Why Does My Scalp Hurt? Tips for Bald Guys

Ah, the joys of being bald! When you think that shaving freed you from all your hair care woes, your scalp can throw a tantrum and be downright painful.

If your scalp is feeling tender and sore, you're not alone. Many bald individuals experience inflammation, which can be uncomfortable and concerning. But rest assured, you'll be good to go once you understand its causes and how to deal with them.

What are the Common Causes of Scalp Tenderness?

Scalp pain is an uncomfortable and distressing experience, often linked to various conditions. Understanding these causes can help manage and alleviate discomfort. Here are common reasons for scalp tenderness:

• Sunburn
• Alopecia Areata
• Male Pattern Baldness
• Telogen Effluvium
• Scalp Irritation
• Scalp Psoriasis

Sunburn

Shaving off those precious locks makes you a prime target for sunburn. Without hair to shield your scalp, it can get scorched faster and feel sore, tight, itchy, and tender with skin flaking.

While mild sunburn heals on its own, you can treat scalp tenderness by applying these tips on scalp sunburn treatment.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition known for patchy hair loss, but it can also bring along an unwelcome companion: a sore and tender scalp. Visible symptoms include round, oval patches, which are often inflamed. A study shows that 12 out of 49 people with alopecia areata had scalp pain or sensitive scalps.

Resist the urge to scratch, and consider over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams to reduce inflammation and itching. If the pain worsens, consult a dermatologist to rule out any underlying causes of scalp pain.

Male Pattern Baldness

When discussing male pattern baldness, the first thing that comes to mind is hair loss and not painful scalps. Generally, male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia isn't painful, but a study shows that 21% of men with pattern hair loss lead to scalp pain.

As pattern hair loss progresses along the Norwood Hamilton scale, it's fairly common for hair follicles to shrink due to DHT (dihydrotestosterone). This causes inflammation around your hair follicles, which triggers scalp sensitivity and discomfort. Even light touches in one spot can feel uncomfortable.

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is stress, injury, or illness-related temporary hair loss that can also cause scalp pain. The same study mentioned for male pattern baldness and alopecia areata shows that 39% of patients with telogen effluvium also had painful, burning, or itchy scalps.

Irritation

It's common for head shavers to experience scalp pain due to razor burn, ingrown hairs, and scalp acne. You most likely have razor burn if you feel a burning sensation after shaving and notice a rash. This happens when you shave too fast, dry shave, use dull blades, shave against the grain, or have sensitive skin. Read our article on how to prevent razor burn to learn more.

Razor bumps or ingrown hairs are often mistaken for razor burn, but they differ. Razor bumps appear when shaved hair goes back into the skin, causing inflamed, red, tender, and itchy bumps. We have a guide on preventing razor bumps that can help you if you have them.

For acne-prone head shavers, you most likely have breakouts, which cause scalp pain. To learn how to shave with scalp acne, click the link and read our article for more information.

Scalp Psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis, a chronic skin condition, can turn your scalp into a red, flaky battlefield. Imagine your skin cells throwing a wild party where they multiply faster than rabbits. If you have an overactive immune system, your body tells cells to grow too quickly, leading to buildup accompanied by itching, burning, extreme dryness, and skin cracking.

More Reasons for a Painful Scalp

Here are other additional reasons why you may have a sore scalp:

• Lice

• Over brushing

• Shingles

• Cysts

• Allergic reaction

• Waxing

When you have an allergic reaction, take antihistamines if needed. For severe cases involving difficulty breathing, call emergency services at once.

Why is My Scalp Tender in One Spot?

Sometimes, you may find your scalp tender in one spot after touching or applying pressure. Don't worry; most likely, the causes of scalp pain aren't anything serious.

Trauma or Injury

Did you bump, cut, or scrape your head recently? A minor injury (bruise or bump) can make your scalp feel tender in one spot. Minor bumps, bruises, and cuts often heal on their own in a couple of days. If you notice any signs of infection, go to your medical professional at once

Traction Alopecia

Wearing tight hats, tight hairdos, or helmets can lead to localized scalp pain and hair loss (traction alopecia). Your headgear may have rough edges, bulky tags, or coarse seams that rub against your scalp and cause pain. Do you wear a headset for long periods? Wearing a plastic headset without padding can also give you a sore scalp.

Give your head a break. Avoid wearing anything on your sore scalp area until it's healed.

Scalp Folliculitis

Scalp folliculitis is a common skin condition due to infection of the hair follicles.

