Smelly hair.

[MaryMarx]

Hi everyone. :)

I have a problem; only one day after I have washed my hair, it will start to smell.
You know that unwashed-hair-smell.
It starts to smell even before it starts to look greasy. The first day after wash is okay, but the second day is not.
Not to talk about the third day!

And now some background:
I've been on CO for almost 9 months, but when I ran out of conditioner and money, I had to use up my old bottle of sulfate and silicone free schampoo.
But I had the smell issue even before that!
I wash it every other or third day. No products. No scalp issues.

Anyone else has this problem? Or a solution?
Thanks for reading! :p

[heidi w.]

Try scritching your scalp before a given hair wash. That may improve your hair washing results. Are you using too tepid of water? If so, sometimes too cool(-ish) of water will not remove everything out of the hair and mostly off of the scalp. Wash your comb that you detangle with and wash your pillowcase too. Sounds to me that your hair washing routine is not necessarily cleaning the scalp skin really well, and you're left with residual crud on your scalp and it's fouling up the aroma of your hair because it's never really coming off the scalp skin.

What hair and scalp skin needs can sometimes be slightly different things. Hair washing is a hygienic process for cleansing the scalp skin. The hair happens to be in the way. That's my opinion that I've come up with anyway.

An unclean scalp, in time, can lead to an uptick in hair loss. Smelling hair is a hint that the bacteria is in hyperdrive, sometimes, and this can absolutely lead to early dismissal of an otherwise healthy strand of hair. Extending hair washes too long can, for instance, lead to this issue.

heidi w.

[MaryMarx]

Try scritching your scalp before a given hair wash. That may improve your hair washing results. Are you using too tepid of water? If so, sometimes too cool(-ish) of water will not remove everything out of the hair and mostly off of the scalp. Wash your comb that you detangle with and wash your pillowcase too. Sounds to me that your hair washing routine is not necessarily cleaning the scalp skin really well, and you're left with residual crud on your scalp and it's fouling up the aroma of your hair because it's never really coming off the scalp skin.

What hair and scalp skin needs can sometimes be slightly different things. Hair washing is a hygienic process for cleansing the scalp skin. The hair happens to be in the way. That's my opinion that I've come up with anyway.

An unclean scalp, in time, can lead to an uptick in hair loss. Smelling hair is a hint that the bacteria is in hyperdrive, sometimes, and this can absolutely lead to early dismissal of an otherwise healthy strand of hair. Extending hair washes too long can, for instance, lead to this issue.

heidi w.

Will do some scritching! I use pretty warm water.
Hm, I forgot to mention that I've started scalp massage, could that make any difference?
Thank you for your answer, very helpful!

[heidi w.]

Massaging, and for me, even Scritching, can produce more sebum on the scalp skin and lead to increased greasiness for me. So I don't do it. I have Seborrheic Dermatitus and have already a load of too much sebum most of the time.

I wonder if your hair care products smell good, or acquire another tone of aroma after being used and on the hair for a while?

Ideas to consider.
heidi w.

[spidermom]

The smelliest part of the scalp is that area just behind the ears. I have to be careful to do a good job washing that area to avoid a bad case of the smellies.

[xoxophelia]

I think this is actually caused by bacteria or fungus breaking down the oil on your scalp. You could try some diluted antibacterial soap, some raw honey (maybe diluted with 1/4 water so it is easier to massage into your scalp), or do an ACV rinse.

[ravenreed]

I really only get that problem when I shampoo rather than CO. When I CO, I mush the conditioner all the way down to my roots, and make sure I have every bit of scalp skin. Then when I rinse, I run my fingers all over my scalp to make sure it is completely rinsed clean. I always follow with a vinegar rinse. It controls the itchies for me, but I suspect it also cuts down on scalp odor.

[MaryMarx]

I really only get that problem when I shampoo rather than CO. When I CO, I mush the conditioner all the way down to my roots, and make sure I have every bit of scalp skin. Then when I rinse, I run my fingers all over my scalp to make sure it is completely rinsed clean. I always follow with a vinegar rinse. It controls the itchies for me, but I suspect it also cuts down on scalp odor.

