Sweet Smelling Hair

Coffee time talk! Neene asks,

'Is there an effective way to keep the hair from smelling whilst in a protective style? I do most of the cooking in my house as a result, the fabric of my clothes and my hair catch the sweet and spicey aroma of the meals being prepared. Normally I would open a window, but it's winter and I appreciate the heat from the hob. Since I'm protective styling (in mini twists) I wash/co-wash less frequently. I thought one solution may be hair perfume, but wouldn't that just sit on top of the odour? '

I had a little chuckle about not wanting to open the window, because I do the same thing. I do agree that perfume would mask rather than fix the problem. As it can get quite windy in UK, the simple answer for me would be to take a walk, however if it is not windy where you are this is not a solution.

An extractor fan fitted in your kitchen is a good option. However, I also recognise the limitations of this - for example if you are living in rented accomodation.

I really do not have any solutions beyond the norm (i.e change what you are cooking or wash your hair more often). I wash my hair atleast once a week regardless of style. My twists actually do not unravel provided I am not too aggressive on the scrubbing..

Do you have any solutions for Neene?

Comments

  1. Satin scarf on top of the protective style when you're doing stuff? Hopefully, the scarf will absorb the odour and keep it out of your hair.

    Or you could maybe use dry shampoo - I haven't personally used it, but from what I know, it has properties similar to baking soda, which is really good at absorbing smells. I used to mix some baking soda with some cocoa powder to clear out smells. That kind of worked, but obviously, build up was inevitable.

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  2. Try making a moisturizing spritz with sweet smelling essential oils. If the smell is really bad and washing is out of the question, maybe a dry shampoo followed by the spritz might work better. CurlyNikki's blog had a similar post, the title was "Smoked Out:Natural Hair". Read through the comments for more tips

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  3. I'd suggest a mix of ACV and water. One teaspoon of ACV to one to two cups of water. I use it, and the smell dissipates after a few minutes.

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  4. Hybridomatech (can't seem to post under my username, so i will do it under anonymous):
    Hi! When i had braids (extensions) in my hair, i would put on my satin bonnet and then wrap a shower towel on top, and that did the job of keeping the cooking smells out of it, cos it was hell to wash those synthetic braids and they really absorbed the smells. Try it, i am sure it will work for you too, you might look a bit like Marge Simpson whilst you are cooking, but at least your hair won't smell! :)

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  5. Lol, Marge Simpson... ;) I towel my hair away too for cooking. Possibly a Satin Scarf would be enough, it just never occurred to me. I will give that a try.

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  6. oooh just did a good one yesterday whilst cooking! i simply put on my shower cap! it's a nice sort of tighter fit and kinda thick (read one of those expensive types you feel you deserve to treat yourself to) and it's blue, big and fluffy, guess who i look like when i have it on??
    Well, it did the trick!! :)

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  7. thnx for the advice ladies! in the end i found wrapping my hair up with satin scarfs/towels was the best for me til wash day. i like the shower cap idea too... like a short steam. Happy Hair Growing :)

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  8. Hi, I tried to email you privately but couldn't find the link to do so. However, my question is, is there a difference between conditioner and a moisturizer? If so, what is it and is one better or more necessary than the other? I keep seeing people say they moisturize and condition their hair when I thought if you condition your hair you are also moisturizing it. I didn't realize they serve different purpose. Thanks in advance!

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  9. I swear by my shower cap. It keeps odours out and keeps my hair happy underneath :)

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  10. Hi! just wanted to say I love your blog!! I live in Poland and belong to a hair board there with mainly caucasian members so imagine my surprise when I read several posts today discussing your research-so cool:)) I'd post a link but its all in polish..

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  11. Thanks for the comments and the great idea on covering hair!

    Hi Mimi - thanks for stopping by - I love science and I think it is relevant to everyone regardless of race, it always make me happy to see that the science transcends race and even language (I've seen the blog linked on French, Portugese and even on a Japanese site)

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  12. Try vanilla extract. I know that it's excellent for getting cigarette smoke out of your hair, I don't see why it wouldn't work for refreshing protective styled hair. I just put enough to fit in my palms and rub through my hair.

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