Scab HAIR! It's REAL!

Ok. So one of the controversial topics in the Natural Hair Community is SCAB HAIR. Some say it's not real. It's impossible to damage something that doesn't exist yet ( the hair underneath the scalp being affected by the perm) While other are saying it is in deed REAL!!! I would have to side with them on this because I. HAVE. SCAB HAIR!

Now, they're saying that Scab Hair is when the hair  underneath the scalp gets affected by the harsh chemicals from the perm and like I said, I agree! When you get a perm, you have to base the hair with petroleum (a thick grease)to "PROTECT" your SCALP from the perm you're about to receive. Notice I Bolded, Capped and add quotes to the word PROTECT. After you base your hair, you them proceed to add perm to the sections in your hair. You sit for a while until it's either tingling/burning or until it's time to rinse it out. The reason why I agree with scab hair being real is when you are sitting with the perm, when you start to feel some tingle or a burn it's NOT your HAIR that's feeling that way. it's YOUR SCALP. In order for you to feel that sensation, the perm seeped onto or into your scalp causing you to feel a burn or itch. They say "Don't scratch your head before you get a perm because you will burn" and looking back on it, I feel like that's BS because there's been times where I haven't scratched my head and gotten a perm and I still got burned.  That right there is crap. So, it's in fact the perm seeping through your scalp and interfering with your "unborn" new growth.




Here's an article I came across on About.com. Some pretty good  info on how to combat scab hair.

Question: What Can I Do About Scab Hair?

I stopped relaxing my hair three months ago and my new growth is rough and hard, no matter what I do to it. Is this scab hair or is this my real texture? What can I do about it? Because if this is what my natural hair will be like, I'd rather return to relaxing.

Answer: Don't get discouraged by this rough growth often referred to as scab hair once you stop chemically straightening your tresses and new locks grow in. In most cases, this strange, in-between texture isn't anything like your real hair. It can be the result of residual chemicals working their way out of your scalp; if you've relaxed for years and years, your scab hair may be especially rough and coarse.

To make your transition go as smoothly as possible, here's what you can do to cope with your scab hair:

• Condition often: Even if it seems like regular conditioning isn't making a difference, continue applying conditioners to your hair. This includes a rinse-out formula after shampooing, a leave-in and deep conditioners at least twice a month. Scab hair is oftenthirsty hair, so keep it as moisturized as possible to prevent breakage. The line of demarcation, where your previously relaxed hair meets your new growth, is fragile; if you're transitioning instead of going the big chop route, you'll have to be careful with this area, and frequent conditioning is one of the best ways to treat it.
• Oil as needed: In addition to conditioning, oil your scalp and hair as needed with natural products. Jojoba, coconut, almond and olive are all great choices when it comes to oils. Because pure oils moisturize more effectively than poor-quality products, there's no need to pile them on -- a little goes a long way. Apply after shampooing and conditioning, and a small amount daily, paying special attention to the scab hair area.
• Cut away rough ends: Frequent trimming is the best way to go when dealing with rough hair. You don't have to cut all your hair off if that's not for you, but if being completely natural is your eventual goal, cutting sooner rather than later is optimal. As you get rid of scab hair, you'll see how soft your real texture actually is.
• Be patient: Experiencing this rough hair may last six months or more, depending on how long you relaxed your hair or practiced any other permanent texture-altering techniques. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts when it comes to hair growth, so try to enjoy every stage of your hair's journey instead of constantly wishing for something else.

I think that  some of the people who say that it isn't true are the ones who never experienced Scab Hair. When I was transitioning, I was on the fence about it because I didn't fully understand how something can get affected if it's nonexistent, but now that I truly believe that I have Scab Hair, I sat and thought about how it could be true. 

So, you would think I would be mad right? I mean, after 9 whole months of transitioning, and finally getting rid of all the relaxed ends just to find out that I have Scab Hair, you would think I would be super duper pissed!. NOPE I'm not at all mad about this little situation because it comes with the territory. I used to get my hair every 6 weeks. and sometimes I would get touch-ups in between those 6 weeks.  So I'm not surprised that I got Scab Hair. Not at all. And the areas that I used to touch-up or where I got burned, are the same areas I have the most Scab Hair.

Lets take a look at what I'm talking about....

The back was where I felt the difference in textures

You can DEFINITELY see the dryness and "fuzzy" frizz

And the Scab Hair in the front is battling with my REAL hair texture

Natural curls mixed with Scab Hair

But look what happens when I add conditioner...

But look at my hair when it's soaked with conditioner.

So you see what I'm talking about? When you look at my hair, it doesn't look bad. but when you style it, you can tell that there's 2 different textures going on. My plan is to DEEP CONDITION like crazy.  I'm going to deep condition because that's very important to newly naturals. We definitely need to condition our hair for some great moisture. I already did one treatment yesterday using my steamer (I'm going to do a video on it) with Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner.  I want to do 4 more before I put braids in my hair. This time I around, I want to leave my braids in until June and see how much growth I can accumulate. If it's enough, I will cut off my scab hair and then start my APL journey, if not, I'm just continue to grow my hair out until I'm ready to cut it again and then start from there.

I'm on a journey to getting rid of my scab hair and another journey for APL. Going natural is the craziest, most fun experience ever!