Can Long Hair Cause Headaches?

First of all, congratulations! If you are reading this, you’ve probably grown your hair long, which is no easy feat! You’ve had to resist all temptation to cut it – be it hot weather, the amount of time it takes to wash it, or nagging moms. But before you praise your long hair for everything that it is, you may want to consider that it could be an aggravating factor of your headaches. Don’t worry – this doesn’t mean you have to cut your lush locks! Keep basking in their glory for years to come, by following these simple styling tips to keep your headaches at bay!

Tip #1: Don’t Wear Tight Ponytails. The most common reason long-haired folks have headaches is because of ponytails that pull at the roots. Underneath the roots of your hair are nerves which can cause pain along the scalp. For people who are already headache-prone, we recommend setting your mane free – or at least loosening that ponytail!

Tip #2: Ease Off On The Extensions. The heavier your hair is at the ends, the harder your roots are pulled. And the harder your roots are pulled, the deeper are the aggravated nerves. Not only can this cause headaches, it can also cause some hair to fall out! Of course, if your style seems to be working for you, don’t fret about solutions. Just remember to always keep a watchful eye out for any unusual activity involving your tresses.

Tip #3: Keep it Trimmed. Healthy hair not only looks good – it can also have a remarkable relief on your roots. Plus, if your hair is full, thick, heavy, and too long, you could experience tension at the nape of your neck. This could mostly be due to poor posture (and not heavy hair directly), but if you find your hair getting in the way of how you angle your neck (a surprisingly common problem!), then it may be time for a trim to evenly distribute the weight across the ends.

To contact one of our headache doctors today, visit any of our locations, such as the one in Irwindale by  Duarte, Azusa, West Covina, Vincent, and Mayflower Village, or call 888-719-8448.