DD's smelly hair and scalp - what's the cause?

[User000001234]

I feel like I'm going bonkers!

DD is 10 and her hair and scalp have a real musty smell that seems to start the day after her hair is washed. Her hair doesn't seem greasy or dirty it's just the smell.

I've tried different shampoos and always do two washes to make sure it's super clean and dry it with a hair dryer.

The day after it's washed I can smell a musty smell and I don't know why!

Her pillows don't smell and bedding changed weekly.

I've checked her scalp and she hasn't got any irritation. I'm really conscious of the smell it's giving off and if her friends can smell it - I haven't taken her to the docs as thought they might laugh me out of there.

Has anyone else's child had this? I'm running out of things to try.

Yes! My ten year old has the same!! Coincidentally, we bought ‘hair milk’ from lush recently. It’s hair conditioning spray with a gorgeous smell that makes her hair smell gorgeous.
I think the smell is hormonal rather than dirty.

@User000001234

Are you using scrunchies or anything to tie up her hair as I find these start to smell if the hair was slightly damp still when tied up.

Hmmm, I mean it makes sense about the hormones, just wish there was a way I could banish it properly.

Thanks for the recommendation about that Lush product, will have a look.

No stinky hair ties or scrunchies used when damp.

I always make sure I blow dry it and then I plait it before she goes to bed but it's always completely dry.

We had this to with dd from 10-13.

Hair washed every other day, clean as a whistle, clean bedding etc.

The smell to me was disgusting, like you say this weird musty strong smell.

It is hormonal. Keep doing what you’re doing and like pp get some nice spray to cover it

Are you still using kids shampoo. I have a 12yo and I remember she started to smell and the kids shampoo aren't doing anything. I swapped her to adult shampoo and conditioner, and also adult soap at the same time.

Feeling a bit reassured after these replies!

I don't know if I have a heightened sense of smell but it really doesn't sit well with me. I don't think she notices at all!

No, I'm using adults shampoo and conditioner, haven't used kids shampoo on her for quite a few years.

It's probably hormones, but head and shoulders will help.

My daughter's hair went a bit like this from 12 onwards; it had a vinegar type smell. I think it was her hormones.

It could be fungal. Try a shampoo like Nizoral or Polytar. Alternatively try 'Jumping Juniper' shampoo bar from Lush.

Yeah hormones or her general health. It's probably the coming of the change though.

Just be thankful she's not a boy. Puberty makes you want to fling them into the shower and scrub them down frequently.

Ds 9 has this smell to his hair too. a musty sweaty smell!! Horrible