You are sure of it: your hair hurts. You are not imagining it. You are probably experiencing what’s known as ‘hair pain’. Although it is not the hair itself that hurts, the cause lies in the scalp. Do you want to know exactly what hair pain is, what symptoms and causes are linked to it, and whether it is dangerous? Then read this blog.
What is hair pain?
Hair pain is a dull, burning or pulling sensation on the scalp, often without any visible signs. Hair itself cannot feel pain, as it contains no nerves. The discomfort comes from the skin around the hair follicles. Doctors often refer to this as trichodynia. It commonly occurs around the crown or hairline and can come on suddenly or last for a longer period.
What are the symptoms of hair pain?
Typical symptoms include:
- A sore or sensitive scalp when touched
- A burning or stinging sensation around the hair roots
- A pulling or tight feeling when moving the hair
- Sometimes mild redness or tenderness
What causes hair pain and how to solve it?
You’re probably wondering what causes hair pain. It can arise from underlying factors such as stress, tension or skin condition. Are you worried that hair pain might be harmful? No need! In most cases, it is harmless. Let’s take a closer look at some of the possible causes:
1. Stress, tension or flu
Stress increases muscle tension, including in the scalp. This can cause a pressing or burning sensation. When you have the flu, many people also experience muscle aches and pain across the skin’s surface, which adds to the tension. The advice? Find moments of relaxation when stressed. If you have the flu, make sure to get enough rest.
2. Neuropathic pain
Some people experience hair pain due to over-sensitive nerves. This is also known as allodynia and can occur with conditions such as migraine, fibromyalgia and other nerve disorders. What may help is applying a cold compress to your head, for example a cold cloth or an ice pack wrapped in a cover. If the pain persists, certain medications or topical treatments may provide relief. For appropriate guidance, please consult your general practitioner.
3. Tight hairstyles and hair accessories
Do you often wear tight hairstyles, such as braids or ponytails? Wearing them for long periods can put tension on the hair. This may cause hair pain and even lead to hair loss. A helpful tip is to wear your hair down more often to give it a break.
4. Dry shampoo & styling products
Excessive use of dry shampoo, hairspray or harsh styling products can irritate the scalp and make it more sensitive. Build-up from these products may also clog your hair follicles, which can be painful. By reducing the number of products you use, you allow your hair and scalp to breathe.
5. Sleeping with wet hair / cold air
Do you often wash your hair in the evening? Sleeping with wet hair can put your hair in unnatural positions, creating tension on the follicles and resulting in pain. Cold air can also be harsh on the scalp, drying it out and making it more sensitive. Try to go to bed with dry hair and avoid exposing your scalp too often to cold indoor air.
6. Infections or skin conditions
Infections or skin conditions can also lead to hair pain, such as:
- Seborrhoeic eczema: flaking, itching, sometimes pain
- Folliculitis: inflamed hair follicles, painful when touched
- Psoriasis or eczema: itching, burning, sometimes cracks and pain
For advice on how to deal with these issues, consult your general practitioner.
7. Medication and medical treatments
Certain medications or medical treatments may have side effects that cause a sensitive or painful scalp, which can be experienced as hair pain. Always check the patient information leaflet for possible side effects. When undergoing medical treatments, ask about potential side effects as well.
8. Hormonal fluctuations
Hormonal changes can affect both the scalp and the structure of your hair, such as during pregnancy, menopause or with thyroid disorders. These changes can make the skin more sensitive and lead to pain. It is best to discuss this with your general practitioner or a dermatologist, as together you can determine whether hormonal fluctuations are the cause of your hair pain and assess the best course of action. In some cases, specific treatments can be prescribed to help restore hormonal balance.
9. Vitamin deficiencies
A lack of certain vitamins, such as vitamin B12, C, D or iron, may cause a sensitive scalp or hair pain. Vitamin B12, for example, plays an essential role in the normal functioning of all body cells, in particular the hair follicle, and a deficiency can therefore cause both pain and hair loss. Since you can only obtain vitamin B12 from food, it is important to have your levels checked by your doctor if you suspect a deficiency. Any shortages can then be corrected through diet or supplements.
10. Excessive heat
Frequent use of hot styling tools such as hairdryers, curling irons or straighteners can cause dryness and irritation of the scalp, leading to pain. The solution is simple: avoid styling tools as much as possible. If you still wish to use them, set them to a lower heat and always apply heat protection.
11. Contact allergies
Some people develop an allergic reaction to ingredients in hair care products, such as fragrance, preservatives or colourants. This can cause redness, itching and pain. To prevent allergies or irritation, it is advisable to use mild, fragrance-free shampoos, for example the Neofollics Scalp Therapy Exfoliating Shampoo . This product contains soothing and antifungal ingredients, such as climbazole.
When to see a doctor?
Although hair pain is often mild, it is best to consult a General Practitioner or dermatologist if:
- The pain continues for several weeks
- You notice other symptoms such as hair loss, bumps or itching
- The pain is very intense or starts suddenly
What is the difference between hair pain and a painful scalp?
Hair pain and a painful scalp may seem similar, but they are in fact different. We are happy to explain the differences, so you can understand the visible symptoms, the difference in causes and what you can do about both.
Can hair pain cause hair loss?
There is no evidence that hair pain itself causes hair loss. However, hair pain and hair loss often occur together, for example with telogen effluvium (a form of temporary hair loss) or during periods of stress. Tight hairstyles can also cause hair loss, such as traction alopecia. If you’re experiencing telogen effluvium, the Neofollics Telogen Effluvium treatment may help.
Conclusion
Even though it feels as if your hair hurts, it is your scalp. Hair pain can be unpleasant, but it is usually not dangerous. It is often a sign from your body that something is going on, such as stress, a sensitive scalp or wearing your hair too tightly. Sometimes a skin condition, hormonal changes or a vitamin deficiency can also play a role.
By paying attention to your scalp and making small changes, you can often reduce many of the symptoms. For example, try to relax more, wear your hair down more often, use gentle hair products, and avoid heat and irritating substances.
If the symptoms last for several weeks, the pain becomes more severe, or you also notice hair loss, itching or bumps, always consult a doctor or dermatologist. This way, you can find out the cause and work together on the right treatment.
With the right care and attention, your scalp will usually calm down again and feel more comfortable.
Sources
Miyazato, M., Wada, N., & Inui, S. (2019). Hair pain and stress: The psychosomatic loop. International Journal of Trichology
Siah, T. W., Muir-Green, L., Sinclair, R. (2016). Trichodynia is associated with psychological distress in patients with hair loss. British Journal of Dermatology
