What is ingrown hair? Why do ingrown hairs itch? Should I pull them out?

Deep hair not only causes loss of aesthetics but also comes with an uncomfortable tingling itching sensation, making many people worried. This is a fairly common phenomenon, but if handled incorrectly, it can damage hair follicles and lead to problems such as scalp inflammation and hair loss. In this article, we will learn more about the causes and mechanisms of itching of deep hair and answer the question of whether or not to remove it.

What is ingrown hair (itchy hair)?

Ingrown hairs, also known as itchy hair, are a phenomenon in which some hairs cause an itchy, uncomfortable feeling on the scalp, even though there is no skin damage. These hairs are often abnormal in shape: the hair shaft is dry, curly, stiff, brittle and can change color, often turning from black to white or appearing to be a mixture of black and white.

Physiologically, ingrown hairs may be related to a disorder in the hair follicle unit, which contains sensory nerves and blood vessels that nourish the hair. When the hair structure is damaged due to age, stress, hormonal disorders or nutritional deficiencies (such as zinc, iron, vitamin B), the hair becomes sensitive and sends itching signals to the peripheral nervous system.

Deep hair is not a serious condition, but it significantly affects the quality of life, especially when it appears at the same time as hair loss, premature graying or a sweaty scalp. 

Why is hair deep?

Causes of itchy hair on the outside

Deep hair condition can be caused by many external factors affecting the scalp and hair structure. Here are the external causes:

• Unbalanced diet: Lack of essential nutrients such as protein, iron, zinc, biotin, B vitamins, etc. causes hair follicles to not be fully nourished.
• Overuse of styling chemicals: Frequent dyeing, curling, straightening or using products containing ammonia and strong detergents damages the hair cuticle, breaks down the keratin structure, leading to hair that is brittle, dry, tangled and inelastic.
• Environmental impacts: Dust, pollution, sunlight and water containing heavy metals can cause hair to lose its natural moisture, reduce its protective ability, cause premature graying and increase scalp itching .

Causes of itchy hair inside

Here are the internal causes of deep hair loss:

• Hormonal disorders: Hormonal changes during puberty, premenopausal women or people with endocrine disorders (such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism) cause the hair growth cycle to shorten. 
• Prolonged stress, sleep disorders : Stress increases the secretion of cortisol, a hormone that can cause constriction of blood vessels that nourish the scalp, reducing nutrients to hair follicles. This condition makes hair weak, brittle and causes an uncomfortable tingling sensation.

Should I pluck ingrown hairs?

From a medical perspective, deep hair pulling (itchy hair, premature graying, itchy curly hair) is not recommended because it can damage the hair follicle, which is an important functional unit that ensures the growth of healthy hair.

When pulling out hair, the sudden pulling force can tear the cuticle around the follicle, leading to inflammation, blockage or infection of the hair follicle, causing pain, redness or inflammation in the affected scalp area. If this action is repeated many times, the risk of hair follicle fibrosis or permanent hair loss can occur, affecting the density and health of the scalp in the long term.

Deep hair loss is often related to many causes such as hormonal disorders, malnutrition, stress or scalp diseases. Therefore, instead of pulling out hair, patients should focus on treating the root cause by visiting a dermatologist or endocrinologist, improving diet and lifestyle.

Should I pluck ingrown hairs?

Is gray hair a worm?

From a medical perspective, gray hair and receding hairlines (itchy, abnormally curly, brittle hair) are two completely different conditions, although many people may confuse them because they are both unsightly and appear on the same natural hair base.

Gray hair is the result of a reduction or complete loss of melanin pigment in melanocyte cells in the hair follicles. This is a common manifestation of physiological aging, commonly occurring in people over 40 years old. However, premature gray hair (before age 30) may be related to genetic factors, prolonged stress, vitamin B12 deficiency or thyroid disease. Gray hair is characterized by white or gray hair strands, does not change the hair structure, does not cause itching or discomfort on the scalp.

In contrast, deep hair is often used to refer to hair that is dry, abnormally curly, brittle, causing an itchy scalp, with or without discoloration. This is a sign of damaged hair, often caused by external factors such as chemicals, the environment, poor nutrition or hormonal imbalance. Deep hair is not gray hair and plucking it will not improve the condition of the hair but can potentially damage the hair follicles.

