What’s Your Secret: Hair Tricks of the Trade?

By Holly Harding

1 min read

Many migraineurs struggle with scalp and hair follicle sensitivity, otherwise known as allodynia. The condition can hurt tremendously and make it painful to simply shift your hair from one side to another. For many of us, our hair alone can feel like a migraine trigger. In this What’s Your Secret video, Holly discusses various tricks of the trade when it comes to managing hair-related pain.

In the comment section below, we invite you to share any experiences you have had in which your hair has exacerbated your migraine pain and any approaches you have developed to handle hair and scalp pain.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Migraine.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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glassmind Member
I have always found my hair bothersome even before developing migraine. The touch of my own hair on my ears, neck etc is irritating and I have very soft hair. When my hair was long I found wearing it in two loose braids was somewhat tolerable though still was bothered bu where the ends touched my shoulders, etc. Wearing a loose bun at the very crown of my head held by wide pins was more effective. The easiest solution has been to just keep my hair very short. I use tea tree and mint conditioner and never shampoo. I like to wear wigs though I have all the same touch sensitivity with these as with natural long hair, plus the added irritation of the mild tension. (I do not wear them tight or glued a good breeze would knock them right off. I wear them about as snug as a ballcap—which I also rarely wear) None of this irritation leads to a migraine for me, but is intolerable if I am in a flare. Even the short pixie cut hurts. I find during a flare the need to “fluff” my hair so that it stands away from my head as much as possible. I will even tug on it as the counter-irritation is a temporary relief from the allodynia. I’ve noticed that I will do this tugging behaving during the aura phase of migraine and have learned to respect this clue and take mitigation measures against the looming migraine flare. I long to completely shave my head. I fear the problem would remain.
1. glassmind Member
 I do wonder if the shave would just be worse. Lol. Thousands of micro whiskers on my head standing straight up to intercept the slightest touch. I wonder if there is any way to desensitize or if allodynia is resistant to such?
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention user-id="3906820" username="glassmind"/> - good question on whether or not allodynia can be desensitized somehow- I've not heard of this- just about how it can be managed. If you learn anything on this- let us know! Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
Melissa Arnold Community Admin
Great topic, Holly! I am not a migraineur but have issues with motor skills, which makes it hard to manage and style my hair. I have very thick hair, which I know is a blessing, but it makes it so hard to find something that will successfully keep my hair up. Elastics and springy bands just fall off. My saving grace has been the buff-type things you showed (they're called neck gaiters!). So comfortable and unobtrusive while allowing me to get my hair off my face and neck. I'm sure they are also an asset for migraineurs on days that showering is just too much. Where do you find yours? That was a cute print you had there. I am well-versed in allodynia from working with our community, but I was surprised to learn about an unwashed or dirty scalp leading to migraine. Do you have any idea why that is? Enjoy the rest of your week! Always love watching your videos. 😀 -Melissa, <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
1. GrasHoppr Member
 <inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/> I find when the scalp is oily I scratch more, which sets in motion the aching spots on the occipital nerve of the scalp. It feels good at the time but I pay later!
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="GrasHoppr" user-id="9914977"/> Ahh- good for pointing out that cycle. It's definitely logical. I recently watched a video about the best way to wash long hair in order to make the roots the least oily. It was suggested that you shampoo the roots twice and only apply conditioner to the ends. I've been doing this and it does make the hair less heavy. I still get allodynia but this cuts down on the severity slightly. Thanks for pointing out this cyclical dynamic regarding the stimulation of scratching, which creates more trouble. Glad you're with us! Warmly - Holly (team member)
ckhdesign Member
I've found that keeping my hair in a short bob is the easiest way to keep the allodynia at a minimum. I usually get it cut really short so that I can wait several months before returning to the stinky, noisy, overly lit salon (I immediately take a shower when I get back from a haircut to get all that "product" out and then usually have to sleep for several hours). I use those buffs too! Anything else, like a barrette or headband, is too much weight and pressure. I also can't have bangs at all, as the feeling of anything touching my forehead causes muscle spasms and triggers the trigeminal nerve. I didn't know about the problem with "dirty scalp." Showers are actually really painful for me due to the allodynia, so I try not to subject myself to them as much as possible, without becoming a public health nuisance. That's a good tip about the Aveeda shampoo. I find it hard to tolerate most shampoos/conditioners because of the scents and because they weigh down my hair with gunk.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 ckhdesign- Thanks so much for chiming in on this. I'm considering going back to a bob, myself- I had that cut for years and remember liking the way I could tussle it about. Back then, I actually knew how to give myself that cut- if I could only recall how to do so, I could skip the salon (and the smells, heat, and costs) altogether! And yes- I agree also- NO to bangs- for me that would also be a constant irritant. Stay in touch and thanks again for joining the conversation!- Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
