IS HAIR LOSS AND ITCHY SCALP RELATED?

A truly terrifying scenario is when you scratch your head and come away with a chunk of hair in your hand. Now life isn’t always as dramatic as this, but you might have had a moment when an itchy scalp and hair fall occurred at the same time. So, is there any connection between them?

What are the causes of itchy scalp?

Itchy scalp and hair fall

What can you do to prevent hair loss from an itchy scalp?

What about treating hair loss from an itchy scalp?

Let’s first understand why you have an itchy scalp. There are various reasons for this and identifying it can help you find the right remedies.

• Allergic reactions–

  Also known as Contact Dermatitis, an itchy scalp is often the outcome of your body reacting to allergens. This could be any new product you’ve used or even some medication.

• Dandruff–

  An itchy scalp and dandruff go hand in hand. It’s caused by excessive oil production and an overactive fungus. If your body is sensitive towards the breakdown of your natural oils, it’ll respond with severe scalp itching.

• Lice–

  These tiny creatures can cause many sleepless nights as they bite into your scalp. Although uncommon with adults, lice can be a potential reason for your itch.

• Dry scalp–

  It could be due to extreme weather changes, harsh products, or even excessive shampooing. Your scalp can lose moisture and give you that dry itchy sensation.

• Scalp problems–

  There are conditions like Scalp Psoriasis, Seborrheic Dermatitis or Eczema, which are usually associated with an itchy scalp. It is vital that you correctly diagnose them before trying anything.

• Inflammation–

  Poor hygiene can lead to blocked pores and inflamed hair follicles, thereby causing itching. This is one of the most common answers to whys my scalp itchy.

The human body is meant to shed hair, so it’s normal to see some hair fall when you shower. The point of concern is when you see excessive hair fall, which has various factors - Stress, hormonal fluctuations, heat treatment, weather changes, diet and even tight hairstyles. All of these can lead to an increase in hair fall.

However, itchy scalp hair loss is not normal hair fall. It usually happens because you’re scratching your head and damaging the hair follicles. Inflammation on your scalp and of your hair follicles, can weaken the hair strand, making them more susceptible to strain. When you scratch your head, these weakened hair strands are dislodged from your scalp and come tumbling down.

Sometimes when you scratch excessively, it can also lead to bleeding and scarring on your scalp. This can temporarily prevent hair from regrowing on the scarred portion.

So while itchy scalps cannot necessarily cause hair fall, they can exacerbate the problem. And when you see itchy scalp hair loss female or male, you can solve your itch to solve your hair fall.

There are a few things that could stop a hair thinning itchy scalp.

• Stress-

  Your stress levels play havoc with your hormones, including cortisol, which can directly increase hair loss. Find ways to reduce your stress.

• Protect your head-

  Germs, pollutants, UV rays, dirt, all of these can affect the strength of your hair strands and cause itching, potentially leading to hair fall.

• Hygiene-

  The best possible way to avoid hair loss and itchy scalp is to keep your head clean. Use the right shampoos 2-3 times a week, to ensure that there is no build-up of dirt or oil on your scalp.

• Oils and masks-

  Use oils like Argan oil or create your own hair mask, so as to nourish and create a protective layer on your head. Some oils can also strengthen the hair strands and reduce inflammation.

• Don’t overdo products-

  Using too many products at the same time is a recipe for an allergic reaction. They might react with each other and your scalp will pay the price.

• Excessive shampoo-

  Using too much shampoo too often can dry out your hair and scalp, leaving it vulnerable to external pollutants.

Sometimes the hair fall might not be in your control. But if you know for sure that it’s because of your scratching, there are a few things you can do:

• Stop scratching-

  Almost sounds silly to include this, but just stop scratching. Why keep doing something you know is harmful and causing hair loss?

• Identify the reason for your itching-

  If you want to stop the scratching, you need to understand the reason behind it. For example, if it’s dandruff, you can use products like the Head and Shoulders Cool Menthol to get rid of the dandruff causing germs.

• Allergens-

  See if any products or medications, which you’ve recently started using, could be the cause of an allergic reaction. This might solve your itching.

• Tight hairstyles-

  This can pull on your hair strands and dislodge them from the roots. Wear your hair in a loose style and be gentle with combs.

• Heat treatment-

  Avoid using any form of heat styling on your hair, as this can aggravate your itching and weaken the hair strands even more.

• Hair dye-

  You might want to avoid colouring your hair, as it severely dries out your hair and can increase inflammation. This might increase hair loss and scalp itch.

• Aloe vera-

  Use this to calm down any scalp itching, allowing the enzymes to clean your scalp. It can give you relief from inflammation and dandruff.

• Home remedies-

  Use itchy scalp and hair loss female home remedies like lemon or apple cider vinegar. These can be used by men as well. Create hair masks from these and use them to curb the itching sensation. Be careful with quantities.

Although it might be worrisome, an itchy scalp is often a temporary headache that goes away when you use shampoos for itchy scalp. Just create a healthy hair regimen that can hopefully prevent this scalp itch from ever occurring. And if you feel like nothing works, always reach out to a dermatologist.