Hair Loss, Growth, and Itching: What Your Scalp Is Telling You
The scalp communicates hair health through hair loss, growth patterns and even an itching sensation.
If you notice excessive amounts of hair loss while brushing or lying down to rest, you are not alone. People frequently experience confusion about what is normal shedding or growth patterns.
Let’s analyse three essential hair-related queries relating to hair loss causes, hair growth patterns, and itching sensations.
Why Is My Hair Falling Out?
Multiple factors contribute to hair loss, but most do not indicate major health issues. The leading explanations for hair loss include the following conditions.
- Genetics (Androgenetic Alopecia)
The most common reason behind hair loss is genetics, which affects both male and female populations. The inherited condition known as male pattern baldness or female pattern hair loss produces predictable thinning patterns that lead to areas of baldness.
- Hormonal Changes
The shedding of hair occurs when a person’s body experiences hormonal shifts from pregnancy through childbirth to menopause, develops thyroid disorders or uses birth control medication.
- Stress and Illness
The condition telogen effluvium occurs when stress triggers the premature resting phase of hair follicles, leading to widespread hair shedding.
- Nutrient Deficiencies
The combination of insufficient iron levels, low biotin (vitamin B7) and protein, and poor vitamin D levels creates hair-thinning conditions. Your hair requires proper nourishment along with sufficient anchorage in your scalp to grow properly.
- Medications
Some cancer treatments, together with medications used for depression, heart disease and hypertension, include hair loss as one of the possible side effects.
- Hair Styling and Products
The combination of tight hairstyles, excessive heat styling, and harsh chemical treatments results in traction alopecia, which damages the hair follicles and causes hair loss.
Where Does Hair Grow From?
Every hair growth process follows a defined structure which exists on the scalp.
Hair Follicles: The Root of It All
Your skin contains hair follicles, which act as sac-like structures that produce hair growth from the dermis layer. A single hair strand grows from a follicle, which serves as its anchor and undergoes complete cycles of development.
The Hair Growth Cycle Has 4 Phases:
- Anagen Phase (Growth Phase): The hair growth period extends from 2 to 7 years. Your hair grows actively during this stage.
- Catagen Phase (Transition Phase): The hair follicle enters a short phase that lasts approximately ten days before shrinking occurs.
- Telogen Phase (Resting Phase): This lasts around 3 months. The hair cycle ends when old hair falls out while new hair starts growing from the same follicle.
- Exogen Phase (Shedding Phase): This is considered a sub-phase of the telogen phase and lasts a few days to weeks. During this stage, the old hair detaches and sheds from the scalp, making room for new hair to emerge from the follicle.
The average human scalp contains 100,000 hair follicles that do not grow at the same time. Human hair shedding typically ranges from 50 to 100 strands daily, often without our awareness.
Hair growth does not necessarily cause scalp itching.
People who experience scalp itching often ask if this symptom indicates their hair is actively growing. The connection between scalp itching and hair growth remains unclear. Itchiness on the scalp is related to hair growth, but it is not a direct indicator of hair growth.
People who experience hair regrowth after a loss or shaving may feel itching and tickling sensations. The sensation occurs because new hair emerges through the scalp.
Scalp massages, along with Minoxidil treatments, amongst others, improve blood flow that sometimes results in tingling sensations or scalp itchiness.
Dry skin combined with product buildup typically causes scalp itchiness but does not necessarily indicate hair growth.
So, Can Itching Be a Good Sign For Hair Growth?
It can be — but only if it’s not accompanied by flaking, redness, or soreness. Chronic itching could signal dandruff, psoriasis, dermatitis, or even an allergic reaction to hair products. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to speak with a dermatologist or hair specialist such as Dr Ryan Jankelowitz from Medical Hair Restoration.
Is Hair Loss Reversible?
Yes, depending on the cause. Temporary hair loss due to stress, diet, or illness often resolves itself once the underlying issue is addressed. However, genetic hair loss can be slowed and sometimes reversed with treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, and hair transplants. These medications can be bought directly at Medical Hair Restoration. Ask for your doctor-reviewed script and purchase it here.
How Do I Know If My Hair Is Growing Back?
Signs of regrowth include:
- Baby hairs or short, wispy strands appearing
- A more even hairline or filling in of previously thinning areas.
- Reduced shedding over time
What Can I Do to Regrow Hair?
Some proven methods include:
- Massaging your scalp regularly to improve circulation
- Using topical treatments like Minoxidil 5%
- Taking hair-supportive supplements (biotin, saw palmetto, zinc, folate, vitamin D, collagen)
- Avoiding heat and chemical styling
- Eating a balanced diet rich in iron, protein, and vitamins
Does Hair Grow Faster If You Scratch It?
No, itching or scratching your scalp doesn’t make your hair grow faster. Excessive scratching can damage the follicles and slow growth or even lead to hair loss.
Why Is My Hair Falling Out and Growing Back?
Hair loss is a natural part of life, but understanding its causes and how hair grows back can give you power and peace of mind. Whether your hair is falling out from stress, hormones, or simply genetics, remember: in many cases, it can grow back – especially with the proper treatment and care.
If you’ve noticed hair falling out and then growing back with an itchy scalp, you’re likely experiencing a common, often harmless cycle. But if your hair doesn’t seem to regrow or you’re worried about how much you’re losing, a professional consultation is always a wise next step.
Need Expert Help With An Itching Scalp And Hair Growth?
Medical Hair Restoration in Cape Town specialises in diagnosing and treating all types of hair loss. Whether you’re considering topical treatments, supplements, or surgical solutions like a hair transplant, our team is here to help.
Contact us today for a consultation, and take the first step to restoring your hair and confidence.
Interesting Read: Itching as a Precursor to Hair Regrowth in AA
In alopecia areata (AA), itching often preceded new patch development, suggesting a possible link with follicle-level inflammation. Read the study here: www.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov