The cause of smelly hair syndrome

Betty’s got a problem…Hello! I am so GLAD I found you! I have had this problem now for about 3 months. I wash and condition my hair on a daily basis and by the middle of the day my hair has a sweaty, muggy smell. I just can`t describe it, it just smells! Even worse when I`m running late in the morning and I am not able to wash my hair I could smell that sweaty, muggy smell throughout the day. I there anything I can do to stop this?

The Beauty Brains respond:

Betty, I had never heard of this problem before so I was surprised when I found out that you’re not the only one who suffers from hair malodor. A quick search turned up several discussion boards on smelly hair. There’s even a website that specializes in Smelly Hair.

What Causes Smelly Hair?

They claim the problem is a fungus that grows on oily scalps. That sounds plausible since the odor you describe as sweaty and muggy could be caused by microbial growth. I know that sometimes the towel I used to dry my hair develops a funky smell kind of like the one you describe. That happens when it doesn’t dry out completely, so I assume there`s some mildew or similar organism that responsible. If I don`t notice it right way, that mildew odor transfers from the towel to my hair. Could this be the cause of your problem too?

What can you do about it?

Smellyscalp.com says use an antimicrobial shampoo. That certainly could help. You can also try changing your towel and your pillow case. If that doesn’t work, you might try shaving your head, like Britney. (Just kidding!) You could also try using a product like the Stila hair refresher, but that will just cover up the odor. It won`t address the source of the problem.

To save you time, we’ve complied the best information on the causes and cures for smelly hair and scalp that we could find. It’s all here in our 15 page PDF which you can get for free just by using the form below.

[ois skin=”Smelly hair test” split=”Smelly hair test 2″]

Here’s what you’ll learn in the free ebook:

  • Detailed descriptions of the symptoms of Smelly Hair Syndrome
  • Explanations for 13 different possible causes
  • Over 18 different treatments that have been tried by our readers
  • Plus: 10 bonus tips on how to cover scalp odor

Below you’ll see a few comments from our other readers over the last few years…. (sorry but the formatting was destroyed when our website crashed.)

Office Hair
March 15, 2007 at 10:20 pm

It’s awful, but it’s funny. Being a hairdresser I know how prevalent a smelly scalp is, but what I don’t understand is why don’t these people ask their hairdressers? It’s my responsibility to look after not only their hair, but their health if possible. Recommendations? I love Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree Shampoo & Conditioner, feels good, smells good.


Sillysil
April 19, 2007 at 3:36 pm

My 13 year old daughter has very oily hair. Poor thing can get out of the shower and her hair already has that yucky smell. I thought it was just hormnoes but now i’m worried.
Any thoughts.


Michele
June 29, 2007 at 6:27 pm

At the end of the day, my scalp has a sour odor to it. So washing it is the only way to get rid of it.

Last week, I picked up a sample of DaddyO shampoo (for silver hair) at a Lush store in Seattle. Tried it. I never got the sour smelling scalp, even when I skipped shampooing the next day. I went back to my regular shampoo just to check if I was imagining it. Nope. The DaddyO acted like a deodorant.

Amazing. I’m going to do some research on this.


Roland
August 31, 2007 at 10:43 pm

I was researching this issue and found the following web site: SmellyScalp.com -who would have guessed? Check it out. They talk about using a sulfer soap. And claim it does the trick.

Hope it helps!

-RR


South Carolina
October 20, 2007 at 8:34 pm

My daughter has the same problem as Sillysil’s. Her hair smells dirty straight out of the shower. So I got online and did some research and found out it is caused by a fungus. The treatment is to shampoo with a sulfur based shampoo. I read every label of every shampoo bottle at every store, and none of them list sulfur as an ingredient. The only shampoo I have found with sulfur is dog shampoo, and am a little reluctant to try it. I thought I’d take he to the doctor and see what he can prescribe. But if anyone out there is braver than I, good luck!!!


