Tingly Scalp as a Symptom of Hair Loss, Advice from Rituals Hair Lab in Scotter, Near Gainsborough

A tingling scalp is now widely recognised as a possible early symptom of alopecia hair loss. Known in medical terms as trichodynia, the feeling can range from a mild tingling sensation to itching, burning and a sharp stinging feeling on the scalp.  

At our hair loss clinic in Lincolnshire, we are expertly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of hair loss conditions.  In this article we look at the reasons why your scalp may be tingling, and what you can do to protect your hair if you experience a tingling scalp.

What is Causing my Tingling Scalp?

The sensation of pins-and-needles, the feeling of spiders on your head, tingling or itching on the scalp can be caused by a wide range of factors including:

• Skin Irritation or Sensitivity – such as a reaction to laundry products, shampoos or styling products
• Skin Conditions – such as eczema, psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis.
• Medication Side Effects
• Ringworm
• Head Lice
• Anxiety
• Migraine
• Alopecia Hair Loss
• Telogen Effluvium Hair Loss

Some of these conditions may be interlinked, for example, anxiety and reactions to medication can contribute to hair loss. The sensation of tingling can also be caused by damaged or irritated hair follicles, which can then fall out.

If you are noticing that your scalp is tingling on a regular basis, book a consultation at our hair loss clinic in Scotter, Near Gainsborough, and we can help diagnose the cause and suggest the options to treat your tingling scalp.

What is Alopecia?

Alopecia is the medical term for a wide range of different types of hair loss, with more than a fifth of women and nearly half of all men in the UK expected to experience the hair loss condition. Alopecia areata is believed to be caused by problems with the immune system or even down to genetic disposition. Alopecia areata results in the appearance of patches of baldness, but in many cases the hair grows back after a year. Find out more about the different types of alopecia here. 

What is Telogen Effluvium Hair Loss?

On average, we shed around 100 hairs each day. If you are suffering from telogen effluvium hair loss however, you may lose up to 3 times this amount per day and your hair will start to thin.  

Telogen Effluvium hair loss can be triggered by a number of factors, including stress, physical trauma, illness, hormonal changes and poor diet. Over the past couple of years, we have also seen an increase in cases of telogen effluvium hair loss linked to Covid-19.  

How Can I Combat my Hair Loss?

At our Lincolnshire hair loss clinic, we take a holistic approach to caring for your hair. Book a consultation with us so that we can create a tailored programme to restore your hair’s volume and condition.

Key steps to combat hair loss include washing your hair with a mild shampoo, avoiding brushing your hair while it is wet and take steps to reduce mental stress and anxiety, including doing more exercise.

We believe it’s especially important to look after your hair from within as an unbalanced diet is a key contributor to hair loss. This is why we offer a dietetics service within our hair loss clinic, to help you to look after your hair from within. Find our more about our dietetics services here. 

Book a Hair Loss Consultation at Top Lincolnshire Hair Loss Clinic

If you are concerned about your hair loss and would like to speak to a hair loss expert in confidence, please call the hair loss specialists at Rituals Hair Lab in Scotter, Near Gainsborough, on 01724 76441 or fill in the enquiry form below.

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The Hair Loss Experts at Rituals Hair Lab in Scotter, Near Gainsborough Explain The Stages of Hair Growth Following Chemotherapy

Losing your hair during chemotherapy treatment can be distressing. It may feel like you are losing a part of your identity. It is no wonder, then, that many dread this side effect of cancer treatment the most.

As chemotherapy is such a strong medication, it doesn’t just cause hair loss on the head – other parts of the body are also affected, including eyelashes, eyebrows and armpit hair.

Typically, hair loss following chemotherapy treatment is temporary. If you have just finished your rounds of chemotherapy treatment, you may be curious to know what happens to your hair growth now. How soon will it begin to grow back? Will your look and feel the same as before chemotherapy? We are going to explore the critical questions you might be asking yourself, as well as providing you with a few haircare tips to help you along the way.

When Will My Hair Begin To Regrow Following Chemotherapy?

Once you finish chemotherapy treatment, your hair will begin to regrow within a few weeks. Around 3-4 weeks after ending treatment, you can expect to see hair growth that looks like soft, fuzzy strands. Generally, eyelashes tend to grow back quite quickly after chemotherapy treatment. For some it is pretty immediate, for others it may take a few weeks – everyone is different.

How Long Will It Take For My Hair To Grow Back After Chemotherapy?

It can take around 3-6 months for hair to begin to grow following chemotherapy, rather than the soft fuzz that initially grows in. You may expect roughly 1 inch of hair growth after around 2 months but again, each person is different and each chemotherapy treatment has different strengths which can affect how quickly you see regrowth.

