can head scratching = root damage?

[tralalalara]

I scratch my head a lot. Sometimes sub-consciously. I'll be reading or watching television, or trying to sleep and one hand just starts rubbing and scratching my scalp, picking at pimples and other imperfections that I feel. I used to do it a lot more and it would bleed.

Could this have damaged my roots and follicles?

[Ven]

I sure hope it's Ok. I do that as well, not till my scalp bleeds though. I love to scratch at my scalp. I do it mostly in front of the computer or when I am reading a book. I am not aware when I start doing it, but at somepoint I realize what I am doing.

[Gypsy069]

I do the same thing as well. mostly at the computer.

[Juneii]

I am thinking yes kind of? I used to do that too when I had pimples on my scalp. and when I pick at it there is this tiny bald spot left when the hairs fall out

[MAO]

I hope not! I do it almost everyday Usually while driving to and from work.....

[rapunzhell13]

I've been scratching my head constantly for a few years now and I'm happy to report that it hasn't had any ill effect on the growth or quality of my hair. In fact, it might have even been encouraging circulation because I've had darn good growth! It also helps get rid of scalp gunk. Just try not to be too vigorous (certainly avoid breaking the skin and producing blood, obviously) and you should be fine.

[Sammich]

I've been scratching my head constantly for a few years now and I'm happy to report that it hasn't had any ill effect on the growth or quality of my hair. In fact, it might have even been encouraging circulation because I've had darn good growth! It also helps get rid of scalp gunk. Just try not to be too vigorous (certainly avoid breaking the skin and producing blood, obviously) and you should be fine.

Ooh, thank god! Because I scratch a helluva lot every single day!

[Dreams_in_Pink]

i used to scratch till it bled back when i was using SLSs (itching so bad) now i only scratch it in the shower, to remove dead skin and other gunk i think my scalp even likes it cause afterwards, it feels shiny clean.

[Milui Elenath]

I don't know. But I do it too - not till it bleeds but just scratching at the scalp absent-mindedly. It doesn't appear to have affected my growth - I'd have to stop scratching to know. Hmmm

[enfys]

I'd guess scratching is ok but picking is out. Think of your non hairy skin. If you scratch your arm it doesn't damage it, it might go pink. But if you pick at spots it can scar, and hair often won't grow over scars.