Haircut Headaches?

Thistle

Every time I get my haircut, I end up with a screaming headache. I am not sure if it is the smells in the salon or all of the head touching (which I am not terribly fond of to begin with - I envy those of you who like having someone else wash your hair!).

Every single time I get my hair cut, I end up with a painful, almost impossible to get rid of headache.

Anyone else ever have this happen to them? Any way to avoid it?

9 years ago

Dressing

11 replies

Latest reply was from UmmLila (Lisa)

Sara L.

Veteran

I like getting my hair cut and washed so I can't help with the prevention. However, since you know you always get a headache, you could try taking some Tylenol or ibuprofen before you go so it's in effect when the headache comes on. You might at least feel a little better.

9 years ago

Liz

Veteran

Next time, you might also ask your stylist if it's OK to come with your hair washed and wet, or if there's another way to avoid the hair washing. It could be that the combo of having your scalp handled, plus the awkward position of having to lean back into the basin is doing something to your neck or putting strain on your spine and back and causing a headache. If you can experiment with eliminating that portion of the salon experience, it might help to narrow down the problem.

9 years ago

crst

Active Member

It is probably all of the chemicals and scents used in the salon. My family is affected too. Maybe go to a salon with less stylists (less episodes of chemicals being used), or go early in the morning?

9 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

Liz is right in saying that it might have to do with leaning your head back into the basin. I've always found that position to be horridly uncomfortable on the base of my neck, especially if I have to hold the position for more than a minute or two.

My stylist gives me an extra towel to pad the neck rest, adjusts the chair so my head doesn't have to drop back as far, and washes my hair very quickly. If that doesn't help, you might want to arrive with your hair already washed so the stylist can just dampen your hair with a spray bottle.

9 years ago

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Ditto on the leaning the head back issue.

9 years ago

AviaMariah

Veteran

Have you asked your stylist? I'm wondering if they've had other clients with similar reactions. My first thought is it's the chemicals. Or maybe even the products they use on you. I seem to remember that you have extra sensitive skin?

9 years ago

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Have you considered using a mobile hairdresser, you could wash your own hair prior to the appointment and use your tried and tested products?

9 years ago

Diana

Veteran

Hmm, I agree with the others that it's most likely either the shampoo bowl or the fumes.

Re: the fumes. Unfortunately I don't really think there's a way to avoid the smells since things like hair dye smell strongly no matter what. But if you aren't already doing it, make sure to tell your hairdresser "no hairspray or products please." I find those aerosol products the worst when it comes to headachey smells, and while you can't avoid it altogether at the salon, at least you can stop them from spraying them right at your head.

9 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

I don't get headaches but I hate the arched neck on the basin thing. The shampooing is great, but I can't imagine a more uncomfortable position. I think I need to strengthen my neck flexors!
That would be an easy experiment, to show up with wet or clean hair and skip that part and see what happens.

9 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

I don't let them use any product on me. It is one of the reasons why I have stuck with this hairdresser as she respects that and can help me with a haircut that doesn't require a lot of product. I have allergies to certain ingredients and scents, making many products unuseable.

I bet you are right. I bet it is the washing. Couple that with the snarls my hair gets from the bowl and the heat of a blow dryer . . . No wonder I don't like haircuts!!

9 years ago

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I always get the headache problem at Yankee Candle from all the crazy scents.

As for the neck and bowl problem I have found (and unfortunately it's probably not a pregnant solution, Thistle) that if you suck in your abdominal muscles really hard and tuck your chin under a little, you avoid that neck strain. Plus if the hair people are sensitive and nice, they can hold your head up with their hands.

9 years ago

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