Is an Itchy Scalp Related to Hair Loss? Scalp Itching and Shedding Explained

Having an itchy scalp can be an annoying occurrence, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that something is going on with your scalp or hair.

An itchy scalp from time to time can be a perfectly normal thing to happen. But, it may also signal scalp concerns like dandruff, psoriasis, ringworm on the scalp, or an allergic reaction. It is important to take note of anything else going on with the skin on your scalp to help identify any root cause.

If you are experiencing hair loss or excessive shedding at the same time as dealing with an itchy scalp, there may be a few scenarios where they may be connected. Luckily, most of the time, treating the underlying issue with the scalp can help stop the hair loss and may allow your hair to regrow in time.

Below, we will cover just what sorts of scalp issues may cause itchiness, which scalp conditions may also come along with some degree of hair loss, and discuss if male or female pattern hair loss can be connected to scalp itching.

Learn more: Can Scalp Massages Really Stimulate Hair Growth?

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What kinds of issues can cause an itchy scalp?

Having a passing itch on your scalp doesn’t necessarily mean that something is wrong. It may just be a normal itch.

However, if your scalp is also flaky, oily, has plaques, or is just generally irritated, something may be up.

An itchy scalp can occur from dandruff, ringworm on your scalp (tinea capitis), folliculitis, lichen planopilaris, alopecia areata, or even an allergic reaction to dyes or hair products.

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Can an itchy scalp lead to or signify hair loss?

Having an itchy scalp is not necessarily connected to hair loss. But, if something is going on with your scalp long-term that is causing you to scratch your follicles too much, or develop scabs on your scalp, this can cause temporary hair loss. 

Rarely, if the follicles are scarred or very damaged, it is possible that the hair does not return to normal. But, usually, once the scalp condition is treated and under control, your hair will return to its normal state.

Ask your doctor about treatment options for scalp conditions that consist of irritation, plaques, dryness, oiliness, or flakes so these issues can be treated before they start affecting your hair.

In the case of alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks the hair follicles), some people may experience a tingling or itching sensation during flare-ups which come along with round hair loss patches that may fall out in clumps. If you have alopecia areata, an itching sensation could signal that your scalp is about to have an alopecia flare-up. In most people with alopecia areata, the lost hair regrows to fill in the bald patches in time. Although, a flare-up can occur again in which hair is lost again.

Aside from these situations, most forms of hair loss are not connected to having an itchy scalp.

Read related: Dandruff VS. Dry Scalp: What Is the Difference?

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Does male pattern or female pattern hair loss cause an itchy scalp?

Male pattern hair loss and female pattern hair loss are the most common forms of hair loss in both genders. For pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, there is a genetic and hormonal element to why it develops. This type of hair loss is not connected to having an itchy scalp.

The most common medications for male pattern hair loss are Finasteride and Minoxidil. For female pattern hair loss, Minoxidil is often used.

Finasteride is utilized for its anti-androgen abilities to reduce the production of DHT -- a hormone that is known to damage hair follicles in androgenetic alopecia. Minoxidil can help improve scalp blood flow to enhance hair growth.

Strut Health prescription hair loss treatments for male and female pattern hair loss

At Strut Health, we offer a variety of hair loss medications that help target androgenetic alopecia in men and women.

For men, we offer medications in oral or topical formulations, and we have a topical formula for women. Some of the active ingredients that we utilize include Finasteride, Dutasteride, Minoxidil, Tretinoin, Biotin, and Spironolactone.

If you are experiencing male pattern or female pattern hair loss, you can have a free online questionnaire and image-based consultation with our U.S. licensed doctors to see if a prescription medication is a good fit for you.

If you are a good candidate for treatment, your medication can be shipped to your front door with our free shipping.

If you have any questions during your hair loss therapy, you can get back in touch with our staff and doctors for free and unlimited follow-ups.