Lorraine
November 19, 2007 at 4:38 pm

I tried the sulfur soap, and it works, but not consistently. It also made my head sweat PROFUSELY for no reason, so I stopped using it, and the sweating completely stopped, but I’m still stuck with smelly hair.


michelle
February 14, 2008 at 2:47 am

i am a hairdresser and always shampoo my hair regularly,and i had this issue for months. almost drove me crazy.i decided to use dial antibacterial body wash for a week –gone ! give it a whirl


Justin
February 21, 2008 at 7:28 am

hi guys.

i followed the advice of a few different posters on the net.
i had a smelly scalp, and it was quite bad. i could shower before sleep, and wake up with a smelly scalp and oily scalp.
head and shoulders didn’t help.

i got the paul mitchell tea tree shampoo, and saw results the next day.

success for me!

thanks!


pookie
February 26, 2008 at 12:20 pm

I have the “sour scalp” syndrome, but it only happens every once and a while. I notice that anything with Tea Tree, Lavender, Rosemary, Mint, etc. helps a LOT. Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat is fantastic and a bit less drying than Paul Mitchell’s because Giovanni’s version DOES NOT HAVE SODIUM LAURLY SULFATE!!!! A virtual rarity among shampoos. They also make a conditioner. You can find it at Whole Foods and any good health food store. T-Sal by Neutrogena also works (Salicylic acid works well on any scalp problem) and if you just want to keep it simple, believe it or not, the new line that Head & Shoulders just introduced is pretty good. Try the Citrus formula.


Susan
March 3, 2008 at 10:58 am

I’ve had scalp odor for years. I remember having extremely oily scalp and dandruff in the 5th grade. I’m now 36. I Read online that a guy had this odor and the only time it dissappeared was when he lived in a house with well water that had high sulfur content. Bar sulfur soap, not the liquid kind, is what works for me. I also avoid regular shampoos b/c of Sodium Lauryl sulfates.


johnny
April 4, 2008 at 7:25 pm

I have notice a smell in my hair for about 6 months tried head and shoulders worked slightly saw my doctor he recommended hibicleanse you can find it at your local drug store for about ten dollars be cautious when using if it gets in you eyes it can really harm you but did work for me smell went away with one use


Chrissy Clark
May 28, 2008 at 9:19 pm

OMG…. I never knew that other people had suffered like I did, I am sooo goin to try all the techniques I have read here, I am 26 and I have had “SMELLEY HAIR” since about 24, and it was so embarissing! Well Good Luck to all, and I will let u know how my experiences work!! tata


jam
May 30, 2008 at 8:34 pm

this isnt a fungus in the scalp or hair related. its all to do with weak immune systems. how many of you with oily smelly scalp have been on any anti biotics? washing your hair with all these different shampoos and soaps will cover the smell, but not cure the underlying problem. it is a difficult treatment to undertake to cure, candida will require a drastic diet change, lots of healthy bacteria for stomach and products like threelac or candigone. i had the problem from 8 years old to 26. its not nice.


Andy
June 10, 2008 at 8:16 pm

lol, Candida…I’m in a medical mycology and parasitology class at the UW (Washington), and one of the lecturers, before his section was over, ranted about the “candida” craze. A few people hyped it up to be a big problem and people started selling all sorts of stuff to get rid of candida. I guess they forgot to mention that Candida is ubiquitous and impossible to get rid of. There’s also poor association between Candida and the alleged ailments in immunocompetent people. I wouldn’t trust Jam’s speculation; it can’t be that everyone with a smelly scalp is immunocompromised. I have a smelly scalp and I have never been on anti-biotics because frankly I don’t get all that sick.


