What causes sweat to drip down along the hair?

Dec 01, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Sweat dripping down from the hair may be caused by high environmental temperature, intense physical activity, emotional stress, hyperhidrosis, or hyperthyroidism. This can be improved by adjusting the environment, staying hydrated, or using medication. If excessive sweating occurs or is accompanied by palpitations or weight changes, prompt medical attention is necessary. In high-temperature environments, the body's metabolism accelerates, leading to increased sweating.

Sweat dripping down from the hair may be caused by high environmental temperature, intense physical activity, emotional stress, hyperhidrosis, or hyperthyroidism. This can be improved by adjusting the environment, staying hydrated, or medical treatment. If excessive sweating is accompanied by palpitations or weight changes, prompt medical attention is recommended.

1. High environmental temperature: In hot environments, the body's metabolism accelerates and sweat glands become highly active. Since the head has a dense concentration of sweat glands, sweat tends to drip down through the hair. It is advisable to move to a cool, well-ventilated area, use fans or air conditioning to lower body temperature, and reduce clothing coverage.

2. Intense physical exercise: During exercise, increased heat production leads to heavy sweating from the head. When sweat production exceeds evaporation, it drips down through the hair. After exercising, promptly wipe off sweat, replenish with lightly salted water, and avoid taking cold showers immediately.

3. Emotional stress: Strong emotions stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, causing excessive sweating from the head and sweat dripping down the hair, often accompanied by rapid heartbeat. Deep breathing and meditation can help stabilize emotions; long-term anxiety should be avoided.

4. Hyperhidrosis: Dysregulation of the sympathetic nervous system leads to overactive sweat glands, resulting in abnormally heavy head sweating that easily drips down the hair, affecting daily life. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as aluminum chloride solution, oryzanol tablets, or vitamin B1 tablets to alleviate symptoms.

5. Hyperthyroidism: Excessive secretion of thyroid hormones increases metabolism and body heat, leading to excessive head sweating with sweat dripping down the hair, often accompanied by palpitations, heat intolerance, and weight loss. Under medical supervision, medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, or propranolol tablets may be used to relieve symptoms.

Maintain a clean and dry scalp—wipe sweat promptly with a dry towel after sweating. Choose breathable, sweat-absorbent clothing and headwear. Follow a light diet, avoiding spicy and stimulating foods. Maintain regular sleep patterns and engage in moderate exercise to strengthen overall health.