Scalp Itching and Thinning Crown After Using Hair Relaxer'

Name: Qudus

Question: hi, I noticed a thinning crown after I used a relaxer and it refused to grow as thick as it use to be, and for the past 5 months my scalp has been itching and tingling and my hair has been thinning.

Answer: Hi, Qudus. We have had a lot of queries regarding hair loss after using relaxers recently. Hair relaxers contain harsh chemicals which, in addition to straightening the hair, can also cause scalp irritation and damaged hair, particularly if they are not used properly and where a patch test is not successfully carried out ahead of time.

We would need to see your scalp in order to offer a confirmed diagnosis and prognosis, however, as a general guide based on the information provided we would recommend that, if there are consistent symptoms of tingling, irritation or itchiness in the area that was relaxed you should see a dermatologist. They can assess your scalp for damage or signs of inflammation then discuss how to proceed, including recommending scalp treatments where necessary.

Breakage is common among people who have chemically-processed hair whether from relaxers, bleach or perming solutions. They can weaken the hair to the point where it becomes so fragile that it breaks, snapping in two along the shaft. If you have been tying your hair back and securing it at the crown, this could be a reason the hair feels thinner in this area.

As it does not affect the root of the hair, it is not technically a hair loss condition, though it can make the hair look and feel dry, frazzled and thinner than normal. If hair breakage is the only issue, this can generally be sorted out by a good haircut to remove the broken ends, and intensive nourishing conditioning treatments.

Making sure you help your hair as much as you can via your diet can also be beneficial. Though not designed to replace a healthy, balanced diet, highly-targeted hair supplements such as Belgravia's Hair Vitalics for Men are packed with key hair-friendly vitamins, minerals, amino acids and botanicals, including selenium, zinc and biotin to help promote normal healthy hair growth.

If the hair thinning you're experiencing is particularly concentrated on the crown even though the relaxer was used all over, this could indicate the hereditary condition Male Pattern Baldness. Although this genetic issue can affect hair anywhere along the vertex (top of the scalp from hairline to crown), the hairs on the crown and in the temporal regions are the most susceptible to DHT - the hormone which causes thinning hair in these circumstances - and are also the slowest to regrow.

As you can see, there are a few potential explanations for why you may have a thinning crown so we would definitely recommend having a consultation with a hair specialist who can give you a confirmed diagnosis and, depending on the issue, make personalised hair loss treatment course or scalp care recommendations, as necessary.