clean
June 16, 2008 at 8:51 pm

Hi-I used to have an oily, smelly scalp for years and would wash my hair every day or every other day and the odor was so unbearable. I know my co-workers could smell it and I was so embarassed. There was actually a thick oily flour like substance on my scalp. Gross!!! I tried everything-tea tree oil on my scalp, baking soda, apple cidar vinegar, lemon, coconut oil, nutrogenas t-sal, shampoos without additives, sodium laurel sulfate, aloe, you name it, I did it. I had a feeling it might be candida and years ago I tried taking acidophilus, probiotics and still no change. What did help was not eating fried foods but it would only buy me couple more days without smell and then if I perspired, it would smell again. I hope that I will be able to help others because I was at such a loss. I accidently found the cure. That’s right, I said cure because I no longer have this oily scalp odor!!! And it I was cured right before the 3 days intense heatwave we had. I did not have a/c so it was nasty hot. But here it is. It is called Candidase and made by Enzymedica. You can get this in a healt food store. I took it because I have other symptoms but what I noticed after taking it for 3-5 days was that my scalp odor/itch problem just went away. I can’t even tell you if it was 3 days or 5 days because I had other issues that I was trying to take care of and then I just noticed that my scalp feels clean and it was 1 days of not washing. Then I waited one more day and nothing, no odor, no oil and then I realized that I had been taking this Candidaise. I’ve also been taking aloe for my digestion. I think that has been helping with my sinuses. I used to have constant dripping and congestion for years (10+). Always sound like I’m stuffed up and then after some time of taking the aloe it disappeared to. I think my immune system is finally getting stronger which is why some things I’ve tried before didn’t work but ow they are. I hope this helps some of you out there. I can’t make any guarantees, only want to share what has helped me with others. Please post and let me and others know if this helps anyone. Now I can go out and buy those great smelling shampoos and have some bit of confidence now. I finally feel clean now.


dutchy
July 13, 2008 at 6:58 pm

clean i was wonder did Candidase cure ur hair odor, and will you think it will cure fecal scalpe odor? and aloe juice cure really cure ur nose problem?!! hit me up asap

dutchy


Sierra
July 20, 2008 at 11:04 am

Hi,

Clean & everyone thank you so much for posting your comments. I’m so happy to know I’m not alone. I have had the same exact experience as clean and its been so horrible for me. I go to work everyday because I have no choice, my co-workers are very cruel to me because of the bad odor they smell coming from my head. But they don’t know how hard I try to take care of this problem. Anyways, I’m going to try Candidaise. I hope it works its my only hope. I will keep you updated. Its nice to know I’m not alone, you begin to feel like your the only one. Thanks so much!


Phoenix
July 22, 2008 at 8:02 pm

Hello

Like most of you, I feel grateful to have this blog. I have been having a problem with the smelly hair thing myself and it has been driving me crazy,I am a clean freak. I just went out and bought the Tea Tree shampoo and the Dial soap, they both contain sulfate. I will give it a week and get back with you. The funny thing is I have had issues with Candida since I was 12, So CLEAN might be on to something. It wouldnt surprise me at all. I will let you guys know what happens with the soaps.

And yes it’s nice to know that there are others with this issue.


Sheela
August 12, 2008 at 12:08 am

I would check out sites that explain a mite called demodex mites. Also a there is a site called borax cures. I’ve used sebulex,DHS shampoo and Soda water helps. I’ve had this for years and it took alot of research to find this info. Hope it helps.


J
August 26, 2008 at 3:13 am

I agree, this is NOT just an external bacteria/fungal problem for most of us. I am at the end of my ropes, trying everything in site from antibacterial pills to apple vinegar on the hair. I’ve tried everything! T_T i don’t know what to do…I haven’t tried the candida yet…maybe i’ll give that a try before i just give up.

