Many people experience a nagging ache or throbbing sensation, often manifesting as a headache, after wearing their hair up. This discomfort can range from mild annoyance to significant pain. Understanding its causes can help in managing and preventing its occurrence.
Understanding the Pain
The scalp contains a dense network of nerves, including branches of the trigeminal and occipital nerves. When hair is pulled tightly, it creates sustained tension on the hair follicles embedded in the scalp. This constant pulling can irritate or compress these sensitive nerves, leading to a headache.
This sustained tension can also contribute to a phenomenon known as cutaneous allodynia, where the scalp becomes hypersensitive. In this state, even light touch or the normal weight of the hair, which would typically not cause discomfort, can become painful. The continuous stimulation from tight hairstyles can make the scalp more reactive to pressure, amplifying the sensation of pain. This heightened sensitivity means that the headache can persist even after the hairstyle is released.
Hairstyles and Accessories That Trigger Pain
Certain hairstyles and accessories are more likely to induce headaches due to the tension they apply to the scalp. Tight ponytails, high buns, and intricate braids often involve significant pulling on hair follicles. The weight of long or thick hair, when gathered into a tight updo, also increases this tension.
Accessories like narrow headbands, stiff hair clips, or hair ties with metal parts can further exacerbate the problem by creating localized pressure points on the scalp. These items can press directly against nerves or blood vessels, restricting blood flow or causing direct nerve irritation. The longer these styles or accessories are worn, the greater the likelihood of developing discomfort as the sustained pressure accumulates.
Simple Solutions for Relief
Opting for looser hairstyles can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing hair-induced headaches. Consider styles that distribute the hair’s weight more evenly or allow for less tension on the scalp, such as a low ponytail, a loose braid, or a soft bun. Allowing the hair to remain down for periods throughout the day can also provide relief from constant pulling.
Using hair accessories designed to minimize tension can also make a difference. Softer options like fabric scrunchies, spiral hair ties, or wide, soft headbands can help reduce pressure points and spread the hair’s weight more gently. Regularly varying the parting of your hair can prevent consistent stress on the same section of the scalp. For immediate relief, gently massaging the scalp can improve circulation and alleviate some of the built-up tension. Additionally, light stretching of the neck and shoulder muscles can help relax surrounding areas that might contribute to headache pain.
When to Consult a Professional
While hair-induced headaches are generally benign, there are instances when consulting a healthcare professional is advisable. If the headaches become persistent, occurring frequently despite making changes to your hairstyles, it warrants medical attention. Similarly, if the pain is unusually severe or begins to worsen over time, it is important to seek evaluation. Headaches accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as changes in vision, numbness, weakness, or difficulty speaking, should prompt immediate medical consultation. These symptoms could indicate an underlying issue beyond simple tension from a hairstyle.