Headache after shampooing, what is the cause?

Shampooing should feel refreshing. Some people even feel more relaxed after washing their hair. However, there are also some people who actually feel headaches after shampooing. This of course makes you confused or anxious. In fact, this phenomenon is quite common in society. There are several reasons why shampooing can make you dizzy, have migraines, or have headaches. Continue to listen to the explanation below to find out the answer.

What are the headaches that appear after shampooing?

Everyone can show different symptoms of headaches. However, headaches generally appear 15 to 60 minutes after you wash your hair without drying your hair. In some people, headaches may persist for hours afterward. There are headaches that only appear after washing with cold water, but there are also those who will still have headaches regardless of the temperature of the water when shampooing.

Your headache may start on one side of your head alone, with an unbearable throbbing sensation. Then the pain can radiate to the back of your eye or all over your head. In certain cases, you may also experience nausea.

What causes headaches after shampooing?

Health and neuroscientists around the world are still studying exactly how shampooing causes headaches. The reason is, everyone can indeed have different triggers for headaches or migraines, for no apparent reason. However, so far the experts concluded that the following two things can invite headaches after washing your hair.

1. Wet hair

A study in India in the journal Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology showed that some 14.5 percent of all study participants reported headaches or migraines after washing their hair. From this study, it was seen that the condition of damp hair was the cause of the appearance of headaches.

Moist hair causes a sudden drop in the temperature of the neck and head. Because of this, the brain has difficulty balancing its temperature. This is what triggers the attack of headaches after shampooing.

2. Smells pungent shampoo

For people whose sense of smell is very sensitive, a scent that is too strong can irritate the nerves of the brain. When you smell a strong scent, the parts of the brain that regulate pain are activated, causing intense pain or migraines in your head.

3. The water temperature is too cold

Some people report that shampooing with warm water does not cause headaches, whereas shampooing with cold water definitely causes head and eye pain. When exposed to water with very cold temperatures, the brain thinks that the body is being attacked by hypothermia (frostbite). As a result, symptoms appear, namely dizziness, headache, or nausea.

Should you see a doctor?

Usually, headaches after shampooing do not require the handling of a doctor or certain medical personnel. However, if this condition occurs frequently or almost always after shampooing, contact your doctor.

If the headache you feel is really unbearable or you are vomiting, seek help immediately at the nearest emergency service or clinic.

Prevent and overcome headaches after shampooing

In a study in the journal Cephalalgia published by the International Headache Society, taking the migraine medicine prescribed by a doctor before shampooing is effective for preventing headache attacks. You should also towel dry your hair immediately or hair dryer so that the scalp is not too moist and cold.

If you are sensitive to the strong smell of shampoo, try to choose a shampoo that does not contain excessive chemicals and fragrances. Baby shampoo can be a safe alternative for your sensitive nerves.