Tender-headedness is having a sensitive scalp on the entire scalp or one spot. Sensitivity can either be a dull pain, discomfort, excruciating pain, or a headache following hair brushing,
touch, massaging, or any manipulation of the hair or scalp. It is that nagging discomfort that makes you jerk or pull away every time you or someone touches your scalp or tries to comb,
wash, or style your hair.
Causes of tender-headedness
- Tight hairstyles
- Trauma
- Scalp conditions
- Sunburn
- Harsh products
- Poor hair care habits
- Stress
We shall dive into these causes and discuss their signs and symptoms and how to manage them.
Tight hairstyles
Tight hairstyles such as ponytails, tight cornrows, tightly installed extensions, and braids could cause tender-headedness. Too much tension on the hair and scalp leads to pain and tenderness. Conditions such as trichotillomania – the impulsive pulling of one’s hair may also cause tension and excessive hair manipulation leading to tender-headedness.
Signs and symptoms
- Soreness or pain in the affected area
- Tingling sensation
- Itching
- Redness
- Pus-filled blisters on the affected area, especially along the hairline
Treatment
- Install loose braids and hair extensions.
- Uninstall tightly done hairstyles as soon as possible.
- Consult a hair specialist if the tenderness persists, or if you notice bald spots or pus-filled blisters.
Trauma
Scalp trauma could be in the form of a cut, a bruise, a bump, a scrape, a burn on the head, friction from a tight or heavy headgear, or any other type of physical injury. Trauma on the scalp may lead to pain or tenderness in one spot where the injury occurred.
Signs and symptoms
- Pain to touch
- In case of broken skin, there may be bleeding
- Redness
- Swelling
Treatment
- Avoid manipulating the hair on the injury site as this may cause more discomfort.
- Take pain-relieving medication
- In case of broken skin, keep the area clean, and arrest any bleeding.
- Avoid using hair products on broken skin as this will irritate the scalp.
- Seek medical advice if you deem it necessary.
Scalp conditions
Myriad scalp conditions may cause tender-headedness as a symptom. These conditions could be from infection, inflammation, infestation, or genetics.
Below is a list of several of the many conditions.
| Infections | Inflammatory | Infestation | Genetic |
| Folliculitis | Psoriasis | Tinea capitis | Female pattern hair loss |
| Lichen planus | Pediculosis capitis | Male pattern baldness | |
| Frontal fibrosis | |||
| Central centrifugal scaring alopecia(CCCA) | |||
| Dermatitis |
Signs and symptoms
These conditions present with all or some of the following:
- Sore or tender scalp
- Patches of hair loss
- Flaking
- Pus filled blister
- Itching
- Redness
- Swelling
- Hair thinning
- Hair breakage
Treatment
There are remedies to ease the tenderness and soothe the scalp. However, to treat the scalp condition, consider seeking expert advice from a hair specialist.
Some of the remedies include
- Anti-inflammatory medications – creams, ointments or gels
- Anti-flaking shampoos to ease the flaking
- Anti-itch ointments to soothe the scalp
- Use less heat and a little manipulation of the hair
Sunburn
Excessive sun exposure on the scalp may lead to sun damage. Sun-damaged areas on the scalp may feel tender, irritated, and painful to touch.
Signs and symptoms.
- Redness
- A tight sensation
- Pain on touch.
Treatment
- Use sun protection products to avoid more sun damage on the scalp
- Cover the scalp or stay away from direct sun until the scalp settles
- Moisturize the scalp to keep away dryness and soothe the tight sensation
Harsh hair products
Harsh hair products contain ingredients that irritate the scalp such as:
- poor quality sulfates,
- Some petroleum-derived ingredients
- Some synthetic-derived colors
- Some dyes
These ingredients interfere with the scalp PH balance and alter the normal skin environment. The skin barrier is impaired. Irritation and dryness eventually lead to tender-headedness.
Signs and symptoms
- Itchy scalp
- Irritation
- Soreness
- Dry hair and scalp
- Brittle lifeless hair
- Hair breakage
Treatment
- Stop or avoid hair products that contain harsh ingredients.
- Use gentle products that soothe the scalp
- Moisturize the scalp and the hair.
Poor hair care habits
Some hair care routines may cause tender-headedness in one way or another. We shall look at some of these habits.
- Combing or brushing the hair without prior detangling.
Trying to brush or comb matted hair requires that, you use excessive force and manipulation to brush through the hair. The excessive force causes the pulling of the hair around the root may cause tenderness.
Treatment: Detangle the hair (Steps)
- Part the hair into small sections
- Apply a leave-in conditioner or any detangling product (optional)
- Gently run your fingers through the hair detangling any large knots. Do not forcefully detangle knots as this may cause hair breakage and pain on the scalp.
- Using a wide-toothed comb, go through the sections gently and patiently working from the tips to the roots.
- Pulling eventually leads to pain and tenderness on the scalp not to mention hair breakage.
- Use of excessive heat styling
Heat is a good styling option, but if done in excess may be detrimental to the hair and the scalp. Excessive heat could cause burns and injury on the scalp. The excess heat also impairs the skin integrity and may lead to redness and tender-headedness.
Treatment
- Use moderate heat on the hair
- Avoid having the heat styling tools coming into contact with the scalp.
- Follow the heat regulations, tool distance from the scalp, and the duration of use guidelines provided by the heat styling tool manufacturer. Avoid using the tools too close to the scalp over a long period.
- Ineffective use of chemicals and dyes.
When not done professionally, chemicals and dyes may cause scalp irritation, itching, allergic reactions, and hair loss. Irritated and itchy scalp becomes sore and tender over time.
Treatment
- Read and follow the guidelines provided on any dye or chemical application before use.
- Seek professional guidance when using chemicals and dyes.
- Perform a patch test when using dyes and chemicals due to the risk of allergic reactions.
Stress
Stress can be psychological or physical and is widely demonstrated as a causative factor for tender-headedness characterized by tingling, burning, or itching sensation.
This condition is called Cutaneous dysesthesia syndrome.
Treatment
- Use mild shampoos and moisturizers.
- Follow good hair care habits
- Pain medication
- Consult a hair specialist to address the cause of the scalp pain.
Tender-headedness is a common occurrence in both males and females. As much as it is an unimaginable ordeal, there are remedies to tender-headedness both medical and solutions we can do in the comfort of our homes.