trwc1d Member
I kept cutting shorter & shorter. Then one year I just gave up & had a buzz cut. Now the longest I go is chin length but prefer shorter & every summer it gets buzzed off.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi Robin- SO glad to have someone here who can speak to cutting it as short as can be. Did it relieve the pain to do so? In a significant or partial way? Do you still notice the discomfort even with a buzz cut? Thanks so much for sharing! Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
virginialady Member
My hair is long, silver and naturally wavy-curly. I get allodynia on a pretty regular basis. Things that make it worse: ponytails, tight ballerina buns, French twists, chignons, etc. I wear my hair down with just a couple small jaw clips holding my front hair out of my face usually. I can sometimes wear a headband of the soft, elastic, fabric kind if it's a good day. Scrunchies are also good. I usually air dry my hair. I only use a wide tooth comb in the shower -- I don't brush my hair at all. Hate having a hair stylist comb or brush my hair; they're always too harsh. The process of getting my hair trimmed can give me a headache.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Yes- yes, yes- to all you said, VirginiaLady! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the intersection between hair and migraine. Ew- those ballerina buns - just looking at them can make my head hurt! Thanks for sharing your strategies with us and please stay in touch. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
primrose17 Member
Hi Holly, great video thank you. My scalp can get very sensitive at times, sometimes connected with a migraine, but most often not. As others have mentioned dirty hair does oddly seem to hurt more. I like my hair best short, but unfortunately as I get older I think I look better with at least chin length. Migraineurs often have to find a compromise between being comfortable and painfree and feeling unfashionable or unattractive. Yet another hurdle we have to deal with. The pressure of sunglasses on the side of my head can cause a headache so I wear them on the outside of my ears which always generates comments, and in some situations I don't like explaining I have an invisible disease. Frankly I'm looking forward to being old when hopefully there is less expectation/pressure on women to look attractive & I can just be wrinkly & not give a care! I already don't care much but I feel the pressure. 🙁
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi Primrose17- I found your comments so interesting and insightful. Especially about this challenge between wanting to be attractive and sometimes having to just throw that to the side for comfort and pain relief. What an unfortunate choice to have to make. I just recently had to toss all my cool ball caps in favor of a wide brimmed hat to do better with sun protection. Couple that with sunglasses and I feel like I look ridiculous. It's akin to having to decide, when nauseated, between throwing up or being asleep because the only medication that works is one that knocks us out. There are no good choices! Ultimately, like you said, choosing to be pain free wins every time over striving to be attractive. Really, especially who cares when you have a husband willing to pull parts of your hair for you when you're fighting off an attack? So glad you're a part of our community- please do stay in touch. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
primrose17 Member
I should also note that during my worst migraines my husband will pull steadily on large sections of hair near my scalp to help relieve the pain, which really helps until painkillers kick in. The things our caregivers see us go through. 🙁
azreynolds Member
Holly, It amazes me how you can find unusual topics. Just when I think I've read everything about migraine, you throw out a topic that's new. I have always had long hair...past my butt long, and actually grew it past my fingertips for over a decade. But during those years, my migraines were easy...only 3 or 4 a year. However, when I hit 40, my migraines changed drastically and by age 50, I whacked my hair off to "boy" short. Since then I have developed very painful scalp as my migraines increased to daily. Going to a salon was hell because of the smells, so I found a lady willing to see me before hours to hopefully get me out before the stinks started. But since I can't even use regular shampoos because of the perfumes, I still always came home with another migraine. After losing my job, I couldn't afford salons anymore anyway, so I tried growing my hair out again. I got it past my bra line, but I just couldn't handle it so I got it whacked off again. Now my husband cuts it with his electric trimmer. Washing my hair in the shower hurts me too, so I kneel in the tub and use the faucet. It's fairly easy to do. Then I towel dry, and use a blower for only 4 minutes set on a cool setting because any heat on my head increases the migraine. Since I do have a migraine every day, I only wash my hair 2 times a week at most. I still use neck gaiters though whenever I cook for I have a fear of my hair falling out in the food. Lol. I found out while growing long hair again that ponytails hurt, clips hurt and wearing my hair in a bun using sticks to hold it like I used to do, also hurt. Neck gaiters were the only way to keep my hair back without pain. Now days, I still get pain from wearing caps which I need when I go outside (along with my double sets of sunglasses). But now that spring is here, I will exchange the caps for a wide brim straw hat and that should help. Living with daily migraine really sets up lots of challenges, but I'm up for it, facing every day with anticipation waiting to see what else God has for me to do! Like today, I worked on teaching my dog to back up with little hops, hoping to add it to our dance routine. Hey, it entertains him and me, plus engaged our minds with other things than just pain! And it brings me such joy to see him perform. And he gets joy from all the treats!! PS. Loved seeing your pup walking around behind you entertaining himself with his toy. Pretty dog!
