musty hair smell

[cli1312]

We have a 10 year old that has always had musty smelling hair. We have tried different shampoos, but within hours the smell returns. Is there something that could be causing this or are some people just born with this smell?

[natalie_1982]

I don't know if people are born 'musty', but if it a child you are talking about then be careful you don't end up giving them a complex about being smelly. It does sound as though you could be talking about a pet? If it is a child, does he/ she have healthy scalp? Perhaps a medicated shampoo might help. I have never had experiecne of this and don't have children but perhaps it could be a form of cradle cap? What sort of hair do they have?

[sunflower71]

Without wanting to cause offence but change his bed linen regularly and also maybe invest in new pillow and mattress protector, even new quilt etc.

If you can notice it then his school mates must and you know how evil some kids can be.

Lush.com do some really really nice smelling hair stuff

[sleepyfairy]

I know this may sound silly, but is the child a female, also is the hair auburn, hormones can play a huge part in the bodies aromas especially when puberty has started, also auburn people tend to have higher levels of a carotine substance in the body which again can cause this mustiness!

[Jode1125]

My 10yr old daughter also has this strange "musty" odor in her hair not sure if its her scalp - hours after a shampoo the smell returms. I have washed her linens, hats etc. I have tried all different shampoos. Her scalp looks clear no flaking, or anything though she soes have Keratosis which seems to be genetic. She has straight, light brown long hair which she usually wears in a pony tail. She isnt heavy - only 62 lbs. She runs a high body temperature and is always hot she would prefer to wear shorts and t-shirt in the middle of winter! I think maybe it has something to do with her sweat, she showers at least every other day. She uses deodorant since 8yrs old. I dont know what else to do as I havent heard of this before.

[LittleLouLou]

This may not apply to you, but I remember reading an article recently about someone who smelled bad & it was caused by a chemical thing in their body. Click on this link and read:
http://abcnews.go.com/Primetime/story?id=22872 06&page=1