Hair Pain—Why You Have a Sore Scalp

Wondering why your hair hurts throughout the day? Find out the potential reason for hair pain and learn how to treat your sore scalp. 

Does your hair hurt each time you brush or move it? It could be a clear indication of scalp tenderness. We have all experienced a sore scalp at some point in our lives. The discomfort and pain can be overwhelming and can put a damper on your day. Are you wondering what causes it? Hair pain can be triggered by a variety of factors, including skin conditions, infection, scalp buildup or even a tight updo. If you can’t figure out the reason for hair pain, here are some possible reasons:

Scalp build-up

If you are not washing your hair frequently enough, it can contribute to a sore scalp. The oils that your scalp naturally produces might build up around your hair shaft, increasing yeast growth on your scalp. This can cause inflammation and make your scalp sensitive and tender. To avoid this, wash your hair two to three times a week and use a nourishing cleanser that gently cleanses your scalp without disrupting the natural ecosystem of your scalp. 

Dermatitis

Dermatitis, a broad term for different types of mild skin inflammation, can lead to dry, itchy, inflamed patches of skin that resemble a rash. This skin condition can result from a variety of factors, including genetics, an overactive immune system, allergies or harsh, irritating products. If you are experiencing hair pain due to dermatitis, it is advisable to seek professional help. 

Tight hairstyles 

We all love a high ponytail or tight braids. But, you should not wear your hair pulled back too often as it can lead to scalp sensitivity, irritation, hair pain and even hair loss. So, ditch the tight hairstyles and let your strands loose. 

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is a common skin condition caused by bacterial or fungal infections. It leads to inflamed hair follicles and manifests itself like red pimples on the scalp. These inflamed bumps on your head could be the reason behind a sore scalp and hair pain. 

How to soothe a sore scalp?

Scalp tenderness can cause a lot of discomfort and leave you frantically searching for ways to soothe your scalp. Luckily, you can say goodbye to hair pain with a few tweaks to your hair care regimen and some well-deserved TLC for your scalp.

Keep your scalp clean

The best way to avoid hair pain is to keep your scalp squeaky clean. Make it a point to wash your hair at least once or twice a week. And, the kind of cleanser you use can make all the difference! Opt for a gentle cleanser that removes scalp buildup while restoring the balance. One product that can detox your scalp is our Balancing Clay Hair Cleanser. Formulated with 15+ high-performing active Ayurvedic herbs, oils and flowers, this clay-to-lather shampoo deeply cleanses your scalp and gets rid of impurities and buildup. It is the perfect solution for a sore scalp as it restores hair’s natural vitality without disrupting the scalp's pH or oil production.

Massage your scalp

We all have fond memories of getting soothing hair massages from our grandmothers. However, did you know that these massages can also help alleviate hair pain? A sore scalp is often a tell-tale sign of tension and stress building up in the muscles and tissues beneath the skin. Scalp massages are an excellent way to relieve this tension as they promote blood circulation and boost the supply of fresh oxygen and vital nutrients to the hair follicles. So, go ahead and indulge in a relaxing scalp massage. If you are not well-versed with massage techniques and are looking for an easy solution to boost blood circulation and promote scalp health, you can try using a wooden comb. Check out our Handmade Neem Wood Comb. Made out of the bark of a Neem tree, a medicinal plant native to the Indian subcontinent, this comb can soothe a sore scalp by boosting blood flow and keeping pesky scalp infections bay. 

Detox your scalp

If your scalp feels tender to touch, or you experience pain while moving your hair, it could be a sign that your scalp is overloaded and desperately needs a detox. The accumulation of oils, dead skin cells and styling products can cause irritation and clog your hair follicles. So, you need to go a step beyond your routine shampooing to deep clean your scalp. Our Rice+Chai Refresh Spray is an excellent option to gently detox your scalp and balance the pH levels. Infused with concentrated antioxidant-rich black and green chai, this spray reduces hair pain, while gently exfoliating your scalp. It also refreshes your roots by absorbing excess oil with the help of potent ingredients like rice starch and reetha soapnuts.