Random: hair that is sticky when wet HELP

[cabanafrau]

I wonder if the bleach in the Sun In might be killing off some of the “good bacteria” of your scalp and allowing a fungus or yeast to take over? (Sort of like an antibiotic does.) First I would try stopping the Sun In for a month or two, to see. I second trying the miconazole cream - maybe put it on those areas an hour or two before shampooing. I also found this shampoo that has an anti-fungal agent in it (below). I think the Sun In might be the problem, so these things without stopping it may not work alone, but experiment. I agree that if these suggested remedies don’t work, to also see a dermatologist.

https://www.healthyhairplus.com/Ant...MIk_OW6bSM7AIVJ_3jBx38VwxXEAQYBSABEgLwmvD_BwE

I have never heard of an issue like this before, but I have to say my first instinct was stop the Sun In. When you say you're using it on your roots really makes me think for sure your scalp is getting a solid dose of it on a regular basis. I'd be too chicken to try antifungal stuff myself, but Pea has medical training and her thoughts make a lot of sense.

I know Tea Tree Oil has antifungal properties, have you used any shampoo with that and did it trigger any changes or symptoms?

My second instinct is, hassle or no, see a dermatologist.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I think the thing is, that Sun In (which I used in the 70s and my DD uses today) is meant to go on strands of hair, and not the scalp. If spraying roots, especially often, it’s probably inevitable that some of the scalp is getting hit, as well. Can you verify this, OP? Is the area you’re having trouble with regularly being sprayed with Sun In?

 

[Pea-n-Me]

m

I actually read an article some time ago on "smelly hair syndrome ". Search that and a lot will come up. The most common culprit is seborrheic dermatitis, and most of the stories end happily after treatment with a coal tar soap (not to be confused with the currently hip charcoal ".

The hair not drying seems to support something like SD as it causes an overproduction of oils.

Good luck.

A piece of the puzzle, perhaps:

What are the causes of seborrheic dermatitis? What aggravates it?
Researchers aren’t sure of the exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis. They think there may be many causes. Factors that are thought to play a role include:

• A type of yeast called Malassezia, which is present on everyone’s skin, but overgrow in some people.
• An increased level of androgens (a hormone).
• An increased level of skin lipids.
• An inflammatory reaction.
• Family history (dermatitis runs in the family).

Other factors that trigger or worsen seborrheic dermatitis include:

• Stress.
• Cold and dry climate.
• Oily skin.

 

[Soupermom]

What I would recommend as just a trial is wash your hair with Neutrogena Anti Residue and DO NOT put any conditioner on it at all. Let the shampoo stay in for 5 minutes after you lather it. Rinse it with distilled water. Pull up the rest of your hair into a bun except that part. Blow dry it. Then see how that hair in that area feels. If it's not sticky and feels normal, I'd say your culprit is simply either hard water mineral buildup OR the wrong kind of shampoo/conditioner and perhaps oily hair in that one spot due to hormones.

Does your shampoo have Sodium Lauryl Sulfate? Many people are trying to avoid this ingredient, but to be honest, you kind of need to use a shampoo containing sulfates in order to really clean your hair if you have hard water. Also, do not use a "moisturizing" shampoo or conditioner, just use one for normal hair.

Another thought is that it's simply damaged hair. Do you color it at all? Sun in is VERY damaging and the equivalent of bleaching it. I'd stop using that altogether if you want your hair texture to improve.

I have never colored my hair. I do use the Sun In but when I asked my stylist, because I was concerned about damage too, she said my hair was VERY healthy. I also use the Sun In more readily in other areas, like my part, and those area are not funky/sticky at all.
Also, my hair feels absolutely fine/normal when DRY, so I don’t think your bun scenario would show me much. I did just order some of the Neutrogena shampoo—Amazon has it on sale with a coupon if anyone needs some.

 

[Soupermom]

I think the thing is, that Sun In (which I used in the 70s and my DD uses today) is meant to go on strands of hair, and not the scalp. If spraying roots, especially often, it’s probably inevitable that some of the scalp is getting hit, as well. Can you verify this, OP? Is the area you’re having trouble with regularly being sprayed with Sun In?

Yes, I am probably spraying my scalp since I am trying to get the roots. What you are saying makes sense. I never thought about it hurting the scalp as long as the hair was healthy and my scalp seemed good too. I ama currently using OGX tea tree oil and mint shampoo/conditioner and have not noticed any difference—it’s been over a month. I will check out the antifubgal shampoo you shared too. I am familiar with the cream you mentioned as well and will look for some to purchase.

 

[Soupermom]

I think the thing is, that Sun In (which I used in the 70s and my DD uses today) is meant to go on strands of hair, and not the scalp. If spraying roots, especially often, it’s probably inevitable that some of the scalp is getting hit, as well. Can you verify this, OP? Is the area you’re having trouble with regularly being sprayed with Sun In?

Yes, the problem area is one which I often hit hard with the Sun In, just below the crown of my head, but to the side. However, I hit my part just as hard and it is absolutely fine.

 

[Soupermom]

Is the Miconazole cream the one with nitrate in it? Would I put that on my scalp only, or some of the strands of hair?

 

[Kitty 34]

I had a similar problem this past winter and spring and when I finally could get back to my hair stylist, she told me to try good 'ole baby shampoo. She also said not to apply conditioner right on that part of your scalp. My hair is a lot shorter now but I feel my issue is definitely better. Good luck!

