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. A 2019 study found that exposure to air pollutants decreased the level of a specific protein in hair follicle cells—the very protein that fuels hair growth. As hair follicle cells were exposed to common air pollutants, their ability to produce new hair growth slowed, and the more pollution they were exposed to, the more hair loss occurred.

The study, funded by a South Korean cosmetics company, exposed human follicle cells to different concentrations of fine dust particles and diesel particles. Researchers then used a technique known as Western blotting to detect the levels of proteins in the cells and found that exposure to these pollutants lowered levels of beta-catenin, a protein involved in hair growth and follicle generation and regulation.

Further, air pollution can cause buildup on the hair and scalp, making hair feel and look dirty, dull, and weighed down. It can also cause the scalp to become inflamed, leading to issues such as dandruff and irritation, and even hair loss.

Living in urban areas or near factories may put individuals at higher risk for these negative effects, and taking steps to protect the hair and scalp, such as wearing hats or scarves, can help mitigate the impact of pollution on hair health.

Pollution causes hair to become dry, brittle and dull

Air pollution is all around us, and our exposure to it is largely out of our control. It has been shown to have detrimental effects on our skin, and research is increasingly demonstrating a significant impact on our hair and scalp health.

When we step outside, soot and grime can settle on our hair and scalp. As these pollutants build up, they can cause the scalp to become inflamed, and our hair to become dry, dull and brittle. Those living in urban areas or near industrial works are at a higher risk of these negative effects.

The dust, fumes, dirt and daily grime we encounter outside can build up on each strand of hair, just as it does on our skin if not properly cleansed. This buildup can cause hair to look and feel dirty, dull and weighed down.

The effects of pollution on the hair are twofold. Firstly, the particles settle on the hair, causing it to become dirty and weighed down. Secondly, the toxins and chemicals in the air can damage the proteins that form the hair structure, making hair weak and brittle. Keratin, the basic protein molecule that forms the hair structure, can be damaged by pollutants, causing hair to become weak and brittle, and hair growth to slow.

The effects of pollution on the hair are preventable. Wearing a hat or scarf over the head when outside for extended periods is a simple and effective way to shield hair from pollutants.

Pollution can lead to hair loss

Air pollution is everywhere, all around us—even indoors. While its detrimental effects on our skin have been well-documented, research also shows that air pollution has a significant impact on our scalp and hair.

When we step outside, soot and grime can settle on our hair and scalp. As these pollutants build up, they can cause the scalp to become inflamed, and hair to become dry, dull, and brittle. Those living in urban areas or near factories are at a higher risk of these negative effects.

Air pollution has been found to reduce the levels of certain proteins in the human scalp that are responsible for hair growth and retention. A 2019 study found that exposure to common air pollutants decreased the level of a specific protein in hair follicle cells, which is responsible for fuelling hair growth. The more pollution the hair follicle cells were exposed to, the more hair loss ensued.

Another study, conducted by researchers at Queen Mary's University in London, England, found that toxins, chemicals, and carcinogens found in polluted air can damage keratins, the basic protein molecules that form the hair structure. As a result, hair becomes weak and brittle, and hair growth slows down.

How to protect hair from pollution

The simplest way to protect hair from pollution is to wear a hat or a scarf when outside for an extended period. Even pulling hair back into a knot or bun will provide some protection. Using lightweight, easily-absorbed serums or lotions to add shine or fight frizz is also recommended over heavier styling products, which can make hair more vulnerable to buildup.

It is also important to not wash hair too frequently, as pollution dries out hair strands, and excessive washing can exacerbate this problem. When washing hair, focus shampoo on the scalp, allowing it to run through the rest of the hair only when rinsing.

How to treat hair loss caused by pollution

To treat hair loss caused by pollution, it is recommended to use a shampoo system that is formulated specifically to mitigate the negative effects of air pollution. These shampoos will cleanse away any detrimental debris from the scalp and strands while also leaving behind beneficial ingredients such as oils and antioxidants to help seal the hair's cuticle and protect it.

Additionally, scalp health is crucial to overall hair health, so it is important to implement a regular scalp-care routine if you notice any signs of scalp inflammation, such as buildup, irritation, redness, or increased sensitivity. A weekly scalp scrub can help slough off any buildup of air pollution, as well as dead skin cells, oil, and excess product.

It is also recommended to use hair products that are formulated with potent antioxidant ingredients such as green tea and vitamins C and E, as these help to counter the effects of oxidative stress caused by air pollution.

Pollution can cause hair thinning

Air pollution is everywhere, all around us—even indoors—and our exposure to it is largely out of our control. Research has confirmed that it has detrimental effects not only on our health but also on our hair.

