What is hair grooming syncope?

Hair Grooming Syncope is triggered by stimulating pain-sensitive areas on the scalp while your head is in a down position. It was first medically documented in 1887.

This condition often occurs when you are shampooing your hair, blow-drying it with your head upside down, dying it, or plucking your eyebrows. However, it can happen whenever you put pressure on your head or neck.

Hair Grooming Syncope is more likely to occur if you:

- Have a heart problem that causes irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)

- Have high blood pressure

- Are taking medicines that cause blood pressure to drop suddenly when you sit up or stand (orthostatic hypotension)

- Are not eating regularly or you are dehydrated

Warning Signs

Before you faint (syncope), you may have warning signs, such as:

- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy

- Nausea

- Blurry vision

- Yawning

- Tingling or numbness in the arms

- Feeling sweaty or clammy

- Rapid heartbeat

Treatment

You should see your doctor if you have symptoms of hair grooming syncope. Tests or treatments may be needed to rule out or treat a heart condition or another cause. Hair grooming syncope is often not serious. Your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes or treatments to control the symptoms.