Hair

Scab Hair?

So, quite a few of you have asked me to do some research on a phenomenon known as "scab hair." That is, you wanted to know what it is exactly and how you can deal with it. Apparently, some of you have diagnosed yourselves as having "scab hair," but my biggest question is, does it even exist?

I had to do a Google search on "scab hair," because I had never heard the term until I started receiving requests to talk about it on my blog. Below is the clearest definition I ran across, which I found on a site called Naturally Famous:

"Apparently there's a term called 'scab hair' which is the new-grow hair that grows out after a perm. Scab hair is not like your true texture. It is drier, rougher, and possibly harder to manage."

This definition, and others I found online, imply that growing out a relaxer isn't as easy as simply ceasing to get a relaxer -- at least not for the first few months of the transition process. In other words, it suggests that the chemicals in a relaxer don't just alter one's hair above the scalp, but below the scalp as well. Now that's a scary thought, for it would mean that the chemicals -- which we all know are caustic and can cause third degree burns, are seeping into our pores and affecting the hair at the root. That's why those who have experienced "scab hair" claim that it takes anywhere from three to six months for this "unbearable" texture to grow out, and one's true, natural texture to grow in…

Now, I'm not too sure if I even believe that "scab hair" exists. I for one did not experience it, and know that other naturals claim to have not experienced it. Could it simply be a matter of one not properly conditioning and moisturizing the new growth so that it can obtain the nourishment it needs to thrive? The reason I ask this question is because if you have relaxed your hair for several years, chances are, you may not know how to properly care for your natural hair. Natural hair is going to be drier than relaxed hair because of the curl/kink pattern. That's why it's so important to condition and impart moisture during the transition process. And, just as one's hair can get used to being relaxed, one's hair can get used to being moisturized and conditioned. Thus, who's to say that this drier, coarser texture won't soften up over time? And, if it's simply a matter of not knowing how to deal with this texture (which is supposedly different from one's relaxed and natural hair), then why not experiment with the same styles that are suggested for transitioners? Styles that will give you a uniform texture throughout, such as braidouts, twist outs, and roller sets, may help with this dilemma.

Now, perhaps "scab hair" really does exist and I never experienced it because I only used children strength relaxers and rarely got touchups (only 3-4 times a year). Yet, even if it does exist, why is it such a big deal if the only way to truly get rid of it is to cut it off? Isn't that what one does during a slow transition anyway -- cut off the relaxed and/or "relaxer tainted" hair?

I want to be clear in that I'm not saying I don't believe relaxers can have a large impact on one's hair. Yet, keep in mind that hair changes, on average, every seven years. There are hormonal factors and lifestyle factors (diet and drugs can affect one's hair) to take into consideration. Most of us who transitioned or are transitioning were relaxed for several years, so there's no telling what one's natural texture will be like once the relaxer grows out. It's almost as if some of you have an expectation of what your texture will be before you even undergo the process. And, who says that your texture will be uniform throughout?

If you feel you are truly suffering from "scab hair" and the texture is hard to deal with, my best suggestion would simply be to wait it out. From what I've read, this should be a temporary condition, so if you're trimming your ends regularly as needed and keeping your hair well nourished, then the "scab hair" should eventually grow out.