Why does my hair hurt? Experts explain the reasons behind your pain, and how to alleviate it.
If you've found yourself asking the somewhat surreal question, “Why does my hair hurt?' you are neither foolish nor alone. Think back to that classic Sex and the City episode in which a hungover Charlotte complains of the condition.
While her mane's pain was a metaphor for too much partying and the exhausting nature of the Manhattan dating scene, your's is likely due to factors including super-sleek styling, a lack of daily scalp care, or general stress. Failure to pay attention to scalp tenderness and the conditions that cause it can result in general discomfort and even hair loss—as such, it's an issue best addressed rather than simply lamented. Fortunately, the first step toward a pain-free scalp is easy: wash your hair. Why Does My Scalp Hurt? While stretched periods between shampoos may be effective for some, for others, the breaks result in a scalp disarray. The oils that your scalp produces naturally can accumulate around your hair shaft, promoting the overgrowth of yeast on your scalp. “It's not actually your hair that hurts, but the skin and perifollicular area of the scalp—the region around each hair, pore, or follicle—hurts,” explains Manhattan-based dermatologist Francesca Fusco. “The scalp is incredibly rich in blood supply, nerve endings, and oil glands. Additionally, this yeast builds up, leading to dandruff. The combination of these factors can cause inflammation, which translates to sensitivity that can make it feel like your hair is hurting.” Celebrity hairstylist Harry Josh chalks up the hair pain induced by a lack of washing to a simple analogy. “It’s like not working out for a week!' he says. “If you don’t wash your hair and keep it in the same style, it feels sore because it’s lacking hair and scalp stimulation.” So, how often should we be shampooing? “It all depends on what you’re starting off with,” says Josh. “Finer hair can’t go multiple days, because it produces more oil,” says Josh. “But curly or gray hair can, as it produces less.” As a rule of thumb, he says people with oily hair should shampoo every day or every other day. Dry or coarser hair should do every three to four days. Should your hair mandate multiple days between washings, stimulating your scalp with the help of a brush is a crucial addition to your routine. “The brush is back!” says Josh. Though the method is simple, investing in a high-quality brush is something of a necessity for desired results. “I’ll go to these gorgeous apartments, with marble bathroom floors, and clients are using some cheap brush that’s a dollar from the drugstore,” says Josh, laughing. A brush made of boar's hair and nylon can help you to distribute oils from scalp to ends, all while increasing scalp circulation and loosening any existing flakes. Styling and Skin Conditions The fact that greasy hair is often put up in a tight ponytail—and sometimes swept up in a bun for sleeping—doesn’t help matters. Rocking a snatched high ponytail, cornrows, top knots, or braids for days at a time can contribute to scalp sensitivity, irritation, and pain. Add to that the recent want of sleek styles, ample hair product, and even more hair accessories, and you have a collection of looks that, while stylish on the surface, also require you to keep mane maintenance at top of mind. “If happens, I recommend using a pH balancing scalp care shampoo,” says Dr. Fusco. “It will eliminate flakes, yeast, dandruff, and nourish hair.” Also, avoid elastic hair ties; instead opt for cloth ponytail holders in looser styles to mitigate pulling at the scalp. Though even the healthiest scalps can experience these yeasty effects, those who struggle with chronic conditions like psoriasis or seborrehic dermatitis may experience slightly more painful symptoms. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, seborrehic dermatitis is a common skin condition cause by an overproduction of sebum that can result in an oily, scaly rash that often presents on the scalp. Psoriasis, on the other hand, occurs when the body produces cells too quickly, causing patches of build-up. While chronic, both conditions can be treated with specialized cleansers, regular scalp massages, and the reduction of triggers like stress. Hair Pain or Migrane? Hair pain isn’t just the result of under-washing or over-styling—it's also a symptom for two thirds of those who suffer from migraines. In this case, the phenomenon is referred to as allodynia, and it comes from the repeated firing of nerve cells in the brain that are involved in the process of a migraine. “Allodynia is not limited to the scalp, but refers to increased sensitivity to pain from a non-painful stimulation like a light tapping or a light touch,” explains Dr. Fusco. “Individuals with migraines may experience the sensation that a mere wind blowing, a hat, or a light touch to the scalp elicits pain.” For this, doctors recommend taking migraine medication as soon as you feel a migraine coming on and before the onset of allodynia. Whether the pain in your follicles in the result of infrequent cleansing, tight styling techniques, or a symptom of a chronic condition, your hair and scalp require attention and treatment to look and feel their best. So, at the end of a long, hard, stressful day, forget about trying to preserve a particular style for as long as possible, and instead, slow down and treat your hair to some much-needed self-care.
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