Yeah, that's so weird. Because I really work on the scalp when doing CO.
Maybe I could try a vinegar rinse.

[Freckled.Thing]

Hmmm I tend to get greasy looking hair but I've never noticed it smelling. Maybe try some nice-smelling oils for your length on non-wash days? Maybe lavender oil or something along those lines.

[MaryMarx]

I think this is actually caused by bacteria or fungus breaking down the oil on your scalp. You could try some diluted antibacterial soap, some raw honey (maybe diluted with 1/4 water so it is easier to massage into your scalp), or do an ACV rinse.

I will try honey! Before wash or after and then rinse out?

[lapushka]

I've been on CO for almost 9 months, but when I ran out of conditioner and money, I had to use up my old bottle of sulfate and silicone free schampoo.
But I had the smell issue even before that!
I wash it every other or third day. No products. No scalp issues.

Maybe your scalp / hair can't handle CO for that long a period. Maybe you need to clarify more often between CO washes.

[MaryMarx]

Massaging, and for me, even Scritching, can produce more sebum on the scalp skin and lead to increased greasiness for me. So I don't do it. I have Seborrheic Dermatitus and have already a load of too much sebum most of the time.

I wonder if your hair care products smell good, or acquire another tone of aroma after being used and on the hair for a while?

Ideas to consider.
heidi w.

Then it might just be the massage... I could try to cut down on that one.

The product I use right now, the sulfate free schampoo, has a really nice and fresh citrus smell. And the conditioner that I used before for CO I now use as a normal conditioner after schampoo and the lengths are fine!

[MaryMarx]

Maybe your scalp / hair can't handle CO for that long a period. Maybe you need to clarify more often between CO washes.

Maybe! But shouldn't the problem disappear now that I use schampoo? :(

[xoxophelia]

I will try honey! Before wash or after and then rinse out?

I think you would get the best results doing it before you wash just to be sure you get the honey out. The antibacterial properties should help :)

[MaryMarx]

I think you would get the best results doing it before you wash just to be sure you get the honey out. The antibacterial properties should help :)

Great! Will try tomorrow. Thanks! :)

[oktobergoud]

I am no help, but I have the same problem! I just use sls-free shampoo & cone free conditioner and clarify every few weeks.. so, I have no idea what the problem could be!

[MaryMarx]

Hmmm I tend to get greasy looking hair but I've never noticed it smelling. Maybe try some nice-smelling oils for your length on non-wash days? Maybe lavender oil or something along those lines.

I have been thinking of essential oils but the smell problem is only at the roots, and you're not supposed to use EOs at the scalp right?

[MaryMarx]

I am no help, but I have the same problem! I just use sls-free shampoo & cone free conditioner and clarify every few weeks.. so, I have no idea what the problem could be!

Aw... :(
Maybe some of the tips and ideas here can help you! :)

[barely.there]

I would have to agree with the others that say your problem is bacterial/fungal. My husband has an oily scalp and dandruff/flakes, but his head smells fine. Sometimes I put tea tree oil on his scalp to help ease down the dandruff. I find it really works. I believe it may help with your issue. We use it undiluted without any problems, but if you are cautious, dilute it in olive oil.

[lapushka]

Maybe! But shouldn't the problem disappear now that I use schampoo? :(

It should, shouldn't it? Maybe it just needs some more time, after all you've been using CO for months on end, maybe it's going to take more than a few shampoos to get out.

[Amber_Maiden]

I kind of don't mind my hair smelling like hair, instead of flowers of something unnatural.

[Pierre]

You can use EOs on your scalp. I sometimes do if I have an itchy scalp. Be sure they're diluted first.

[caadam]

I kind of don't mind my hair smelling like hair, instead of flowers of something unnatural.

I like the smell of my own hair's natural scent, too. In fact, I've gotten used to it to the point that the smell of conditioners and shampoos (most, at least) give me headaches. lol

My hair smells nice. ♥

[GrowingGlory]

Smelly hair could have hereditary and/or hormonal causes. Some medical conditions cause smelly hair, as do some prescription drugs, nutritional supplements and foods. It might help to eat lots of green produce, citrus and pineapple and drink plenty of hydrating fluids. Eating fat that produces sebum that has the scent and texture that you prefer. Plant oils like black walnut or coconut seldom produce a rancid odor. Drinking spiced tea with oil is a time-honored remedy.