Thank you, everyone, who have contributed to this forum.


gijay
August 28, 2008 at 8:52 pm

I’M SO HAPPY TO KNOW I’M NOT A FREAK, I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE TO HAVE THIS CONDITION, FOR THE EFFECTS THE DERMATOLOGISTS I’VE BEEN TO ARE NOT WELL RELATED TO THIS.


gijay
August 28, 2008 at 8:54 pm

I’M GONNA TRY NEW THINGS TO SEE IF IT WORKS FOR ME, THANKS YOU GUYS


smokey
September 6, 2008 at 8:52 am

Try taking a chlorophyll supplement. It’s an ‘internal deodorant’ that helps many types of body odors, from breath to feet. I’ve taken it for about 3 years and have noticed improvement in scalp odor and morning breath. Word of warning–start slowly and increase to recommended dosage. It does funny things to your bowel and you can have some pretty creepy poopies if you start all at once! LOL


lulu
September 10, 2008 at 7:59 pm

I’ve also had problems with candida for years and have wondered if there is a connection. Does anyone else have hair loss/itch/bumpy scalp along with the odor problem?


knowledge
September 10, 2008 at 9:11 pm

To Andy…your professor can rant all he wants about the candida craze, but he’s never been sick with it for 15 years. Dr. Crook, author of The Yeast Connection was a pioneer in bringing this finding in sooooooooooo many people forward. Europe has known about it for way over 75 years. The USA, with the pharmaceutical companies as their decision makers lord over the minds of medical schools. Plus everything must be measured by a blood sample. If it is not in a blood samble the lab says it doesn’t exist. This causes them to be narrow-minded concerning prevention, and they have no knowledge of nutrition. Countless histories have been made on people connecting the dots. Some candidas/funguses (virtually the same)are connected with parasites as well. Europe does not have a blind eye. Countless people, including myself, have taken 15 years to cure what antibiotics did to ruin their natural flora. Probiotics are good, but they don’t work until the yeast/candida/fungus is killed. For me, it took about 8 garlic gels a day to kill it off. Then the probiotics work. Yeast/candida/fungus exhibits itself in various ways. Doctors in the USA have caused it. They certainly don’t understand that there is such a thing as healthy bacteria that prevents illness, so they just kill all the good stuff. Any way for those of you who are interested in info, read the candida and yeast books. It will make a difference in your other symptoms as well.


DREW!
September 15, 2008 at 11:28 am

It’s probably just AIDS. Relax.


Patricia
September 19, 2008 at 2:34 am

Nice to have this website. I have had this problem- oily, smelly, head, since I became a teenager. Now age 65, with thinning hair; you can imagine how many products I have tried. The one thing that I used that worked, so I don’t have to shampoo every day, is antibacterial liquid hand soap, that I tried only when I ran out of shampoo in the shower. It worked for the smell. Now I am looking for other remedies, that might help my thinning hair too. I also use hair powder – a baby powder of corn starch to fill in the VERY thin spots on my head of white hair. It is not entirely satisfactory, but OK for now. Keeping thinking and sharing.


Nikki
October 7, 2008 at 10:47 pm

I have the same problem. I’m still not 100% sure what it is or what causes it, but after doing some research my best guess is that it’s seborrheic dermatitis, which is mainly caused by a yeast called Malassezia furfur. It also may be caused by a lack of certain nutrients like biotin.

I’ve tried everything to get rid of it. It’s a pretty embarrassing condition to have. Everyone who gets close to you can smell it, and it smells like you haven’t showered in a month. I tried Nizoral, Selsun Blue, T/Gel, other kinds of Neutrogena, Head & Shoulders, Denorex, pretty much every kind of medicated shampoo there is. I tried taking yeast supplements. I tried washing my hair more often or less often. I also tried herbal shampoos and tea tree oil. And if you tell people about your problem, they give you all kinds of bad advice like, “Why don’t you just wash your hair more?” Ugh. Not helpful.

But anyways, I have an actual answer! The only thing I’ve tried that helps is sulfur shampoo. Sulfur shampoo is hard to find but you can order it on the internet. Sebulex is the more expensive brand, but there is also Sebex, which is kind of like a knock-off brand. I promise you this works. It worked for me and my mother (who has the same problem) and it worked the very first time we used it.

I have been using it once a week for about a year and it’s still working. The problem is that if you stop using it the smell does come back. I’m also worried that if I use it too much it will stop working, so I try to use as little as possible.

