Pollution's Impact: Hair And Scalp Health

Air pollution is known to have detrimental effects on human health, and new research suggests it may also be a factor in hair loss. Studies have found that exposure to common air pollutants, such as fine dust and diesel particles, can reduce the levels of proteins responsible for hair growth and retention, leading to hair loss and potentially baldness. Additionally, air pollution can cause hair to become dry, dull, and brittle, as well as speed up hair ageing and discolouration. While the link between air pollution and hair loss requires further investigation, the initial findings highlight the importance of protecting hair from pollutants and maintaining scalp health.

Air pollution can cause hair to become dry, dull and brittle

Air pollution can have a detrimental impact on hair, causing it to become dry, dull, and brittle. When stepping outside, soot and grime can settle on the hair and scalp, leading to a build-up of pollutants over time. Living in urban areas or near industrial sites may increase the risk of these negative effects. The accumulation of pollutants can cause scalp inflammation and hair dryness, resulting in brittle hair.

The impact of air pollution on hair can be mitigated by taking some protective measures. Wearing a hat or scarf is a simple yet effective way to shield hair from pollutants. Pulling hair back into a bun or knot also provides some protection as it reduces the exposed hair surface area. It is important to be mindful of the products used on the hair, as finishing products like pomade and styling cream can make the hair more susceptible to pollutant build-up. Instead, opt for lightweight serums or lotions that are easily absorbed.

To combat dryness, it is recommended to shampoo less frequently, as over-washing can exacerbate the problem. When shampooing, focus on cleansing the scalp and allow the shampoo to run through the hair during rinsing. Sulfate-free shampoos are ideal, as they deep clean without stripping the hair of its natural oils. Additionally, incorporating a conditioner and treatment mask into the hair care routine can help boost moisture levels and strengthen the hair, making it more resilient to the damaging effects of pollution.

The use of heat styling tools can further contribute to hair dryness and brittleness. It is advisable to limit the use of these tools and always use heat protection products when blow-drying or flat ironing the hair. Reducing the frequency of heat styling and lowering the temperature settings can also help minimize the risk of damage.

It can lead to hair loss by reducing levels of hair-growth proteins

Air pollution has been linked to hair loss in several studies. One such study, led by Hyuk Chul Kwon from the Future Science Research Centre in the Republic of Korea, found that exposure to common air pollutants, known as particulate matter, decreased the level of a specific protein in hair follicle cells. These proteins, including beta-catenin, cyclin D1, cyclin E, and CDK2, are responsible for fuelling hair growth and retention. The more pollution the researchers exposed the cells to, the more these proteins decreased, leading to hair loss.

The study, entitled "Effects of particulate matter on human dermal papilla," specifically looked at the effect of particulate matter on the cells at the base of hair follicles, known as human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs). HFDPCs were exposed to PM10-like particles of dust and diesel, which are inhalable particles with diameters of 10 micrometres or smaller. After 24 hours, the researchers examined the levels of several proteins using Western blotting analysis and found that exposure to these pollutants lowered levels of hair-growth proteins.

The findings suggest that air pollution may lead to hair loss by reducing levels of key hair-growth proteins. While further research is needed to confirm the effect outside the laboratory, the study provides valuable insights into the potential mechanism by which air pollution contributes to hair loss.

Additionally, air pollution can cause buildup on the scalp and hair strands, making hair appear dull, dirty, and weighed down. It can also speed up hair ageing, contributing to a decrease in hair production and thinning of hair follicles and strands. The oxidative stress caused by air pollution can lead to hair graying and loss of colour, in addition to hair loss.

To mitigate the effects of air pollution on hair health, some strategies include wearing hats or scarves to shield hair when outdoors, using lightweight hair products that won't attract grime, and washing hair no more than once a day with a sulfate-free shampoo to prevent excessive drying.

Pollutants can cause scalp inflammation and irritation

Air pollution can cause scalp inflammation and irritation, which can lead to hair loss. The pollutants in the air, such as soot and grime, can settle on the scalp and hair, causing a buildup of toxins. This buildup can then lead to inflammation and irritation of the scalp, as the toxins compromise hair quality and affect cell health.