Will My Hair Change After Chemotherapy?

Your new hair growth may look slightly different than before your chemotherapy treatment. You may notice that your new hair is a different colour, feels a little thinner, or even that your previous straight hair is now curly! Hair follicles can change shape during chemotherapy treatment and become slightly twisted, which can result in curly or wavy strands. This tends to only last for a few months, after which your hair should begin to regain its previous texture and shape.

In some cases, people may find their hair never regains the same thickness or fullness as before, it is important to not be alarmed if this happens to you. It is also completely normal for your hair to grow back in patches, which can make you feel a little frustrated. In most cases, this is only temporary as it takes time for your body’s nutrients to kick back into gear and give hair growth a boost.

Top Tips For Hair Regrowth Following Chemotherapy

• Redraw Your Eyebrows Whilst They Regrow
Look back at pre-treatment pictures of yourself to use your brows’ natural shape as a guide. You may wish to use a brow pencil that is slightly lighter than your current hair colour for the most natural look and there are also many eyebrow transfers available on the market to mimic realistic eyebrow hairs.

• Looking After Your Luscious Lashes
As eyelashes regrow, it is important to be really gentle with them. Lashes can be fragile as they regrow so be extra gentle when cleansing your eye area and avoid wearing mascaras that are heavy or waterproof as these require a bit more work and cleansers to remove at the end of the day.

To give the appearance of a stronger lash line, using a soft kohl liner that is easy to remove. Using brown shades of eyeshadow along the lash line is also a quick way to create the illusion of fullness.

You may also be considering using fake eyelashes. These are definitely an option, however you do need to be careful that the eyelash glue doesn’t irritate you. Wearing these every day might not be the most ideal thing and may be best worn at any parties or events you have planned.

Some people also swear by eyelash growth serums to encourage thicker and longer regrowth after a few weeks.

• Protect Your New Hair Growth
New regrowth will be particularly delicate. Avoid colouring your hair at this point until it becomes stronger and use gentle products when washing your hair, such as sulphate-free shampoos, which will also be gentle on your scalp.

You may want to rock the new growth look, or you might feel more confident wearing a wig whilst your new hair regrows long enough to begin styling it. Wigs can be a great choice for this in-between period and can even protect your new hairs as they regrow. We offer a wide range of wigs, hair toppers and hair pieces at our Lincolnshire hair loss clinic.

It is worth bearing in mind that everyone is different and the timeline for regrowth following chemotherapy can vary. If you are concerned about lack of hair growth, always speak to your GP so they can advise and support you.

Whatever texture or density you find your new hair to have, remember that your body has been through a lot and it may take time for your hair to recover. During this time, it’s important to give yourself lots of self-love, soothing words and some lovely doses of rest!

Book a Consultation With a Hair Loss Expert at Rituals Hair Lab in Scotter, Near Gainsborough

At Rituals Hair Lab our expert stylists will be able to advise on how to care for your new hair growth following chemotherapy and can advise on wigs or other methods whilst you wait for your hair to grow back. Book your consultation with the wig experts near Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, now by calling on 01724 764418.

The Common Causes of Hair Loss 

Every day, it is natural for around 100 hairs to fall out. But if you’ve noticed that you’re losing more hair than usual or have begun to show thinning or balding hair, it can cause anxiety and concern. Below, the hair loss experts at Rituals Hair Lab in Scotter, Near Gainsborough, explore the most common causes of hair loss...

The most common type of hair loss for both men and women is androgenetic alopecia, or male and female pattern baldness, but there are many other triggers that can cause hair fall. Some sorts of hair loss can be permanent, other types are temporary and can be brought on by a variety of reasons, such as illness or stress.

If you have been experiencing increasing hair loss, you may be wondering what’s going on. We’re going to dive into the most common causes of hair loss, what to look out for, and what you can do about it.

Genetic Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia or Male / Female Pattern Baldness)

Does either of your parents suffer from hair thinning or baldness? Genetics pays a huge part in this type of hair loss. Although it may seem more associated with men, it is actually extremely common in women too.

In males, a gradual receding hairline or hair loss on the crown can start reasonably early in adult life – usually in their 20s, but sometimes as early as their teenage years. For females, hair tends to get generally thinner all over the scalp and usually occurs in their 40s.

So, what exactly is going on with this type of hair loss? Basically, it is all to do with levels of a hormone, DHT. This hormone causes hair follicles to shrink, meaning hair gets thinner and eventually stops growing altogether.

There is a myth that male pattern baldness is inherited from the grandfather on the maternal side. However, this is completely untrue – both maternal and paternal genetics will have a part.

Is there a treatment for this type of hair loss?