Hope that helps!


Cris
October 11, 2008 at 6:11 pm

I have been suffering with smelly hair and was told by a FNP that I had seborrheic dermatitis, and that I should use Nizoral, which is really expensive. I tried that and it was better, but I still would get that smell less than 10 hours after washing my hair. After looking at all the entries, I just now (today!) went to a pet store and decided to try out some medicated antibacterial shampoo (pricey, $17). It IS for dogs and cats, but the ingredients are the same as those for human antibacterial shampoo. For the bacteria, it has triclosan, sulfur (2%) and it also has salicylic acid which is good because I have oily scalp. I’m familiar with all these ingredients (mostly used for acne) so I thought it’d be ok to use dog shampoo. I washed and dried my hair about 5 hours ago and so far so good. If it doesn’t work out as well as I think it will, I’ll post again…
Good luck everyone. It IS nice to see that I’m not alone. It’s a very embarrasing problem to have, especially because people might think it’s a hygiene problem when it’s not at all.


Chona
October 17, 2008 at 10:06 pm

hello everyone! thanks for all the tips.
I have a similar problem but extra problems with the scalp and was wondering if anybody knows about it. My scalp has been smelly for at least 4 years. I wash my hair almost every day because my scalp gets sweaty easily, and with that comes the odor and oil on the scalp. I especially sweat at night. And for the last 8 months or so, i have noticed that my hair is thinning (I’m only 26 and female)
I am wondering if mites can be the cause, or the constant washing. how would I find out? Dermatologists don’t seem to be a great help..
I’m otherwise healthy, eat healthy no medications, allergies or anything. Only on birth control (necon), which I don’t know could be the cause


Amelia
October 27, 2008 at 7:34 pm

So I am sensing that it’s all to do with yeast somehow?


smelly head
November 14, 2008 at 8:06 am

i have always had oily thin smelly hair. And im glad that Im not the only one. the truth is, besides the fact that it has to do with genetics, it is also a build up of yeast,(malazzeisis furfur),,seborrheic dermatitis and can only be controlled with certain shampoos. but you will always have it, it just needs to be controlled like acne.


Karen
November 21, 2008 at 5:46 pm

Thanks for all of the great suggestions. I, too, had tried everything for the past couple of years, including the Sulfur Soap that I got from smellyscalp.com. I couldn’t get it to lather enough and it really dried out my hair. What works? I use a combination of: the generic equivalent of Neutrogena’s T-SAL shampoo, Sulfur Soap and Dial Antibacterial Body Wash with moisturizers. First, lather in a generous amount of the shampoo and rub in the sulphur soap. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse and wash with the body wash and leave that on a few more minutes. Spray on conditioner keeps my hair soft, but prevents my scalp from getting oily again. I am so relieved to have found a solution!


greg
November 29, 2008 at 10:44 pm

I’ve had this problem for the past year… it is so frustrating! I’ve tried Selsun, H&S and Giovanna Tea Tree shampoo and conditioner with no luck.

However, in the past few days I’ve been trying Tersaseptic (http://www.stiefel.ca/tersaseptic.php?lang=1) and it seems to be working well!!! I highly recommend trying it.

Good luck with this.


Danny
December 12, 2008 at 10:49 am

Hi,

LIke all the people on this page I suffer from smelly scalp. and I really mean suffer. I’ve had it for almost 15 years now, and have tried everything I could think off. Hundreds of different shampoos, soaps, pills etc. etc. Some appeared to have an effect, but two days later it would be just the same as before. I wash my hair every morning, but a few hours later it starts to smell. It’s awfull and effects my social life. THe last thing I tried is using vitamin K. For two days I was hopefull, but now the smell has returned.


Susan
December 17, 2008 at 7:13 pm

I had very oily and a smelly scalp. I’ve tried every shampoo out there. Nothing worked. If it did, it smelled pretty badly. FINALLY, (everyone listen)I came across this shampoo that I have to let everyone know about. It’s called Follicleanse Clarifying Shampoo. IT’S THE BEST. After cleansing with this shampoo the smell is absolutely GONE!!


