In the same vein, sometimes mental health struggles can manifest in our appearance, and scalp picking is one common example. While it’s not always related to mental health struggles, it certainly can be—and is in many cases. We ask mental health professionals and scalp experts for the 101 on scalp picking—here’s what they want you to know. If you pick at the scalp due to product buildup, tight hairstyles, or itchiness from a new hair or scalp product, it’s not necessarily something to worry about. If this is the case, just be mindful of why it’s happening and work to adjust your hair care habits accordingly. For example, work on clearing out that buildup—we suggest a clarifying shampoo or a gentle scalp scrub to help you press reset. Or if yours is due to tight hairstyles, try to loosen it up a bit. However, some people pick at the scalp as a nervous tick, and this can manifest into a more serious skin-picking disorder known as excoriation or dermatillomania. This can become troublesome both because of the stress it can cause and the physical damage and pain it may have on your scalp. “Scalp picking is not considered a disorder unless the frequency and/or damage caused to the skin or scalp is significant enough to affect one’s quality of life,” board-certified psychiatrist Edward Pirok, M.D., Ph.D., tells mbg. Further, “There’s actually very little difference between picking at the skin and picking at the scalp,” board-certified dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, M.D., FAAD, tells mbg. So when we’re talking about scalp-picking causes and triggers, the same applies to general skin picking. Aftercare, however, will be different given the nuanced skin that is the scalp. And it’s more common than you might think. According to research on the prevalence of excoriation2, “2.1% of the population identified as having a current skin picking disorder, with 3.1% of the population reported lifetime skin picking disorder (i.e., current or past).” Skin picking is even more common for those struggling with other mental health conditions simultaneously. In that same prevalence study: “Skin picking can release endorphins and dopamine in some, causing a temporary feeling of pleasure and satisfaction,” Pirok says. “For others, skin picking is a way to self-soothe, tuning out the world and focusing on just one thing,” he continues. For those with OCD, picking acts as a compulsion to neutralize the obsession about the skin, he says. “For some, the act of skin picking provides a feeling of relief or pleasure,” he continues. So you may rely on picking the scalp as a way to feel better during a time of high stress, or it may become something that gives your brain a feeling of pleasure. It’s important to note that “Skin-picking episodes can be a conscious response to anxiety or may be done as an unconscious habit,” Pirok says. To repeat: Skin picking is not always intentional—you can fully pick at your skin as an unconscious habit. “And for adults already diagnosed with the disorder [dermatillomania], physical or psychological trauma can certainly cause picking to amplify,” he continues. Plus, if the style causes inflammation, then you may want to pick at the inflamed skin either to soothe or itch the area. Especially if you wear tight styles often, this can quickly become a habit. Also, according to the prevalence study, 12.7% of people with dermatillomania also have trichotillomania—so if you’re pulling your hair and picking your scalp or skin, you’re not alone. You can replace picking with the application of a scalp-soothing product, like the Carter+Jane ScalpFix+ or PickFix for the skin—both of which are formulated to help with scalp and skin picking while simultaneously nourishing the skin. Or, you can opt for gentle scalp massage. “I always recommend replacing a more damaging habit, such as scalp picking, with a more positive practice such as a scalp massage with a scalp gua sha,” certified trichologist, celebrity stylist, and founder of scalp-first hair care brand Act+Acre Helen Reavey tells mbg. “Not only will they promote relaxation, but more importantly, they will positively impact the scalp, reversing the potential for additional irritation and damage,” she continues. “This replacement or delay of the compulsion is in essence using a ‘harm reduction model,’” Pirok says. “Replacing picking with an activity you do with your hands is typically very structured at first then becomes automatic,” he continues. This is the first step to easing scalp picking—more tips to follow. When you feel yourself start to pick, try to replace it with one of these soothing strategies instead. Here, a few general relaxing techniques to explore: Breathwork comes in many different techniques—here are a few to explore and their benefits. If you find yourself picking during moments of leisure or boredom, then exercising during those times—whether it be yoga, walking, running, or another activity—may help distract you from picking and boost your brain health as well. Of course, seeking professional help is most important when it comes to conditions like anxiety, but meditation is one practice to keep in your back pocket. Finding a form of meditation you truly enjoy is the first step to creating a consistent and beneficial practice, so here are the 12 basic kinds of meditation to get you started. Look for organic, hypoallergenic hair products. When you shampoo, avoid scratching the scalp with your nails, and most definitely do not use any kind of scalp scrubs or chemical exfoliating treatments while your skin is healing. “Our Stem Cell Scalp Serum is actually full of wound-healing ingredients including aloe vera, glycerin, and apple stem cells,” Reavey explains. “They work to hydrate the scalp and reduce irritation, helping to move the wound-healing process along,” she continues. Avoid other damaging practices like extra-hot showers, violently brushing through your hair, and blow-drying the roots if you can help it. Let the skin on your scalp fully heal before going for any kind of exfoliation or strenuous hairstyles. “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a type of talk therapy, in addition to Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), is currently the most effective therapeutic approach for excoriation disorder,” Pirok says. And if you’re tending to your mental health and working to limit picking, visiting a dermatologist or trichologist can be beneficial for your scalp health, too. These professionals can help you pick and choose safe and effective topical products to encourage healing and minimize irritation. And remember, skin and scalp picking are common, especially if you are already struggling with depression or anxiety. Know that you are not alone and there are plenty of professionals out there to help you through the process.
