Can scratching your scalp lead to hair loss?

17/6/2015

Check out Queen Zara's Hair Journey & Regimen

Check out Queen Sherri's Hair Journey & Regimen

Check out Queen Luyando's Hair Journey & Regimen

The simple answer is yes: scratching can and will lead to hair loss. You should completely avoid scratching.

According to Medical News Today, "Studies have shown that with only 90 minutes of continuous scratching by the fingernails, it is possible to remove all of the cuticular scale, a protective covering on individual hairs, off of a hair shaft. This loss leaves the hair shaft weakened and permanently damaged, making it easily susceptible to breakage and hair loss."

Excessive scratching could also lead to a form of traction alopecia. This is a condition in which hair is gradually lost due to excessive pulling. You are at risk of developing traction alopecia if:

You regularly pull your hair too tightly to tie it up
You wear a head band too tightly around your head
You frequently have braids/corn rows that are too tight
You wear hats, helmets, doo-rags or headscarves too tightly

Seriously guys, after reading up on this I have loosened up my headscarf because I put it on so tightly that it hurts around my head. I am restricting the blood flow to my scalp and circulation is very necessary for hair growth.

The likelihood of scratching is especially high if you have a scalp condition e.g. scalp psoriasis. Such conditions may make your scalp itchy so you naturally feel the urge to scratch more often than someone who doesn't have an existing skin condition.

What should you do if you have excessive itchiness?
1. Pat or rub with the flats of your finger, don't scratch.
2. A dry scalp will exacerbate itchiness. Wash your hair and place peppermint oil in either your shampoo or condition. I wrote about this extensively in my blog on "Neno Natural's foolproof anti-itch hair wash". I have used my anti-itch formula several times and it works every single time.
3. Consider whether one of your products is causing the itchiness and stop using it.
4. Stop thinking about scratching or how itchy your scalp is. The more you think about it, the more you'll want to scratch.

The good news: hair lost due to scratching is not permanent and a brand new hair follicle will replace the lost one.

The bad news: you need to stop scratching otherwise you will lose more hair.

Follow me @NenoNatural and check out Neno Natural's Haircare Store.

Get your FREE ebook on How To Grow Long, Healthy Natural Kinky or Curly Hair.

Shermin

1/9/2012 04:03:21 am

i was so stressed i scratched my head all day for a month and then i lost tons of hair and now can see my scalp. i am freaking out and depressed its the only thing i loved about me and not i'm freaking out that i created that for myself. I 've tried many things and my hair hasnot come back
anyone done this and did you hair grow back please help

nimesh link

8/11/2013 09:51:55 pm

mine condition resembles to you...n its so unavoidable...can resist it totally...i also need a permanent solution for that...

Sanjay

29/1/2015 10:45:37 am

Cold water strengthens hair and helps it grow back faster and kills the itch

Wondi

13/11/2012 09:12:44 pm

Does a mixture of peppermint and castor oil also reduce itchiness?

Heather @ Neno Natural

13/11/2012 09:17:53 pm

Hi Wondi,

I find that when I mix peppermint into a carrier oil it isn't as effective as when I put it into my conditioner. Castor oil is great but I would put the castor oil and peppermint both into a little conditioner to get rid of the itch.

On some level I think this is better because if there's something in your hair making the scalp itch, you wash it out during the process and peppermint helps with that.

Hope that help!
H :)

Janet Diaz link

30/5/2014 06:22:52 pm

Informative post. Thanks for sharing. Healthy growth will comes through healthy nutrition only. If you are strong enough from inner then that will shows a great impact in <a href="http://ourprovillusreviews.com/">hair loss</a> as well as in hair growth too.

Wafa

21/6/2014 05:15:48 am

Help me guys! I'm only 17 years old and I'm developing thinning patches of hair near the front of my scalp. I don't usually scratch my head hard or anything but when I'm studying or watching tv or anything like that, I constantly touch my scalp. Its been over a year since I've noticed the thinning and I was wondering if it still has a chance of growing back. Could this be related to the eczema on my face and especially my forehead? I don't want to start looking old or ugly yet and its very important to have healthy hair in my culture. What should I do??

