Can Hairstyles Cause Tension Headaches?
If you’ve ever felt scalp tightness or a dull ache in your temples right after getting braids, you aren’t alone. I experienced this exact thing the first time I got super-tight knotless braids.
I was actually really happy with the look at first—the style was incredibly neat, and my edges looked crisp. But by that evening, I noticed a constant pulling sensation on my scalp. When I woke up the next day, I had a dull ache around my forehead and temples; I could even feel the tension in my scalp whenever I turned my head.
At first, I thought it was just from a bad night's sleep, but I eventually realized the hairstyle was the culprit.
To ensure longevity, many braided styles are done with tight tension at the roots. If hair remains under tension for an extended period, the nerves and muscles around the scalp come under stress, triggering what is known as a "tension headache."
Beyond braids hairstyles, high ponytails, tight buns, and overly tight wig installations can also lead to similar issues.
I eventually learned a way to tell: if smiling makes my forehead feel tight, touching my scalp hurts, or I feel uncomfortable trying to sleep, it usually means the style is too tight.
Fortunately, this type of headache can usually be relieved. I like to apply a warm towel to my scalp, gently massage my hairline, or slightly loosen the braids at the very front.
Now, before getting crochet hair or braids, I always tell my stylist not to make them too tight. After all, no hairstyle—no matter how good it looks—is worth a headache.
So, the answer is yes: certain hairstyles can indeed cause tension headaches. If your scalp is sending you distress signals, it’s best to make adjustments right away rather than trying to tough it out and wait for it to adapt.
I was actually really happy with the look at first—the style was incredibly neat, and my edges looked crisp. But by that evening, I noticed a constant pulling sensation on my scalp. When I woke up the next day, I had a dull ache around my forehead and temples; I could even feel the tension in my scalp whenever I turned my head.
At first, I thought it was just from a bad night's sleep, but I eventually realized the hairstyle was the culprit.
To ensure longevity, many braided styles are done with tight tension at the roots. If hair remains under tension for an extended period, the nerves and muscles around the scalp come under stress, triggering what is known as a "tension headache."
Beyond braids hairstyles, high ponytails, tight buns, and overly tight wig installations can also lead to similar issues.
I eventually learned a way to tell: if smiling makes my forehead feel tight, touching my scalp hurts, or I feel uncomfortable trying to sleep, it usually means the style is too tight.
Fortunately, this type of headache can usually be relieved. I like to apply a warm towel to my scalp, gently massage my hairline, or slightly loosen the braids at the very front.
Now, before getting crochet hair or braids, I always tell my stylist not to make them too tight. After all, no hairstyle—no matter how good it looks—is worth a headache.
So, the answer is yes: certain hairstyles can indeed cause tension headaches. If your scalp is sending you distress signals, it’s best to make adjustments right away rather than trying to tough it out and wait for it to adapt.
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