black Afro Hair Female Model Having a Headache

Why do braids itch after a week?

Braids can start to itch after a week due to product buildup from oils, conditioners, and styling products that accumulate on the scalp, blocking pores and causing irritation.

Additionally, a dry scalp might worsen as natural oils are not adequately distributed, leading to flakiness and itching. The tension from tight braids can also become more noticeable over time, increasing discomfort.

Lastly, the scalp might react to the synthetic hair used in the braids, causing itching and irritation.

How to relieve itchy hair extensions?

To relieve itchy hair extensions, regularly cleanse the scalp with a diluted, gentle shampoo to remove product buildup and keep the scalp fresh.

Moisturize the scalp with a light, water-based scalp spray or oil to prevent dryness. Avoid tight installations to reduce tension on the scalp. Use anti-itch sprays specifically designed for extensions, and ensure proper ventilation by not wearing tight head coverings for extended periods.

I hope this helped; comment below with any other helpful tools or tips you have, and let us know if any of the above has been of great use.

Check our Bulk Human Braiding Hair to explore more healthy options!🌞

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3 comments

I just got a sew in yesterday but my scalp is itching like crazy. I throughly soaked my bundles with vinegar and water for 20 min. Then washed and conditioned them. It’s takes a long time to blow them so I leave them out in the sun to air dry. My hair stylist washed, conditioned and blew dried my hair and then oiled it after she braided it down. Can someone tell me the possibilities of why my scalp is itchy? Any remedies?

Kendra

These tools seem really helpful! I’ve struggled with an itchy scalp with my weaves before, so I’ll definitely try some of these suggestions. Thanks for breaking it down!

Brianna

Great tips! Has anyone tried using dry shampoo to relieve weave itchiness? How effective was it for you?

Kiara

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