Nancy

17/8/2014 04:13:57 pm

I would advise you to use Jamaican Castor Oil. I hear it does wonders on growing the hair back. I just ordered mine.

Marlena

19/12/2014 09:46:29 pm

Great article!!
Good to know that the hair loss via scratching is not permanent! Lately, I've been rubbing the front part of my scalp a lot, usually when in deep concentration (studying etc.) and I have noticed more hair loss. Im trying my best not to do it! eekk.
Thanks again!

Jes

18/4/2015 03:47:08 pm

I've suffered from this for years without knowing what the issue is. I would scratch my edges and watch as the hairs fell to the ground. At this point I have resulted to gluing tracks to my scalp and using mascara to create the illusion of hair. It's depressing, hard, and embarrassing.

I am grateful for this site and I will definitely make the necessary adjustments.

It just sucks because I have eczema and it ALWAYS makes me itchy.

Nadine

19/6/2015 01:45:17 pm

This is so GOOD! to know. Thanks A Bunch.

Tracy

26/6/2015 04:28:57 am

I have 4b 4c low porosity hair and a very sensitive itchy scalp. Adding a cap of Apple Cider Vinegar to my rinse out conditioner and oil rinsing with warm water during my final rinse soothes my itchy scalp. It also helps to lock in moisture and results in super soft hair for days.

Pat

27/6/2015 02:45:01 am

I have had very itchy scalp on and off, especially when I'm stressed. Thanks for the peppermint oil suggestion in either my shampoo or condition. I will try it.

Anne

30/6/2015 05:18:40 am

Does peppermint work in a leave in conditioner?

Barbara Grayson link

11/10/2015 04:32:10 pm

Since 2010 I have been suffering from a itchy scalp that leaves my head sore, and small sores in the area where my hair has fallen out in patches. It started in the front and is now at the nap of my neck leaving large spaces of missing hair. I have seen two dermatologist, the lab results revealed no answers, just creams and shampoos, no relief! . One dermatologist said," it is information of the scalp", but the lab results would not confirm this. Do not know what to do. Just trying to save the few strains left; not sure if hair will grow back. Will try suggestion mentioned on web site and any you may know for this problem.

Heather Katsonga-Woodward

12/10/2015 01:13:09 pm

So sorry for your scalp issues Barbara!

It could be something that you use on your scalp. I used to have an itchy scalp and discovered the filter on my showered head didn't agree with me. Try washing your hair with different water and see if that helps.

Also, I'm sure you've tried changing products...try using nothing but coconut oil for a week and see if that helps...so sorry, I know just how annoying a constantly itchy scalp can be - mine was itchy for months before I figured it out.

H xx

Sophia

19/11/2015 08:23:51 am

I used to have really thick hair and I scratch my scalp a lot, I'm guessing this is the reason why my hair thinned out? if so can I do something to help that? I miss my thick hair.

20/11/2015 02:26:33 pm

Pay close attention to what your ingesting and all items that are coming into contact with your scalp. For example, too much caffeine can result in a dry and itchy scalp, even scratching the scalp with hand sanitizer on the fingers can irritate the scalp. Pay attention to the ingredients in the products you use, even if you haven't changed products the ingredients could change. THE BEST SOLUTION IS TO LEAVE YOUR HAIR ALONE! Stop manipulating the thinning area, no tight braids, no combing, no products. Treat it like a delicate fabric and if there isn't an underlying health condition or skin disorder you will see results! Also ladies get your Vitamin D and iron levels checked! My daugter and I had very bad shedding and found out that our Vitamin D levels were extremely low. Once remedied we saw significantly less hair loss 3months down the road. Please don't fall the quick hair care product fix and run out to purchase hair care items promising to return your hair to its former glory! Good luck!

Comments are closed.

Can scratching your scalp lead to hair loss?

By Heather Katsonga-Woodward

Categories

Archives