Gray hair is the result of a reduction or complete loss of melanin pigment in melanocyte cells in hair follicles.

Does deep hair cause hair loss and baldness?

Dandruff, also known as persistent scalp itching, is often caused by fungal, bacterial, parasitic infections or dermatological diseases such as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis , which can indirectly cause hair loss if not treated properly. When the scalp is damaged or infected, hair follicles can be weakened, leading to the phenomenon of hair loss in patches. 

However, in most cases, hair loss due to an itchy scalp is usually temporary. When the cause is controlled and treated effectively, hair will likely grow back normally through its natural growth cycle. Unless the infection persists or causes permanent damage to the hair follicles, ingrown hairs rarely lead to complete baldness.

To limit the risk of hair loss and baldness, patients should visit a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.

Simple and effective way to treat hair loss

Supplement nutrients for hair

Nutrients play an essential role in the growth and repair of damaged hair. A complete and balanced diet is the foundation for improving hair health. People with signs of hair loss should increase:

• Iron: Helps increase oxygen transport to hair follicles, supporting healthy hair growth.
• Zinc: Participates in cell regeneration and hormonal balance, preventing hair loss.
• Omega-3: Essential fatty acids that help moisturize the scalp and reduce inflammation.
• Vitamins A, B, C, E: Support tissue regeneration, anti-oxidation and promote blood circulation to the scalp.

People with signs of deep hair should increase omega-3 supplementation to help moisturize the scalp and prevent hair loss.

These micronutrients can be supplemented through foods such as red meat, fatty fish, eggs, green leafy vegetables, nuts and fresh fruits. At the same time, patients should stay away from stimulants such as alcohol, beer and coffee, because they can reduce nutrient absorption and negatively affect hair.

Hair and scalp care

Hair care measures using natural, benign ingredients are effective and safe choices, especially for deep hair conditions:

• Coconut oil and tea tree oil: Have moisturizing, antibacterial properties, help soothe the scalp and prevent breakage.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances scalp pH, reduces itching and removes excess dirt.
• Avocado and banana: Provide vitamins and minerals to help restore damaged hair structure.

If you don’t have much time to mix your own shampoo, you can choose shampoos with natural extracts, sulfate-free or paraben-free, which help soothe hair and scalp gently, safely and effectively in the long term.

Avoid styling or changing hair color too much

Frequent styling or color changes are common causes of damage and can aggravate the condition. Using styling tools such as curling irons, straighteners, and blow dryers at high temperatures will strip the hair of its natural moisture, causing the hair to become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage, and causing an itchy, uncomfortable feeling on the scalp.

Therefore, if you are experiencing deep hair, you should minimize the impact of heat or chemicals on your hair. Instead, prioritize leaving your hair in its natural state, using intensive recovery products and implementing a proper hair care regimen to improve hair condition sustainably.

How to prevent itchy hair

To reduce the risk of developing ingrown hairs, you need to maintain a healthy hair care routine based on the principles of protecting the hair follicles. Some effective preventive measures include:

• Clean your scalp properly: Wash your hair regularly 2-3 times/week with a product suitable for your scalp type (oily, dry, sensitive) to help remove sebum, dead cells, and reduce the risk of folliculitis.
• Adequate nutrition: Ensure a diet rich in protein (lean meat, eggs, milk), vitamins B, A, C, E and minerals (iron, zinc, omega-3) to nourish healthy hair follicles from within.
• Manage stress effectively: Relaxing your mind through meditation, yoga, sports or getting enough sleep helps reduce endocrine disorders.
• Limit exposure to strong chemicals: Avoid dyeing, bleaching, and curling your hair too often to protect the keratin layer and reduce the risk of damage to the hair structure.
• Sun and pollution protection: Cover up carefully when going out, avoid letting hair come into direct contact with sunlight, dust or polluted water.
• Prioritize benign products: Use shampoos and conditioners with natural extracts, free of parabens or sulfates for gentler and safer hair care.

People with deep hair should prioritize benign products for gentle and safer hair care.

Hopefully, through the above article, you have a better understanding of ingrown hair (itchy hair), the causes of this condition and how to properly care for it to improve hair health. Instead of pulling out annoying hair, focus on nourishing and protecting your hair from the inside and outside. A healthy lifestyle, combined with appropriate care methods, will help you regain healthy, beautiful hair and minimize the recurrence of ingrown hair.