When hair follicle cells come into contact with common air pollutants, it results in hair loss as it attacks the proteins responsible for hair growth and retention. A 2019 study found that exposure to common air pollutants decreased the level of a specific protein in hair follicle cells, which fuel hair growth. In other words, when hair follicle cells were exposed to common air pollutants, their ability to produce new hair growth slowed. The more pollutants the cells were exposed to, the more hair loss ensued.

The dust, fumes, dirt, and daily grime that we encounter on a daily basis build up on each strand of hair, causing it to feel and look dirty, dull, and weighed down. This buildup can also contribute to significant hair follicle damage, leading to issues such as dandruff and irritation, and eventually even hair loss.

Additionally, air pollution can cause oxidative stress, which contributes to premature aging of the hair. This includes not just the loss of pigment (or greying) but also a general decrease in hair production and the thinning of hair follicles and strands.

The effects of air pollution on hair health are especially pronounced for people living in urban areas or near working factories, as they are at a higher risk of negative effects. Similarly, men who live in heavily polluted areas may experience hair loss sooner or more dramatically than those in less polluted areas.

To mitigate the effects of air pollution on hair health, it is important to take proactive measures such as wearing a hat or scarf to shield the hair when outdoors and using lightweight, easily absorbed serums or lotions to style the hair instead of heavy products that can make it more vulnerable to buildup.

Pollution can cause hair ageing

Pollution can speed up the hair ageing process. Just as oxidative stress causes skin to lose its elasticity and suppleness over time, it can also affect the hair in a similar way. Research has confirmed that free radical damage to the hair can manifest in loss of colour, or hair greying, as well as hair loss.

Oxidative stress, from exposure to air pollution, speeds up the hair ageing process. This includes the natural loss of pigment (greying) as well as a general decrease in hair production and the thinning of hair follicles and strands.

Airborne pollutants such as fine dust and diesel particles can reduce the levels of proteins responsible for hair growth and retention. A 2019 study found that exposure to common air pollutants decreased the level of a specific protein in hair follicle cells – the very protein that fuels hair growth. The more pollution the hair follicle cells were exposed to, the more hair loss ensued.

In addition, air pollution can cause a buildup of particulate matter on the scalp. If this is not properly removed, it can cause significant hair follicle damage, leading to issues such as dandruff and irritation, and eventually even hair loss.

To mitigate the effects of pollution on the hair, it is recommended to wear a hat or scarf over the head when outside for extended periods. Using lightweight, easily-absorbed serums or lotions can also help to add shine and fight frizz, without leaving hair vulnerable to buildup.

Pollution can cause hair breakage

Pollution can have a detrimental impact on hair health, causing dryness, dullness, and even hair loss. But how exactly does pollution affect our hair, and what can we do to protect it?

When we step outside, our hair is exposed to various pollutants, including soot, grime, dust, and fumes. These pollutants can settle on our hair and scalp, leading to a buildup of dirt and toxins. Over time, this buildup can cause the scalp to become inflamed and irritated, with hair becoming dry, dull, and brittle. As a result, hair is more prone to breakage and splitting.

The effects of pollution on the hair are particularly prominent in urban areas or near industrial sites, where the concentration of pollutants is higher. The pollutants in the air can infiltrate the bloodstream and affect cell health, causing hair follicles to shed old hairs and struggle to produce new ones. This disruption to the natural hair growth cycle can lead to hair thinning and increased hair fall.

Additionally, air pollution speeds up the ageing process of hair. The oxidative stress caused by pollution contributes to a decrease in hair production, thinning of hair follicles, and overall loss of hair elasticity, making hair more fragile and prone to breakage.

To mitigate the damaging effects of pollution on our hair, there are several measures we can take:

• Wear a hat or scarf: A simple yet effective way to protect your hair from pollutants is to physically cover it. Opt for a loose-fitting hat or scarf that won't cause tension on the scalp.
• Cleanse with the right products: Use a gentle, moisturising shampoo and conditioner to remove pollution buildup without stripping the hair of its natural oils. Look for sulphate-free formulas that are designed to deep clean while nourishing the hair.
• Exfoliate your scalp: Incorporate a weekly scalp scrub to slough off any buildup of pollution, dead skin cells, and excess product. This helps create a healthy environment for hair growth.
• Moisturise and nourish: Pollution can dry out your hair, so it's important to replenish moisture and nourish your hair with lightweight serums or lotions. Look for products containing hyaluronic acid to boost hydration and improve hair elasticity.
• Protect your hair from heat: Limit the use of heat styling tools, as they can further damage hair and make it more susceptible to breakage. When using heat, always use a heat protection product and keep the temperature below 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

By understanding the impact of pollution on our hair and implementing these protective measures, we can help maintain the health and strength of our hair, reducing the risk of breakage caused by pollution.

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