 

[Soupermom]

I'm prone to fungal infections of the skin - I've gotten them on my forehead, chest, legs etc. They often smell bad are usually itchy and often look or feel moist. When i first started getting them a co-worker suggested I try a brief experiment.

Apply a small bit of cortisone to the affected scalp. Does it get worse or start itching? then it's fungal. Does it get better or stay the same then it's probably not a fungal infection.

Apply a bit of anti-fungal cream or rinse with a toner with salicylic acid in it (clean and clear astringent or similar). Does it tingle sting then feel better - probably a fungal infection. Does nothing happen - probably not a fungal infection.

It could also be an allergy to something you're using. My son had a horrible problem with smelly pits. Foul odor, weeping. By process of elimination we figured out that the problem was the deodorant he was using. He switched products and things got better.

My scalp is not sticky, just my hair. Scalp looks/feels fine.

 

[Soupermom]

Update: I've stopped using the Sun In, temporarily. I used the Neutrogena shampoo this morning and there was absolutely no change. I've ordered the anti-fungal shampoo and will give that a try once it arrives...

 

[dreamer17555]

Is your hair gummy feeling, tacky and sticky when wet? That shows high levels of damage. Stop sun in- bleach, hair color of any kind, limit heat. Gummy hair when wet is your warning before it starts to break off.

Look into Aphogee 2 Step Protein Treatment.

 

[morgan98]

I agree about stopping the use of Sun-In. I am not calling your hairstylist a liar, but there is no way your hair is "healthy" with repeated and continuous use of Sun-In. This is evidenced by the issue you are having. Something is definitely going on.

 

[OneOftheB's]

My first thought is you may have hygral fatigue. It stems from hair that is over moisturized (and has a lack of protein). Color treated hair needs protein to stay healthy, and Sun In does change the color of your hair via chemicals. I would google the symptoms and how to correct it. I've experienced hygral fatigue and my hair felt gummy and mushy. I bought several conditioners (leave in and wash out) that were protein rich as well as a protein filler to add to my conditioner and the problem resolved quickly. Best of luck!

 

[Soupermom]

My first thought is you may have hygral fatigue. It stems from hair that is over moisturized (and has a lack of protein). Color treated hair needs protein to stay healthy, and Sun In does change the color of your hair via chemicals. I would google the symptoms and how to correct it. I've experienced hygral fatigue and my hair felt gummy and mushy. I bought several conditioners (leave in and wash out) that were protein rich as well as a protein filler to add to my conditioner and the problem resolved quickly. Best of luck!

I have Goggled the symptoms which led to all of the treatments I have already tried.

 

[OneOftheB's]

I have Goggled the symptoms which led to all of the treatments I have already tried.

Sorry, I missed the part where you've done protein treatments, all I saw was different types of shampoo being suggested and tried with little to no success. Most shampoos are balanced (moisture vs protein) or are lacking protein. I have color treated, curly hair so walking the balance between over moisturized (mushy) hair and too much protein (hair that feels like straw) is something I walk all the time.

 

[gwynne]

I have Goggled the symptoms which led to all of the treatments I have already tried.

Have you made an appt with a dermatologist? You can always cancel if google finds a helpful solution.

 

[Lisann]

You need to see a doctor.

I would start with a dermatologist. It sounds as if your hair care routine is not the cause. And I would keep seeing a doctor(s) until you find the right one. Hair is not normally sticky or smelly when washed properly. You have something else going on, that needs to be addressed. It might end up being a simple solution or medicine to treat the problem. Best of luck to you.

 

[terri01p]

Back in June I got the coronavirus. Actually my whole family got it at the same time, my husband passed away from it in June at the age of 60, that is a tragedy I do not wish to talk about in detail, but said all that to say this, I went rounds with the virus for months. I had a severe headache and head sweats for months. My head sweat profusely like something I never experienced before, as if I was sweating off a fever but never coming to the end of it. Fast forward to today, I have made it through the virus with the grace of God but now the back of my head ( my hair ) stays damp all the time. Not sure who I could go see about it or even if there is anything that could be done for it. It is the oddest thing, I can wash my hair , dry it and it will be dry for a minute or two and then the back of my hair will remain damp as if I am continuously sweating just in the back of my head?? Your post really brought it to my attention. Once you find an answer to your problem please post and let me know what solution you came up with. As for smell , I don't know if the back of my hair smells or not as I now live alone. Thanks and God speed.

 

[FigmentSpark]

Back in June I got the coronavirus. Actually my whole family got it at the same time, my husband passed away from it in June at the age of 60, that is a tragedy I do not wish to talk about in detail, but said all that to say this, I went rounds with the virus for months. I had a severe headache and head sweats for months. My head sweat profusely like something I never experienced before, as if I was sweating off a fever but never coming to the end of it. Fast forward to today, I have made it through the virus with the grace of God but now the back of my head ( my hair ) stays damp all the time. Not sure who I could go see about it or even if there is anything that could be done for it. It is the oddest thing, I can wash my hair , dry it and it will be dry for a minute or two and then the back of my hair will remain damp as if I am continuously sweating just in the back of my head?? Your post really brought it to my attention. Once you find an answer to your problem please post and let me know what solution you came up with. As for smell , I don't know if the back of my hair smells or not as I now live alone. Thanks and God speed.

So sorry for your loss, Terri.

 

[Soupermom]

I'm so sorry to hear your new Terri.

I have now tried the Neutrogena several times as well as the anit-fungal shampoo. Neither yielded any results so I will move onto the dermatologist...

Thanks to everyone who has offered suggestions thus far.