Marie
December 23, 2008 at 10:27 am

I cannot believe that in all these years, no dermatologist has found a cure for this? I have had this condition for 6 years, and it’s strange, because I have no other symptoms, just a smelly scalp. For all you sulfur shampoo users out there: how bad does the sulfur smell? I want to try those shampoos, but I don’t want to smell worse because of it. I’m just tired of having to lather up everyday with 2 different shampoos and drying out my hair. I’m thinking of going to a dermatologist anyway and trying to use a prescription strength shampoo like Loprox. I’ll let you know if this works!


Krystalyna
December 28, 2008 at 6:41 pm

Hi all,

after months of researching about the scalp odor, I think I have found a shampoo that will work for all. It’s been highly recommended by someone and many claimed that it worked for them. It’s called: J/A/S/O/N Dandruff Shampoo. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a conditioner, so you’ll have to find one yourself w/o laureth/lauryl sulfate (bad ingredients!).

A few people stopped using it due to the strong medicinal/sulfur smell it leaves after using, but if you find the right conditioner, it won’t be so noticeable.

I plan on using that and using the Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat conditioner. If any of you plan on using it, I suggest using the product every other day for 2-3 months until you sense that the odor is gone/less noticeable. After those months, I then suggest using regular shampoos free of lauryl/laureth sulfates and then use the JASON Dandruff Shampoo once a week for maintenance.

Hope this helps!!!


Mom
January 15, 2009 at 7:11 am

My daughter has had smelly scalp/hair for about 3 years now. She is 10 years now. The only time it went away was when she stayed with her aunt and swam daily in her pool. I am sure the chlorine was the key. But I don’t know how to bottle and use that on anyone safely.


Cindy Slater
January 27, 2009 at 6:57 pm

After suffering from this condition for almost 6 months now, I thought I was going insane. My hair smells like “moldy, wet hay” to me and I couldn’t get anyone to understand this. The question I have is whether anyone else suffers from any kind of bumps on their scalps, maybe from scratching so much? I constantly scratch and make my scalp bleed (I know, gross and embarrassing, but how much worse than smelly hair to start with?), so I figure this in itself would be enough to start an infection or fungus of some sort?? Anyway, I’m so appreciative to have found this site and will be trying several of the remedies listed to see what works for me. Will let you know.


Katie Collett
February 10, 2009 at 4:05 pm

Susan, thank you!! My daughter’s hair is so crazy stinky also, no matter what we do…. and I think all these ideas do sound great. I was about to check w/ the dr & getting a prescription shampoo as a last resort… but I do not like drs as far as they are usually quite unhelpful, and I’d much rather find a more natural product, a healthier one, than chemicals and more junk. I really like the Follicle Shampoo idea… it’s right along the lines of what I was going for regarding health anyway. Super!! Thank you!!


random guy
February 14, 2009 at 6:50 am

PLEASE HAVE ANY ONE OF YOU PERMANENTLY CURED THE SMELL

I need to know because if no one has I will get a check up with my doctor, and if there is a cure I will post it!

I know how it feels like I’m 12 and missing out on some valuable socializing time…


tytytry
February 19, 2009 at 1:10 pm

Has anyone else tried “Follicleanse” apparently it gets rid of the smell! The description also looks promising check out this link:
http://www.healthyhairplus.com/Follicleanse-Shampoo-p/hhphhfosh012.htm
thanks!