Products containing minoxidil – a medication applied to the scalp – has been shown to help thicken hair and encourage growth.

Always speak to your GP or pharmacist first, as certain medical conditions can interfere with its use. If you are concerned about your hair loss or would like to discuss options to disguise your hair fall, please call our hair loss experts on 01724 764418.

Autoimmune Conditions & Hair Loss

There are certain autoimmune conditions that can cause thinning hair or complete hair loss. These include Chron’s Disease, lupus, Hashimoto's and rheumatoid arthritis. In these instances, the immune system gets a little confused and begins to attack its own body, with hair follicles being affected.

Alopecia areata is another autoimmune condition where hair falls out in clumps, causing bald patches. Sometimes people can develop alopecia universalis where hair loss isn’t limited to the scalp but occurs all over the body, such as eyebrows, eyelashes, leg and arm hair.

Although there is no current cure, some people can respond to the use of corticosteroids. These act as powerful anti-inflammatories which can dampen the overactive immune response. Please consult your doctor if you think an autoimmune condition is the root cause of your hair loss.

Stress & Hair Loss

It’s probably not hard to believe that stress is high up on the list of hair loss causes. Any sort of extreme stress – physical or emotional – can cause hair loss. This can include stress resulting from a traumatice event such as an accident, grief or divorce, or as a symptom of ongoing anxiety.

Our bodies can be put through a lot and this can lead to a condition called telogen effluvium. Hair begins falling out faster than usual, sometimes in large clumps, as the usual hair growth cycle is disrupted. Naturally, this can cause distress if you are unaware of the cause.

Typically, telogen effluvium hair loss is temporary. Once you have recovered from the stressor, hair begins to grow back over the course of a few months. To support your body through times of stress and potentially reduce the hair loss, add in soothing practices such as meditation, gentle exercise and lots of rest. Who doesn’t love an afternoon nap?!

Post-Partum Hair Loss

After childbirth, hormones are all over the place! The dramatic shift in hormone levels can cause hair to shed quite quickly. You may notice this when you brush or wash your hair.

During pregnancy, it is common for women to gain thicker hair due to rising oestrogen. Once you give birth, the levels of this hormone decrease and with that comes hair shedding: the extra hair that you gained during pregnancy starts to shed over a few months.

This type of hair loss is usually temporary and resolves within 6 months. Having a nourishing diet full of vitamins and minerals can give your body the energy it needs to maintain overall health, including loving those locks.

Traction Alopecia - Too Tight Hairstyles

Whether it’s a braid, a bun or a ponytail, wearing these hairstyles too tightly can cause traction alopecia. By pulling hair back too tightly, hair can break and can even cause inflammation of the hair follicles known as folliculitis.

Usually, this is a temporary condition – but only if you loosen your styles! If you don’t take this step to prevent further hair loss, the follicles become permanently damaged and hair regrowth doesn’t happen.

Consider switching up your hair styles every so often, alternating between tighter and looser styles. Just make sure not to pull your hair up too tightly when sporting braids or up-dos. If it hurts, loosen it up!

An Unbalanced Diet & Hair Loss

Could your diet be to blame for your hair loss? Hair growth requires a range of vitamins and minerals but if your diet is lacking in those it can result in slow hair growth.

Vitamins A-E and along with minerals zinc and iron support healthy hair follicles and including these in your diet can make a huge difference. They can keep the scalp moisturised, strengthen hair and prevent breakage, and protect hair against oxidative stress.

As you can see, there are a variety of causes of hair loss. If you are experiencing hair loss but are unsure as to why, it can feel overwhelming. But being aware of some of the causes can help you identify what could be at the root of your hair loss. Always make sure you have a chat with your doctor about any changes in hair growth that are causing you concern. Whatever the cause, there is always something you can do to make you move from worry to confidence.

Book a Call With The Hair Loss Experts at Rituals Hair Lab Near Gainsborough, Lincoln

If you would like to discuss your hair loss, including potential treatments or nutritional advice, get in touch with us today! We are the hair loss experts in Lincolnshire and you will receive a warm welcome and a sympathetic ear at Rituals Hair Lab. Book your consultation with our hair loss specialists now by calling on 01724 764418.

Is Hair Loss a Common Post-Covid-19 Symptom? Here’s What You Need to Know

When recovering from Covid-19, the array of symptoms can be tough to deal with. Loss of taste and smell, debilitating fatigue and shortness of breath are just a few effects that can linger during post-COVID recovery. But what if a sudden and unexpected symptom you’re experiencing isn’t even listed on official medical sites? The symptom in question: hair loss. So, can coronavirus really cause hair loss, or is it just co-incidence? The hair loss specialists at Rituals Hair Lab in Scotter, Near Gainsborough explore this mystifying symptom of the coronavirus...

