Scratching my head

[Mercury]

Does anyone know if scratching the scalp causes hair loss? I had a transplant several years ago and it seems that they have on occasion been itchy and slowly thinning.

 

I’ve heard that a ton of scratching is not good for the hair - is this true?

[Blake Bloxham]

Mercury,

 

Unless you're scratching so hard that some sort of traction alopecia effect is created (which I doubt), then it's highly unlikely you're creating any new hair loss by scratching your scalp. Although it's unlikely that you're creating hair loss by scratching your scalp, it is important to get to the root of why you're scalp is continually itchy, because if it's created by excess sebum (oil) buildup or some sort of fungus, temporary or permanent hair loss could occur. I highly recommend consulting with a dermatologist and undergoing a scalp evaluation. He/she may recommend some type of therapy to stop the itching, which should also cease your concerns about losing hair from this itching! Good luck.

[RCWest]

It's been said that itching is a sign of inflammation caused by DHT, which could be a cause of hairloss because DHT causes male pattern baldness. But your transplants shouldn't thin because they are taken from a DHT resistant area of your scalp. Are the back and sides thinning any? Get some Nizoral shampoo. That took care of all itching I had. Use it every 3-4 days.