Headache After Getting a Haircut?

Updated on July 17, 2014
S.P. asks from Johnstown, CO
10 answers

Both me and my late father get headaches after getting hair cuts. Different barbers and hair stylists. Different chemicals and hair tonics.

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S.R.

answers from Milwaukee on

I've had tingling feelings in my scalp after using a salons leave in conditioner. I recently found out I am aspirin sensitive and people with that sensitivity can also be sensitive to chemicals and fragrances. Me- ALL of the above!

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A.L.

answers from Las Vegas on

morning
that used to happen to me.. it specifically would flare up when it came time to the washing/rinsing of the hair, whereby they have you tilt your head back over the sink. I believe it's the tension between your neck and the head and the pressing of all the nerves in between that could cause the ache..
I would have to have the hairstylist put an extra rolled towel so that my head didn't tilt back as much.. see if that helps you...
good luck

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M.P.

answers from Portland on

If you have a shampoo the headaches may be caused by leaning backwards over the sink. It puts pressure on your neck. I don't have shampoos because of headaches. The headaches may also be stress headaches. Do you feel tense? Perhaps you hold your head a certain way.

3 moms found this helpful

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

Have you ever tried getting a haircut at home (can your wife give you a haircut)?
It might be the chemicals (airborne or in shampoo or other hair products) that are in a salon/barber shop.
Are you prone to migraines or ice cream headaches?
Some people have headaches after rapid temperature changes (going in and out of air conditioning on a hot summers day) and I suppose that might work in a similar fashion if your head was washed/rinsed in hot and cold water.
Some people just take an ibuprofen before getting their hair cut and it helps prevent getting the headache.
I did read of one man who had an impressive head of dreadlocks who was getting headaches from the sheer weight of his hair.
When he got tired of it he had his head shaved and his neck strain and headaches went away.
It might be a good idea to keep a headache journal and discuss it with your doctor.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.H.

answers from Richmond on

try not tilting your head back, that alone can give you a headache. you might also be allergic to the different hair tonics etc.i have to go a barber, rather then a beauty parlour, because of allergies to different hair tonics, perfumes etc. K. h.

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M.R.

answers from Seattle on

Me too.

I pre-medicate with Motrin type products before hair cuts.

Mine is caused by all the chemicals and smells.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.B.

answers from Kansas City on

I agree with Marda P, it could be the shampoo. I've heard of people getting pinched nerves from the way you hold your neck at a salon to get a shampoo. Try an experiment of washing your own hair before you go and turn down their shampoo, see if that helps.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.M.

answers from Detroit on

It's probably a combination of everything at the salon: the strain on your neck from the shampoo, all the many smells, and the very bright lights. You could do the shampoo at home ahead of time. When I had bad migraines for a year (every day, all day) my hairdresser could sometimes turn the bright lights off of the mirror for most of the cut, could turn me away from the bright lights on the mirror, and I also just closed my eyes when facing the lights. And tell him/her you don't want any product in your hair if possible, or ask if you can bring your own with a scent you are accustomed to.

Or, make your wife learn to cut your hair if your married!

1 mom found this helpful
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G.B.

answers from Oklahoma City on

Perhaps it's the action of laying back in the chair to get your hair washed. It could be sitting for extended time in a certain position. The arteries that go up the back of the neck can get crimped by positions. That could be the cause.

I'd try taking some Midol or Tylenol before going and see if that makes any difference.

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C.S.

answers from Las Vegas on

Try wearing a respirator for your next cut.

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