Is Hair Loss Following Covid-19 Common?

After battling with a whole host of symptoms that COVID-19 can bring, you are no doubt left feeling exhausted. You are aware of the usual post-recovery symptoms, but suddenly find yourself with an alarming new symptom: your hair is coming out in clumps. Of course, you do a quick google search to see if it is related to coronavirus and find…not much. Now, in an already post-covid exhaustion state, you feel further anxiety at having no answers. What could be going on?

Losing unusual amounts of hair after suffering from coronavirus is much more common than you might think. If this has happened to you, you are not alone. According to a recent study, 25% of covid long-haulers suffer from unexpected hair loss. In fact, it is one of the top-five effects following the virus. But if you look at the list of post-covid symptoms on the NHS website, you won’t find hair loss anywhere. So why is there so little information out there when a quarter of COVID patients are affected by hair loss?

The Link Between Covid-19 and Hair Loss

If you ask your GP if your hair loss is caused by coronavirus, it is unlikely they will be able to confirm. As the virus is so new, it is simply not fully understood yet. The question of whether COVID-19 attacks hair follicles has not been researched, but overall, scientists don’t believe there is a direct link. However, it is concerning that post-covid hair loss sufferers feel ignored and can’t find answers. So, what could be going on?

Any severe stressor on the body, whether emotional or physical, can lead to hair loss. Experts say that it is a common side-effect following a virus due to the extreme stress that it puts on the body. When you think about the pandemic, not only does coronavirus put physical stress on the body, it has been an immense emotional weight on everyone’s shoulders too. The medical term for post-virus hair loss is Telogen Effluvium and it is believed to be what COVID ling haulers can experience.

Telogen Effluvium

Typically, a person can lose around 100 hairs a day, however telogen effluvium can cause around 300 hairs to be lost per day. Doctors describe this condition as more like ‘hair shedding’ than hair loss and it can occur around 3-6 months post viral infection or stressful experience, such as becoming ill with Covid-19.

Telogen Effluvium causes hair to be lost because it disrupts the hair cycle. Hair growth has 3 distinct phases: the anagen phase (growth), the catagen phase (transitional) and the telogen phase (resting). When suffering from Telogen Effluvium, more hairs enter the telogen phase which means they are ready to be shed, resulting in more hairs being lost than usual. The condition is temporary and tends to resolve within 6 months.

How To Treat Telogen Effluvium

Although Telogen Effluvium is temporary, it can take a while for your hair to regain the same fullness. After all, the stress of both a virus and sudden hair loss can be emotionally draining. There is unfortunately no magic bullet to speed up recovery, however there are some dietary and lifestyle tips to support you:

Improve your diet

It sounds like a cliché, but a diet full of nutrient-dense foods really does support your physical and mental health in so many ways. Eating a ‘rainbow’ of different fruits and vegetables, and adding in healthy fats and proteins is a great way to boost up your vitamin and mineral levels

Have a gentle hair-care routine

It might be worthwhile adopting a gentler styling routine whilst you recover. Avoid using any hair dyes or over styling with straighteners and curlers for a short period whilst your hair regrows.

Use specific shampoos from your pharmacy

Shampoos containing minoxidil can encourage hair to remain in the anagen (growth) phase for longer. The downside is they can be expensive and they stop working once you stop using it. Our hair loss experts may be able to recommend professional hair care products, including suphate-free shampoos for a more delicate cleanse for your scalp.

Relaxation

Following a virus, your body has been through the mill! Any time you can add in relaxation to your day promotes wellbeing. Even just 5 minutes of meditation or a 10 minute yoga routine can move your body from CAN chemistry (cortisol-adrenaline-norepinephrine) to DOSE chemistry (dopamine-oxytocin-serotonin-endorphins).

Join a support group

If you are feeling the emotional toll that Covid-19 hair loss can bring, talking to others who are going through the same thing can help. It is important to have a support network so that you feel less alone.

Coping With Hair Loss After Covid-19

Sudden and unexpected hair loss following coronavirus can be alarming. Despite no clinical data directly linking hair loss to the virus, it is clear that it is a common side-effect of any trauma to the body. With a quarter of COVID long-haulers experiencing hair loss, it is important the topic is spoken about so people are reassured that it is normal and temporary.

If you have been experiencing hair loss after coronavirus, it could be Telogen Effluvium to blame. However, it is worth talking to your GP to discount any other causes, such as thyroid disorders or iron deficiency.

If you are concerned about your hair loss and would like to speak to a hair loss expert in confidence, please call the hair loss specialists at Rituals Hair Lab in Scotter, Near Gainsborough, on 01724 76441.