1. azreynolds Member
 I have a hard time bending over sinks because of my back. But kneeling on my knees allows me to keep my back rigid. Besides I sit back on my feet as soon as possible, so my knees don't get too sore. With my hair being so super short, it only takes a minute so it's quite easy on me.
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 I know this may sound odd to recommend, but I got this attachment to give my dog a bath- and have used it in a pinch when I can't take a shower due to a migraine. It's a great attachment that you can turn on and off with the press of a finger...you can attach to a shower or a sink.. can make it easy to wash your hair:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y3QSGWP?pd_rd_i=B06Y3QSGWP&pd_rd_w=1omq0&pf_rd_p=51cf0d17-50cf-4c89-b1a7-606703cfac11&pd_rd_wg=ChOlJ&pf_rd_r=9MD4A78QPR4H3VG0X6SZ&pd_rd_r=eb7f68c2-1cad-4be6-b9ef-d1b590d37a4a&th=1. Might be useful. Warmly, Holly
wolfartist Member
I will get episodes of terrible scalp pain. It’s like a migraine but in my scalp. The last one lasted for four days. I’d never heard of anyone else having that until I read this today. I had not had a migraine for years until I had that episode. I didn’t know what was going on. I went to the ER desperate for relief. The doctor there wasn’t sure what it was either. A lot of migraine meds I can’t take because I have heart disease and kidney disease as well. So is that considered like a migraine? It sure hurt like a migraine.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 The scalp pain is called allodynia- and for many people it can either go hand in hand with or trigger a migraine. Here is some more information on allodynia: <a href='https://migraine.com/blog/migraine-comorbidities-cutaneous-allodynia' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/blog/migraine-comorbidities-cutaneous-allodynia/</a>. Thanks so much for sharing and so sorry to hear this is an issue for you but glad you are seeing you are not alone in this, Elizabeth. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
2. Melissa Arnold Community Admin
 Hi, Elizabeth! As Holly said below, allodynia is very real and lots of people experience it, whether or not they recognize it! I want to share an additional article about this that got a lot of buzz when it was first posted, and still does. I hope you find it relevant and feel a little comforted knowing you're not alone in going through this. <a href='https://migraine.com/living-migraine/pain-allodynia' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/living-migraine/pain-allodynia/</a> Thanks for being here with us! -Melissa, <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
headaches4ever Member
I don't know whether my hair per se bothers me, but my scalp has terrible problems, and on the side where the migraines are. They are worse when the scalp flares up. For sure. I lose hair when it's bad. Sores develop. It's awful and so are the migraines, they are frequent and long-lasting.
1. headaches4ever Member
 I have. Most aren't very interested, but I'm going to try again. Very bad migraines always coincide with a scalp flare-up. I have not presented the two problems as a package deal to a doctor yet.
2. azreynolds Member
 <inline-mention user-id="3903244" username="headaches4ever"/> , I used to get sores on my head too. So did my sister's. But when we all went gluten free the sores stopped. I can also say my migraines improved temporarily after going GF, but now they're back full blown. Going GF is not that hard and it might be worth the experiment. That's what my GP suggested and overall I felt so much better. Even my fibromyalgia improved for many years.
arianrhod17 Member
Strange as it sounds, when my scalp and hair hurts, most often I find I am able to “short circuit” the pain through the overstimulation of a hot shower. Oftentimes, that’s the only thing that will help. I’ve tried ice packs, meds, massage, and usually, it’s only a hot shower that will bring me back to a point t where I can tolerate the existence of hair on my head. It’s so validating to find that I’m not alone in this problem- sometimes I feel downright crazy when I say, “My hair hurts.” Another thing I often find myself doing is twisting it up in a messy bun using a scrunchie, but I set the bun on the spot where I have the most sensitivity, and again, the overloading of the site makes the nerves “go to sleep” for a while. My husband learned long ago that wide, open palmed touches on my head are way less likely to elicit a pain response than small touches from like a finger poke. But I often struggle with the issue of hair length. Shorter is easier in terms of the issues of weight and drag on how that causes pain, but then it’s difficult to secure back when I am experiencing neck and face sensitivity.
1. di-page Member
 You are not alone; Hot shower is what works for me too. However I think I will try the hair dryer suggestion by the author if I can remember next time. (It’s hard to remember new things when in the throes of pain.)