Sufficient exercise and airing your hair outdoors might help. Wearing a sleeping cap with soap nuts in it overnight and covering it when using the restroom might help, too. Wearing an antibacterial Buff might help, too. Overwashing might make matters worse if your sebum production is overstimulated. While a little scritching, preening, and brushing might help, they, too may lead to overproduction of sebum.

HTH!

[GrowingGlory]

Smelly hair could have hereditary and/or hormonal causes. Some medical conditions cause smelly hair, as do some prescription drugs, nutritional supplements and foods. It might help to eat lots of green produce, citrus and pineapple and drink plenty of hydrating fluids. Try eating fat that produces sebum that has the scent and texture that you prefer. Plant oils like black walnut or coconut seldom produce a rancid odor, though dairy and animal fat may. Drinking spiced cider or tea with oil is a time-honored remedy.

Sufficient exercise and airing your hair outdoors might help. Wearing a sleeping cap with soap nuts in it overnight and covering it when using the restroom might help, too. Wearing an antibacterial Buff might help, too. Overwashing might make matters worse if your sebum production is overstimulated. While a little scritching, preening, and brushing might help, they, too may lead to overproduction of sebum.

HTH!

[Honeyfall]

I've had that problem in the past as well, and oddly what works best for me seems to be regular SMTs. I'm not sure why, not sure if anyone else has observed this, but for some reason SMTs tend to drive the smell of whatever conditioner/oils I use into my hair. I am sure the antimicrobial effect of the honey helps too, though for the record I don't heat it to cut the lightening effect as some others do. It's a once-weekly ritual for me, and I try to let it sit on my head for at least an hour.

Best of luck, I know it's more than a little annoying to have to deal with! :grouphug:

[styric]

I second the use of tea tree, or a tea tree shampoo (there's a few sls free ones) to see if that helps.

[MaryMarx]

Smelly hair could have hereditary and/or hormonal causes. Some medical conditions cause smelly hair, as do some prescription drugs, nutritional supplements and foods. It might help to eat lots of green produce, citrus and pineapple and drink plenty of hydrating fluids. Try eating fat that produces sebum that has the scent and texture that you prefer. Plant oils like black walnut or coconut seldom produce a rancid odor, though dairy and animal fat may. Drinking spiced cider or tea with oil is a time-honored remedy.

Sufficient exercise and airing your hair outdoors might help. Wearing a sleeping cap with soap nuts in it overnight and covering it when using the restroom might help, too. Wearing an antibacterial Buff might help, too. Overwashing might make matters worse if your sebum production is overstimulated. While a little scritching, preening, and brushing might help, they, too may lead to overproduction of sebum.

HTH!

Actually the food-thing might be the problem. Kind of embarrassing, but due to big economical issues I've changed my diet quite a bit. Meaning, I don't eat healthy. No veggies, no meat, no fruit, which I do otherwise.
Guess that could be the problem. :(

[MaryMarx]

I kind of don't mind my hair smelling like hair, instead of flowers of something unnatural.

Me neither, but this is too much! I mean, it's not stinking, but it's more than just that natural hair smell.

[Bedhead]

One thing too that you might consider, is with the change of your diet in the way you have, can also come an oversensitive sense of smell. So...
Is it just you that smells it? Have you had someone actually smell your hair and tell you it stinks?

A rosemary infusion / rinse could help, but if it's diet related it will only be a bandaid solution and the smell will come back. Try buying "off" vegetables (10xcheaper) and make soups or sauces you can pour over rice. If you're going to go out of your way to try and get rid of the surface smell, I think in the long run, it would be best to find a solution to balance it with a healthier diet as best you can - a small change might do a lot more than you think it could.

[MaryMarx]

One thing too that you might consider, is with the change of your diet in the way you have, can also come an oversensitive sense of smell. So...
Is it just you that smells it? Have you had someone actually smell your hair and tell you it stinks?

