Hair pain: why does it happen?

Sometimes it is more common than you think to feel hair pain. Different scalp conditions or bad hair care habits can be the source of hair discomfort. Knowing what is the cause that originates it, as well as the possible consequences if it is not treated in time is essential, precisely, to avoid aggravating factors such as irreversible hair loss.

En Hospital Capilar, experts in hair transplant Madrid, Murcia and Pontevedra, we tell you why hair pain sometimes occurs and what to do if symptoms persist.

Why do we feel hair pain?

The scalp has multiple nerve endings, especially at the root of the hair follicles. When any type of aggression or certain pathologies occurs in the scalp, it is common to experience what is commonly known as hair pain. It is important to control hair pain since, although it is usually due to external factors such as tight hairstyles, it may be a symptom of some scalp disease.

Another reason why it is essential to know how to act when dealing with hair pain is to avoid possible effects on the hair such as acute hair loss or the appearance of bald spots.

Diseases that cause hair pain

As we have commented, although it is common for hair pain to derive from factors such as frequently wearing excessively tight hairstyles, scalp sensitivity caused by contamination or the use of aggressive hair products, it is advisable to take into account the most common possible hair diseases that can cause hair pain. Learning to detect them is key to knowing when it is necessary to go to an expert to find a solution.

Traction alopecia

One of the most frequent reasons that cause hair pain is what is known as traction alopecia. It is a type of hair loss caused by constant traction on the hair such as the repeated use of hairstyles that are too tight, such as bows or ponytails, or the misuse of accessories such as extensions. This constant tightness ends up affecting the hair follicles, causing them to weaken. The direct consequence of this is hair loss and the subsequent lack of density, especially at the temples.

This type of alopecia It is normally reversible and its effects will cease when the cause of the traction alopecia is eliminated. However, in the most advanced cases, the hair follicle can be destroyed, causing baldness. In these cases, the only remedy to regain hair in the areas where it was lost is with the hair graft.

Seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp

La seborrheic dermatitis It is one of the most frequent scalp diseases. It presents with redness, flaking and inflammation of the scalp, which tends to cause discomfort such as a sensation of pain in the hair.

This type of scalp condition is due to the fact that the sebaceous glands of the scalp produce more oil, which accumulates and, consequently, scabs and dandruff appear. The most obvious signs of seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp are therefore the appearance of scabs, redness of the scalp, inflammation and discomfort such as pain or itching.

Psoriasis

La Psoriasis It is an autoimmune disease that can cause hair pain. This is hereditary and causes reddish plaques with silvery scales. It can also cause dry scalp and flaking. It is often confused with dermatitis, so it is important to see a medical specialist, since the treatments are different between the two scalp diseases.

Lichen planus

El lichen planus affects skin cells caused by the patient's own immune system. The most common symptoms are inflammation of the affected area, redness, hair loss and discomfort such as hair pain or itching. 

What to do if my hair hurts?

It is important to know what causes hair pain. Normally it is due to excessively tight hairstyles that, when undoing them, produces a sensation of relief. By stopping opting for them, the problem will go away. However, we give you some keys on how to act if our scalp hurts frequently.

Change the hairstyle routine

In case you feel relief when undoing certain hairstyles that excessively pull the hair, it is essential to change our hair care routine. It is not recommended to abuse tight hairstyles, as they can cause traction alopecia. The ideal is to combine this type of hairstyle with other more casual ones or with loose hair. If this, in addition, we add a good home hair care routine, we will notice how the quality of the hair increases.

Go to a hair clinic

In case of experiencing other symptoms such as the appearance of scabs, redness of the scalp, inflammation or acute hair loss, it is essential to go to an expert hair clinic. In this way, the medical team determines the origin of the hair pain and recommends the most appropriate treatment in each case.

Take care of your hair in depth

Sometimes a hair routine at home is not enough. There are cases that require or it is advisable to resort to hair treatments such as Platelet Rich Plasma or hair mesotherapy. A previous medical diagnosis is the key to knowing which is the most effective treatment for our particular case.