How do I get rid of the odor in my hair?

Question

I'm a swimmer and wear my hair in a wet ponytail all the time. Now my hair smells like a damp dishrag especially where the ponytail is. Washing it with shampoo does not help! I shower several times a day and the odor will not go away! Help!

Answer 1

You might try to wash it with a vinegar clairifying shampo and then blow it dry. The vinegar might kill any fungas that might have grown in your hair. After you are done swimming each day can you take down the pony tail and wash your hair and let it air dry. It might be the repeated washing. Also can you purchase new hair ties, a new hair brush and a new hair cap if you are using one in swimming? Change you pillow case often and try to keep your hair dry. I used to be a swimmer myself. I live in a very dry climate, so I did not have this problem, but many others. I am currently using a clarifying shampoo with vinegar for oily hair, but know vinegar kills fungas as well. If this keeps up go to a dermatologist.
http://www.sephora.com/search/search_results.jhtml;jsessionid=RJBEQ21SWZLVRLAUCLABXCQ?command=text&attr1=apple+cider&attr2=&%2Fcom%2Flvmh%2Fcommerce%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch%2Fiphrase%2Fproxy%2FIPhraseSearchFormHandler.search=search&_D%3A%2Fcom%2Flvmh%2Fcommerce%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch%2Fiphrase%2Fproxy%2FIPhraseSearchFormHandler.search=+&searchString=apple+cider&_DARGS=%2Fincludes%2Fnavbar.jhtml&x=15&y=33

If your hair will not air dry you may want to towel dry it and then use a hot hair dryier after swimming.
I have only tried the shampoo of this line. I am not sure of the other products, but it is helping my oily pimply scalp and i know vinegar also kills fungus and that is what it sounds like you have. Bring your own white towels new ones each day a bleach them. If you think the pool is contaminated tell them.

PS the shampoo does not smell bad. If you do not like it you can return it to sephora and remember to pick out 3 free samples every time you purchase from them. Also look for promo codes. Keep your recipt and mailing label and all packaging to return it if you do not like the shampoo.

Answer 2

Try washing it with dishsoap mixed with baking soda. If this does not work, use apple cider vinegar (pour it over your head and let it sit for 10 min before shampooing), after both of these use a good conditioner. Once you get the smell out, let your hair dry out completely before pulling it up in a ponytail.

Answer 3

1 part Listerine to 1 part Seabreeze. Massage into hair and scalp and let it sit for 25-30 min. Shampoo with a clarifying shampoo such as Redken Hair Cleansing Cream or Paul Mitchell Shampoo 3. Then, don't leave your hair damp to sour like old laundry anymore

Answer 4

Your hair probably isn't airing out properly - hence the musty smell. I'd ditch the ponytail holder after washing to make sure the hair gets completely dry. Also, try rinsing with apple cider vinegar. It smells funny at first, but it helps to clarify the hair. I hope this helps.

Answer 5

Jump in the pool (without the ponytail) and keep your hair underwater for a few minutes. The chlorine will kill the odor.

Answer 6

I actually were assurred that soaking in tomatoe juice works, even if once you haven't any success with that.....and it really is the chemistry answer....carry a stainless-metallic cleansing soap that you need to purchase from a kitchen keep or you should use a stainless-metallic spoon on your head if you're rinsing the water over it, curiously the iodization that takes position is what eliminates the odour!?

Answer 7

Change your shampoo. Shampooing should remove odors! Consider using a good smelling conditioner after shampooing.

Answer 8

have you ever washed bath towels and forgot they were in the washer? it stinks soo bad you have wash them all over? thats how your hair is (no offense) since you wash and just wet it all over again, plus your a swimmer, chlorine aint good for hair plus all that pee that people let out in the water. but get those real tight caps thats rubber and fitting snug on the head, i think those keep your hair VERY dry

Answer 9

Taking Care of Hair
http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1535.html

Answer 10

Wear a swimcap