2. Melissa Arnold Community Admin
 Maybe you can leave a note to yourself in the medicine cabinet or another place you end up when you're dealing with migraine. That way you won't forget and you can try it out. Just a thought! -Melissa, <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
sula-sing Member
I had no idea that saying "My hair hurts." was something that anyone else said! Knowing I'm not alone doesn't change the symptoms, but it does make me feel less isolated. After the migraine is when I feel that 'hair sensitivity'. It may also hurt during the migraine but is masked by the other symptoms and I don't notice.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 So glad this article helped you feel less alone- though I'm sorry it resonated as it means you are also having these painful symptoms! You are definitely not alone in this. Thanks for chiming in so that the rest of us can see we are not alone either! Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
tyanna Member
When I feel a migraine coming I remove all hair accessories and lay down and flip my hair up so it doesn’t pull at all when placing my head on the pillow. Nothing can touch my head during a migraine and just putting my head on my pillow hurts. Never knew there was an actual name for this pain.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Tyanna- Thanks for sharing how you handle allodynia and hair pain related to migraine. Sounds like a good strategy that keeps the pain from being exacerbated. I've heard some people recommend silk/satin type pillows to keep the hair from feeling caught. Have you ever tried those? Stay in touch! Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
patrish Member
The first time I noticed allodynia on my scalp, I thought I had bumped my head on cupboard door! It took me quite a while to connect the sore spot to a migraine, but connect i did. Now, I grab my nearby heating pad and cover the spot until the soreness goes away. It doesn't take long.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Oh, patrish- Thanks so much for the heating pad tip! One we haven't heard yet. I look forward to trying this and know exactly what you mean about feeling like you've had an accident with a cupboard! Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
sfusteph Member
I cut my hair which really helped for me, as my hair is very thick. I have found Soulvation headbands, which are super soft and light, and have helped with keeping my hair baxk when needed!
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="sfusteph" user-id="3893471"/>- Thanks so much for sharing the headband solution and how cutting your hair worked. After I created this video, I got inspired by all of the comments from community members who had success cutting their hair and chopped mine off too! It does make a difference for me- I also have thick hair, like you. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team)
2. mish22 Member
 <inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/> Thats not me in the photo lol... That is Geddy lee of RUSH .. but thank you .. If any one out there has a husband that is a medical mal practice Attorney I would love to talk to him or her .
mish22 Member
I have a bad habit of playing around with my hair . I guess its kind of an anxiety disorder . If i would only leave my head alone .. What will help is Gabapentin I take 1,200 a day 400 am the rest pm . You have to work up to it slowly .. and that controls it good . And when i need to go up in is in 100 mg increments and it always works .. It is not for everyone but it helps me with my ocipical neuralgia and my neck is a mess . And i found out a few months ago i have severe kyphosis that was real fun . All along they said it was big boobs so i finally got a mri in Tampa said it was normal moved to Naples , Fl my neuro had another one done and that is what they found .. and i cant find an attorney to take the case and i have both mri's a doctor that stated there is no way i could have got that so bad in a year .. go figure .. lv all.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="mish22" user-id="3834227"/> My goodness you have been through a lot! I have definitely heard of gabapentin being employed for many various uses - so glad you have found it helpful for this. So sorry to hear of your neck and back pain and related challenges. Those can definitely light up migraine. Glad you're a part of our community. Hope you can find what you're looking for in terms of legal representation in order to attain the outcome you are seeking. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
gesgen Member
With fine hair and an oily scalp I have to wash my hair daily or the allodynia is awful. I find John Masters Organics Scalp Stimulating Shampoo with Spearmint and Meadowsweet is pleasant. I also like Honeydew Balancing Shampoo for oily hair and scalp. Neither dry the ends of my hair out even though I always have to wash it twice. I’ve given up wearing my hair up-it feels like the hair direction from follicles doesn’t want to be altered. I wear it just below my jaw in length now. UGG earmuffs have also been a huge help over hats (and it’s about function not fashion for me) in cold weather. They are loose enough and warm and don’t hurt my scalp. 
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="gesgen" user-id="3795392"/> Thanks so much for sharing your strategies for addressing the challenge of allodynia. I love the earmuff vs. hat idea and appreciate your sharing the shampooing resources! Thanks for being a part of our community. Please stay in touch. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
amymarie-3b Member
Thank you so much for this video Holly! I have always had long hair and always look for new ways to “comfortably” make it invisible… during a migraine. Argh! I also use the blow dryer to sooth painful areas, and have a beanie that feels like a babies blanket… and I sleep in that. It keeps my hair “still,” and that helps me sleep. 🌻🌻 Amy
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="amymarie-3b" user-id="3668491"/> glad this video resonated with you. I finally got most of my hair cut off- it's now a bit longer than chin length and doing so has really helped to offset the pain. The hairdryer tip is still one I use when things get too painful and I'm too sick to wash my hair. The soft beanie sounds like a dreamy idea and a good way to keep the hair still while sleeping. Thanks for sharing! Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.