Woman with hair affected by pollution

18th October 2021

Does pollution affect hair?

Pollution has truly negative effects both on the environment and on people's health. In this sense, it is frequent to wonder if, in addition to the organism, pollution affects hair. All answers below!

Pollution Affects Hair: Truth or Myth?

Everyone knows that people who live in cities with high levels of pollution can develop diseases caused or aggravated by this poor air quality. The truth is that hair can also be damaged, so yes, it is true that pollution affects hair.

Effects of pollution on hair

Pollution is understood as those harmful particles found in the environment due to gases and smoke. Ourstor medical equipment It establishes that these small particles adhere to the hair, specifically to the cuticle, causing substantial changes in the hair.

The effects that occur when pollution affects hair can vary from person to person. Next we will tell you what are the main consequences of hair pollution. 

woman near white wall getting her hair blown

Hair loss

It is very common that sometimes we notice that we lose more hair than usual. Finding the origin of this problem can be confusing since in the same way that it can be a stress hair loss, we may be at the beginning of some type of alopecia. For this reason, it is important to consult with a medical team expert in the hair sector to determine what is happening.

Contamination can be the cause of a occasional hair loss. When hair loss is due to pollution, it is diffuse and affects the entire scalp.

Scalp sensitivity

When pollutant particles come into contact with the scalp, they can sensitize it and even irritate it. This makes hair loses its natural shine and is rougher to the touch.

Dryness

Another effect that occurs when pollution affects hair is that it becomes drier and, consequently, does not look healthy.

Worsening of the cuticle

When the pollutant particles that are suspended in the environment come into contact with the cuticle, they cause its structure to be altered. The most visible effect of this is the frizz and breakage of the hair, mainly at the ends.

Fat gain

When pollution affects greasy hair, there is an increase in sebum on the scalp while the ends dry out. In this sense, we may be forced to increase the frequency of washing to keep fat at bay. 

man looking sideways

How to avoid the effects of pollution on the hair?

The effects of pollution on the hair are reversible and can be avoidede if a proper routine is followed for it.

If what you want is to protect your hair from pollution, stay with the advice that we give you below.

Wash hair properly

Proper hair washing is essential to avoid or combat the effects of pollution.

Use specific shampoos

Using specific products to eliminate traces of pollution is also one of the things that we must take into account to mitigate the effects of pollution. With them we achieve a deeper cleaning without damaging the hair fiber.

Rinse properly

Carrying out a good rinse is an essential step in your hair care routine. To do it correctly we must make sure that there are no product residues on the scalp.

Hair loss: contamination or alopecia?

The truth is that pollution by itself does not cause alopecia. However, it can alter hair growth or, in certain cases, contribute to the worsening of telogen effluvium previously caused by other factors.

When we are faced with unusual hair loss, it is important to consult with an expert medical team in the hair sector who can determine the origin of this hair loss and, thus, recommend the most effective treatment in each case.

En Hospital Capilar We carry out personalized hair diagnostics at no cost to find out the origin of hair loss. Thus, our doctors determine which is the best option in each particular case: HRT, CRT or hair graft.

facade of Hospital Capilar to perform the hair transplant in Madrid

Request your hair diagnosis now

A correct hair diagnosis together with an expert medical team are the keys to getting your hair in the best condition. On Hospital Capilar We offer a first diagnosis at no cost so that, in the case of a hair graft, successful results are obtained. 

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