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Original poster

Smelly hair!

16 replies

PlanetEarth · 09/01/2011 18:24

Wasn't sure which section to put this in, but here goes..

DD (12) has smelly hair Sad. It seems a bit greasy, but she washes it every day. She tells me she's rubbing it into her scalp, but it's hard to check with a 12-year-old. Recently switched to a greasy-hair shampoo - not that many in the shops it seems, it's all coloured/frizzy/flyaway stuff. Anyway, just gave her a hug (my nose at her head level) and it wasn't pleasant.

Any suggestions?

OP posts:
Shhhh · 09/01/2011 19:11

does she have some kind of infection..?

iir when the dk's had cradle cap (I know maybe diff as a baby) it wasn't pleasant..? maybe she has a version of this or some scalp infection..?

Maybe worth trying something a bit stronger..? something with coal tar.? Not nice smelling but will hopefully sort the problem..?

Gillybobs · 09/01/2011 19:24

Head and shoulders is brill for very smelly greasy hair. Especially the citrus one.Just warn her not to get it in her eyes as it nips like hell!

Original poster
PlanetEarth · 09/01/2011 19:43

I don't think she has an infection, it seems to be an ongoing problem. Might try the H&S, thanks.

OP posts:
CameronCook · 09/01/2011 21:53

Might just be her age - DS similar age and in spite of daily washing his hair is v greasy.

I've told him to reduce his washing as this seems to stimulate oil production and we're using dry shampoo to absorb the oil.

SycamoretreeIsVile · 09/01/2011 21:57

Could you buy her a nice shine and fragrance mist - seen a few of them on sale in boots lately.

James Brown (not the king of soul, you understand, the hairdresser) does one I think but it ain't cheap at 6 odd squiddlies.

I remember my sister smelling like a sheep at that age, and she had excellent hygiene. I do think it's just that awkward hormonal phase.

mrsfollowill · 09/01/2011 22:02

Errm - have you done a 'nit check' on her lately? I speak from personal experience Blush

Original poster
PlanetEarth · 10/01/2011 09:09

Oh, don't say that mrsfolowill! Will check... Thanks for the others suggestions too. I think it's a hormone problem, the question is what to do about it. Hoping she'll grow out of it, but meanwhile...

OP posts:
MollysChambers · 10/01/2011 09:17

My DD is 8 and has the same problem. Her hair doesn't look greasy. It looks lovely and thick and shiny. She woke up with a couple of spots on her nose yesterday. It's hormones isn't it? At 8?? Seems too young to me Sad

(Sorry was that a bit of a hi-jack?)

ENormaSnob · 10/01/2011 09:47

I think it's hormones.

Ds1 is 10 and bathes and washes his hair daily. It is actually dry and very thick but has a strange smell atm. Plus he has a few spots Sad

I have known pregnant women to have a similar problem.

fayeso · 10/01/2011 12:10

I have horrible smelling hair if I don,t wash it everyday-I remember someone commenting on it when I was at secondary school as I was mortified!

For me it is not hormones as I am now 38.....it is just greasy hair and I feel yuck if it isn't washed everyday.

I do know the smell you mean and I have a thing about smelly hair!!!

geronimoo · 10/01/2011 21:22

She's probably undergoing some hormonal changes, increaes the amount of oil her scalp is producing.

There's a website dedicated tthis problem - www.smellyhair.com and suggests the cause a minor fungal infection for which they recommend using a sulphur-based shampoo..not something I'd want to use on my 12yodd, so perhaps try a mild rinse of cider vinegar followed by tea tree shampoo, see if that helps. Don't share brushes/combs etc.

Original poster
PlanetEarth · 11/01/2011 09:04

Ok, thanks. Will work through the suggestions and let you know how it goes.

OP posts:
CeliaFate · 11/01/2011 09:52

I recommend Head and Shoulders Citrus too. Also give her brushes, combs and bobbles a good wash too. (I put ours in a net bag in the washing machine).

Original poster
PlanetEarth · 20/01/2011 17:50

Update - have been using the H&S citrus for a few days and DD now appears to have hair that smells of - well, just hair Smile. Thanks all, I can have happy hugs again!

OP posts:
schoolsecretary · 20/01/2011 20:35

Oh I am so pleased to have read this thread, have been having the same problem with DS (12), his hair can stink only hours after washing it, and he is insistent he has washed it properly every day when he's in the shower.... off to tomorrow to buy Head and Shoulders.

Rubyonthetown · 20/01/2011 20:43

Planet - thanks for this thread, ds's head has been really smelly for a couple of years now and I'm always banging on to him to scrub his scalp when washing and rinse properly etc. (he's 15 now tho!),

Am going to try head and shoulders too.

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