You may have scalp folliculitis if you see pus-filled blisters on your hair follicles. Bumps are painful, tender, itchy, and have a burning sensation. A warm compress is a common solution, but if the infection persists, antibiotics are the next step to eliminate the problem.

Hair Pulling Disorder (Trichotillomania)

For those suffering from Trichotillomania, you may experience scalp pain in certain areas or one spot on your scalp. To treat scalp tenderness, you need to treat the disorder through cognitive behavioral therapy and lowering stress and anxiety.

Tips for Managing Scalp Sensitivity and a Painful Scalp

Gentle Cleansing

Just because you're bald means you can skimp on quality products! Harsh chemicals in shampoos, cleansers, and conditioners can irritate sensitive scalps, so it's time to treat it right with gentle and hydrating options. Using gentle sulfate-free products with natural ingredients may help soothe and not aggravate irritating substances.

Moisturize

Dealing with scalp tenderness is uncomfortable. Moisturizing helps hydrate your dry, tight, and irritated scalps. It also soothes inflammation and helps reduce redness. Incorporating hydration into your routine is easy. Pick a good moisturizer like Freebird's Refreshing Scalp Moisturizer, designed specifically for baldies. For more choices, you can check out the best moisturizers for baldies we've listed for you.

Use Sunblock

When managing scalp tenderness, sunscreen is one of the unsung heroes in your grooming arsenal. Without hair, our scalps can be easily burnt to a crisp when bombarded with the sun's harmful UV rays.

Believe me, you wouldn't want to feel like your head is on fire and look like a lobster. Being bald means applying sunscreen every time we go out. It protects our scalps from UV exposure and painful sunburn.

Ditch the Tight Headgear: Let Your Scalp Breathe!

Tight hats and helmets can turn your scalp into a pressure cooker! They create pressure points that irritate and cause scalp pain. Your scalp deserves to breathe and not feel like it's in a vice grip.

When wearing hats or headgear, choose one made from breathable materials that reduce scalp discomfort and friction against your skin. Friction can worsen any existing tenderness and irritation.

Letting your scalp heal from pressure and irritation helps it recover. Once you switch to looser headgear, you'll experience improved comfort levels, reduced scalp sensitivity, and better scalp health moving forward.

Scalp Massage

Scalp pain may occur due to tension headaches where you feel tightness around the head. An easy and relaxing solution is massaging your scalp. Who doesn't love a good massage? Massaging your scalp increases blood circulation and removes tension headaches.

Use your fingertips to apply gentle pressure in circular motions across your scalp (5 to 10 minutes is enough). You can apply oil like coconut or jojoba to help moisturize your scalp if you have dry skin.

I get a weekly scalp massage that helps relieve scalp tenderness, discomfort, and tension headaches. These regular treatments for the scalp make me feel like a million bucks!

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is vital not just for overall health but also for maintaining a happy and healthy scalp. It can help deal with scalp tenderness by keeping scalps moisturized. Dry, flaky scalps usually irritate and cause scalp tenderness, especially in cold weather.

Drink enough clean water daily and watch your scalp thrive!

When to see a Professional

If scalp tenderness persists, consult with a dermatologist for professional advice. Persistent or severe pain may indicate underlying conditions that need immediate attention.

The Bottom Line

Being bald has its perks, like never dealing with bad hair days. On the flip side, scalp tenderness may be a common experience you have to face.

You can deal with scalp tenderness head-on by understanding the reasons for scalp pain and taking proactive steps.

Remember the basics:

• Cleanse gently,

• Apply sunscreen,

• Moisturize,

• Stay hydrated,

• Ditch your tight headgear,

• Get a scalp massage,

• and listen to what your scalp is telling you.

FAQs

Can Stress Cause Scalp Pain?

Yes it can. Stress can turn your body into a tense ball of anxiety, and guess what? Your scalp is not immune! Tension headaches caused by stress can lead to discomfort in the scalp area. A quick fix? Get a scalp massage like we talked about earlier. It's one of the best home remedies for scalp tenderness due to tension headaches.

How Can I Treat My Tender Scalp at Home?

There are several home remedies to help soothe that sensitive scalp! Try gentle shampoos that won't irritate your skin, and don't forget to moisturize! A little massage with natural oils can go a long way in promoting relaxation and circulation. And remember to avoid tight hairstyles.

Why is My Scalp Sore and Tender to Touch?

Your scalp might feel sore for various reasons, including skin conditions like scalp psoriasis and pattern hair loss. It could also be due to tight hairstyles that make your hair roots scream for mercy. Other culprits of scalp tenderness include scalp trauma, sunburn, infections, irritation, or stress.