A rosemary infusion / rinse could help, but if it's diet related it will only be a bandaid solution and the smell will come back. Try buying "off" vegetables (10xcheaper) and make soups or sauces you can pour over rice. If you're going to go out of your way to try and get rid of the surface smell, I think in the long run, it would be best to find a solution to balance it with a healthier diet as best you can - a small change might do a lot more than you think it could.

Oh really, I didn't know that! Maybe I could ask someone...
Thanks for your advice! It's just a matter of time before it all clears up, but it's tough anyway. No need for a smelly head on top of that! ;)

[ChloeDharma]

I have been thinking of essential oils but the smell problem is only at the roots, and you're not supposed to use EOs at the scalp right?

I've no idea where you might have heard that but no, essential oils are better on the scalp than the length really.
I add some to my leave in vinegar rinse that i make sure to rub into my scalp.

Along the lines of scritching etc...i brought a kent massaging shampoo brush. I suffer from very hard sebum usually (though this has changed recently) and using the shampoo massage brush thing leaves my scalp really clean feeling after washing.

If you have fresh rosemary then i 2nd the suggestion to use that as a rinse, if not the essential oil is also good. Lavender and/or tea tree are also very good suggestions. Geranium is another good one for balancing sebum production as is ylang ylang.....both smell amazing and conbine very nicely with lavender IMO.

[MaryMarx]

I've no idea where you might have heard that but no, essential oils are better on the scalp than the length really.
I add some to my leave in vinegar rinse that i make sure to rub into my scalp.

Along the lines of scritching etc...i brought a kent massaging shampoo brush. I suffer from very hard sebum usually (though this has changed recently) and using the shampoo massage brush thing leaves my scalp really clean feeling after washing.

If you have fresh rosemary then i 2nd the suggestion to use that as a rinse, if not the essential oil is also good. Lavender and/or tea tree are also very good suggestions. Geranium is another good one for balancing sebum production as is ylang ylang.....both smell amazing and conbine very nicely with lavender IMO.

I don't know either. :D Guess I might have mixed things up!
But that's good to hear. Even if my smelling problem disappears I'd like some nice fragrance to use on the hair, don't wanna use perfume.

[ChloeDharma]

I don't know either. :D Guess I might have mixed things up!
But that's good to hear. Even if my smelling problem disappears I'd like some nice fragrance to use on the hair, don't wanna use perfume.

I will keep my fingers crossed that you find something that works. Personally i'm a huge fan of essential oils and i think that if you find the right ones for your problem then you will be fine.
Good luck :)

[terpentyna]

I second the bacterial/fungal deal. I'd test out Nizoral (ketoconazole) if you haven't already.

[MaryMarx]

I will keep my fingers crossed that you find something that works. Personally i'm a huge fan of essential oils and i think that if you find the right ones for your problem then you will be fine.
Good luck :)

Thank you. :)

[sfgirl]

I kind of have your problem. When I try to extend my washes to every three days, my hair looks nice, my my scalp itches to bad, and it still itches after I wash it. I have to wash my hair at the ver least every other day. :(

[nobeltonya]

That's why I stopped trying to stretch washes.. even CO or WO also will make my hair smell.. and my scalp is just greasy and gross. I have to wash every day. And so far, it isn't unmanageable at this length yet.. if it starts getting to be a chore, I'll probably maintain that length. :)

[MaryMarx]

Update. I think the honey treatment worked. Or, is that too fast? I don't know.
But the second day and third day was all normal hair smell.
We'll see what happens in a couple of days, just washed it an hour ago. :)

[xoxophelia]

Update. I think the honey treatment worked. Or, is that too fast? I don't know.
But the second day and third day was all normal hair smell.
We'll see what happens in a couple of days, just washed it an hour ago. :)

Good to hear :).. and if it doesn't end up being strong enough for whatever reason there are other methods that should help.

[MaryMarx]

Good to hear :).. and if it doesn't end up being strong enough for whatever reason there are other methods that should help.

Yes, then I'll go for the heavy artillery!
Thanks for helping. :)