Can Your Head Hurt From A Ponytail?

When a ponytail triggers a sensation of tightness in too many of those nerves at once, a headache can result. Ponytail headaches are a type of external compression headache, meaning they’re caused by stimulus that’s outside your head.

What does a ponytail headache feel like?

(WJBK) – It’s called the ponytail headache, and while that may sound like a simple problem, the doctor says it can indicate something far more complicated. Many women know the feeling — you have your hair pulled back tight and eventually your head starts to ache.

Where does a ponytail headache hurt?

What is a ponytail headache? A 2004 study in the journal Headache found that 50 out of 93 women surveyed said a ponytail triggered a headache; for some the pain was located around their hair tie, while in others it spread to their forehead, temples or neck.

Can having your hair tied up cause headaches?

“When you put your hair in a tight bun or ponytail, or a weave or extensions, that will pull the nerves in the scalp. That pulling of the nerves will activate the sensory nerves even more,” Chou continues, “That can result in the headache itself, or it could be that the headache is beginning.”

How do you wear a ponytail without hurting your head?

Just start with your lowest ponytail at the middle and back of your head, and secure the other two one after another above that. If that doesn’t work, try a low ponytail. Keeping the ponytail low will help reduce the weight on your head.

What does it mean when your hair hurts after ponytail?

According to Huffington Post, “Hair follicles are some of the first receptors of feeling,” dermatologist Angela Lamb explained in the report. “Your hair is a whole component of your nervous system, so when you pull it up, that puts pressure on the nerve endings that are at the root of the follicle.”

Why does my scalp hurt when I put my hair up?

“Every hair has small muscles surrounding its root, so when they’re pulled in a tight ponytail or a tight bun, it keeps tension on those muscles the entire time,” she explains. “And it keeps tension on the skin as well. It would feel like any muscle you’d been pulling on too long.”

Why does it feel like my hair hurts?

“The scalp is incredibly rich in blood supply, nerve endings, and oil glands. Additionally, this yeast (pityrosporum) builds up, leading to dandruff. The combination of these factors can cause inflammation, which translates to sensitivity that can feel like your hair hurting.”

Why does my scalp hurt in one area?

A sore scalp can be caused by infected hair follicles, scalp pimples, or tension from certain hairstyles that may pull the hair too tight. Other causes for scalp tenderness include trauma from a head injury, or underlying skin condition like eczema or cellulitis.

Is it OK to wear a ponytail everyday?

The dangers of ponytails
Hair breakage: Putting your hair in a ponytail in the same place every day can stress your strands where the elastic meets the hair, especially if you wear your ponytails very tight. Constant friction on the strands can lead to fraying and breakage, potentially causing frizz and fly-aways.

What happens if you wear a ponytail too much?

The bad news is that regularly wearing your hair in a high, tight pony can result in hair damage – and in some extreme cases, permanent hair loss. Luckily, there are a few tips and tricks our stylists love for keeping your ponytail healthy and preventing damage.

What is the healthiest way to put your hair up?

The Low Ponytail
The reason stylists recommend you forego a tight ponytail is because the tighter the ponytail, the greater the risk your hair tie will pull at your strands, putting unnecessary stress on your roots and scalp. A low, loose ponytail relieves that stress.

Is it normal for your hair roots to hurt?

A painful scalp is common. In fact, one 2012 article estimated that 44% of people in France experience scalp sensitivity. Causes of a painful scalp when the hair moves range from hairstyling choices to underlying health conditions. Even rearranging the hair can cause some pain in the scalp.

When should I be concerned about scalp pain?

Any scalp soreness that does not go away within one to two weeks should be further investigated by a medical professional. This includes soreness caused by dermatitis, psoriasis, fibromyalgia, and recurrent tension headaches. Some are chronic conditions that require ongoing management.

Why does the top of my skull hurt when I touch it?

Common causes include the following: Migraines. Tension headaches. Autoimmune disorders (psoriasis can hurt, inflame and irritate the scalp)

Can a brain tumor cause scalp tenderness?

Scalp dysesthesia has been described as secondary to a number of neurologic disorders, including brain tumors.

Is it better to sleep with or without a ponytail?

Sleeping with your hair in a ponytail can cause hair loss. When the hair is constantly pulled it can be damaged. Breakage can occur when you sleep with a ponytail in. Hair loss may be reversed by keeping your hair down.

Should you sleep with hair up or down?

“Never go to bed without tying your hair up (for long hair), as loose hair can tangle. Removing tangles later can cause breakage,” says celebrity hairstylist Fallon Toni Chavez. You can wear it in a number of ways, including a low ponytail or loose braid.

Is it better to have your hair up or down?

Sleeping with your hair up is better for some people since they can’t brush their hair while they’re sleeping anyway. However, this might not be the best solution because it could cause knots that may get harder to remove when morning comes around. Sleeping with your hair down can help avoid breakage and loss of hair.

How do you get rid of high ponytail pain?

If you are getting a headache from your ponytail, the first method of action is to take your hair down. Massage your scalp gently in the area where you feel pain and take a moment to breathe deeply. An external compression headache should go away within an hour of removing your ponytail.

What happens if you wear your hair up everyday?

4. Wearing your hair up every day. If you’re pulling your hair back into a tight bun or ponytail daily, the tension can cause strands to break where they’re being held by your elastic or pull out at the root. Do this instead: Alternate loose styles with tighter ones, and use a soft elastic that won’t pull on strands.