Deborah
May 1, 2009 at 9:45 pm

My husband often had an odor on his hair and neck and it use to really bother me. It was a sweaty kind of smell and very cloying. I noticed he only had the smell sometimes and not always. The smell also lingered in his bathroom and I would go crazy trying to clean it and get rid of the smell with every cleaning product we had. For awhile we thought our son might be the culprit, perhaps peeing in the corner of the bathroom by accident when we weren’t aware. However, one day after I ran out of shampoo, I borrowed my husband’s Head and Shoulders. The next day, I noticed the smell, this time on myself. We have tracked the smell down to his dandruff shampoo. Since then, we’ve thrown it out. My husband uses the Neutrogena TGEL instead and it doesn’t seem to have the same smell. It’s been a big relief to finally track it down and I’ve finally been able to tell my husband he smells knowing it’s not him, but the shampoo.


Dudeley
May 1, 2009 at 9:55 pm

Folks. I suffered from this condition for probaly 13 years. Tried everything including sulfer soaps. All of the symtoms described here were mine – sour smell even after shampooing. It has been over five years now since I’ve had this, almost like a bad dream from the past. The trick for me? Someone suggested Dial anti bacterial body wash. I’m telling you, after a week of using this, it never came back. Good luck ya’all. Try it, only have $4 to lose if it doesn’t work for you.


NJD
May 6, 2009 at 3:50 pm

I have smelly,oily, itchy scalp with grainy bits coming out of it. I don’t know of anyone with such a combination of problems. One thing I have come to establish after a lot of reading online is that shampoos which have conditioners in them will never help solve the smelly/oily hair syndrome and guess what, there are no anti dandruff shampoos void of conditioners(clear ones. I think I am going to try the Dial anti bacterial wash.


Judy
May 6, 2009 at 10:32 pm

I have the same problem as NJD with the hardened sebum grains and the bad scalp odor. My daughter has it too and so did my father before he passed away. we think ry daughter picked it up from him by using his comb and l got it from her. I’ve been to the dermatologist and tried a lot of remedies – Loprox shampoo, t.Sal, selsun shampoos, Sulfur, vinegar, pyrethione zinc. Nothing works. l’m going w look into Candidase and FolliCleanse xhich I read abort in this thread. I’ll post results.


Judy
May 14, 2009 at 7:54 pm

I’m shampooing /w baby shampoo, rinsing then shampooing /w hibiclens which I let sit for about 3-5 minutes. Then, I’m using a spray bottle filled /w 1/3 apple cider vinegar to 2/3 water. I spritz that on and rinse very lightly. I’m also using metrogel 1% on my scalp at night. I feel there is some improvement, but it’s too soon to tell. I’m still trying to find jojoba oil, because it’s supposed to dissolve the sebum. I didn’t say in last post that sometimes I get little bumps at the pore after the sebum grain pops out. These can worsen and feel like small painful blisters, but to look at them, they look pink, no head. Dr. cut one for lab diagnosis, and said it’s folliculitis, but they didnt do a culture. ugh. Has anyone experienced any of this, or have other advice?


K Runner
June 8, 2009 at 9:10 am

I’ve had smelly hair for about two years now – smells dirty and “hairy” even after a regular shampoo, and my hats smell musty and “hairy” too. I’ve tried Nizoral with no luck (though it did help with dandruff). A friend sent me J/A/S/O/N dandruff shampoo (sulfur-based) and that seems to do the job! I am really happy that there is something that helps. The sulfur smell is pretty subtle – I’m a nurse and I’m really sensitive about controlling smells around my patients, so that was a big concern for me. My boyfriend says it’s subtle. Sometimes I use a mild conditioner with it, which helps with the slight sulfur smell. One problem is that if I don’t use the JASON shampoo at least every other day, the smell comes back. I think I’ll try the Dial soap and see if that helps… Good luck everyone, and keep sharing ideas so we can figure this out!


Chris
June 8, 2009 at 6:21 pm

I think everyone should see their dermatologist so its brought to their attention and maybe, with all of us going to them with our problem they will find a cure! I have had it for about 5 months now and went to the dermatologist only to learn he knew nothing about it and just gave me some t-gel and nizoral samples to try. Needless to say, they didn’t work. The t-gel seemed to work..for maybe a week or so then right back to smelly! I’m in my 30′s…why is this happening now?

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