The effects of pollution on the scalp can include bumps, redness, increased sensitivity, and irritation, which can cause the scalp to become inflamed and lead to hair loss. Additionally, the particulate matter in the air, composed of small particles and droplets, can infiltrate the bloodstream and affect cell health, causing hair follicles to shed old hairs and stop producing new ones.

The use of finishing products, such as pomade and styling cream, can also make the hair more vulnerable to buildup, as these products can create a tacky surface on the strands, making it easier for grime to stick. Therefore, it is recommended to use lightweight, easily absorbed serums or lotions instead.

To protect the scalp and hair from pollution, it is suggested to wear a hat or scarf when spending extended periods outside. Pulling hair back into a knot or bun can also provide some protection, as the hair wrapped in the bun is mostly covered. Using a shampoo designed to deep clean without stripping the hair of its natural oils is also recommended, and washing should be limited to once a day.

Furthermore, a weekly scalp scrub can help exfoliate and remove any buildup of pollution, dead skin cells, oil, and excess product. Using topical antioxidants, such as green tea and vitamins C and E, can also help counter the effects of pollution, as they mitigate oxidative stress.

In summary, air pollution can cause scalp inflammation and irritation by settling on the scalp and hair, leading to a buildup of toxins that compromise hair quality and cell health. This can result in hair loss and other issues such as dandruff and a dry, dull, and brittle appearance of the hair. Protecting the hair and scalp from pollution and using the right hair care products can help mitigate these negative effects.

Hair ageing is accelerated by pollution, leading to thinning

Hair ageing is a natural process, but exposure to air pollution can speed up this process, leading to thinning hair. This is due to the negative impact of pollution on the hair follicles and the scalp.

Air pollution, particularly in urban areas and near industrial works, exposes the hair and scalp to a variety of toxins, chemicals, and carcinogens. These pollutants can settle on the hair and scalp, causing a build-up of particulate matter, which includes small particles and liquid droplets composed of various chemicals. This build-up can clog hair follicles, preventing healthy cell regeneration and impacting scalp health.

One of the key proteins responsible for hair growth is beta-catenin. Exposure to common air pollutants, such as fine dust and diesel particles, has been found to reduce the levels of this protein in hair follicle cells. The more pollutants the cells are exposed to, the greater the impact. This leads to a slowdown in hair growth and retention, resulting in thinning hair.

Additionally, air pollution can cause oxidative stress, which contributes to premature ageing of the hair. This includes a general decrease in hair production and the thinning of hair follicles and strands. The oxidative stress can also lead to a loss of pigment, causing hair greying.

The effects of air pollution on the hair and scalp are similar to those on the skin, resulting in dryness, dullness, and brittleness. This can further compromise hair quality, making it more susceptible to damage from heat styling and environmental factors.

To mitigate the impact of air pollution on hair ageing and thinning, protective measures such as wearing hats or scarves, using lightweight hair products, and adopting a proper hair care routine with anti-pollution shampoos and conditioners can be implemented. Additionally, consuming a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and nutrients can help promote hair growth and protect against the damaging effects of pollution.

Soot and grime from pollution can clog hair follicles

The tiny particles in smog, including soot, can infiltrate the bloodstream and affect cell health, causing hair follicles to shed old hairs and stop producing new ones. These particles can also clog hair follicles, preventing healthy cell regeneration. As a result, the hair follicles' ability to produce new hair growth slows, leading to hair loss.

Additionally, the buildup of pollutants on the scalp can contribute to significant hair follicle damage and issues such as dandruff and irritation, which can further lead to hair loss. The dust, fumes, dirt, and daily grime can build up on each hair strand, making the hair feel and look dirty, dull, and weighed down.

To mitigate the effects of pollution on the hair and scalp, it is recommended to wear a head covering, such as a loose-fitting hat or scarf, when spending extended periods outdoors. Using lightweight, easily absorbed serums or lotions instead of heavy styling products can also help reduce buildup and make it easier to remove pollutants from the hair. It is also essential to maintain a balanced diet rich in macro and micronutrients to promote hair growth and protect against the damaging effects of pollution.

Frequently asked questions