Since the disturbing news that air quality in New York City reached hazardous levels, everyone’s attention is on the damages that air pollution can cause to us. Air pollution has long been a concern for our environment and overall health. With increasing industrialization and urbanization, the quality of air is deteriorating rapidly. While it is widely known that air pollution contributes to various health issues, such as respiratory problems and cardiovascular diseases, recent research has shed light on a lesser-known side effect: hair loss. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the connection between air pollution and hair loss, the specific pollutants that impact hair health, and tips on how to protect and maintain hair care in a polluted environment.
The Growing Concern about Air Pollution
Air pollution is a global issue that affects millions of people across the world. WHO estimates that more than 4.2 million global citizens die annually from air pollution, and it affects nine-out-of-ten people who live in heavily-populated areas. Air pollution stems from various sources, including fossil fuels, vehicle exhaust emissions, agriculture, construction, industrial manufacturing, and energy usage in homes and on roads. These pollutants not only harm the earth and contribute to global warming but also pose severe health risks to individuals exposed to them.
Understanding Hair Loss
Hair loss is a common concern among both men and women. According to the American Hair Loss Association, around two-thirds of men under the age of 35 in the United States experience hair loss. Furthermore, almost 85% of men lose a significant amount of hair after the age of 50. Women are not immune to hair loss either. A condition called androgenetic alopecia affects around 30 million women in the U.S., as well as 50 million men.
While genetics play a significant role in hair loss, environmental factors also contribute to the risk. One such factor is air pollution, which has recently been linked to hair loss through various studies.
Can Air Pollution Cause Hair Loss?
Research conducted in South Korea and presented at the 28th European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress in Madrid found a correlation between exposure to air pollution and hair loss. The study exposed human scalp cells (human follicle dermal papilla cells) to different concentrations of diesel particulate and dust resembling PM10 (particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less). The results revealed that the levels of β-catenin, a protein responsible for hair growth and morphogenesis, decreased with increased exposure to these pollutants.
Another study carried out by hair transplant surgeon Rajendra Singh Rajput found that air pollution could cause increased sensitivity in the scalp, leading to itching, dandruff, excess oils, and painful hair roots. These symptoms can contribute to hair fall, either from scratching or irritation from airborne pollutants.
Particulate Matter: A Major Culprit
Particulate matter (PM) is a mixture of small particles and liquid droplets made up of various acids, including nitrates and sulfates, organic chemicals, metals, and soil and dust particles. PM can be classified into two categories: PM10 and PM2.5. PM10 refers to particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less, while PM2.5 refers to particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller.
These particles are harmful due to their microscopic size, which allows them to easily enter the lungs, causing damage to both the lungs and the heart. It is also believed that particulate matter can infiltrate the bloodstream, affecting cell health and leading to hair follicle shedding and inhibiting hair growth.
Smog and Hair Follicle Health
Smog is a dominant type of air pollution resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels upon contact with sunlight. It contains tiny particles of soot that move in the air, originating from sources such as power plants, factories, and vehicles. These particles can damage the skin and hair, as they are in direct contact with these external pollutants. The hair on the skin serves as the first line of defense against harmful particles, making it susceptible to damage when exposed to the outdoors. Smog and soot can clog hair follicles and prevent healthy cell regeneration, which is essential for scalp and follicle health.
Greenhouse Gases and Scalp Irritations
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are electromagnetic wave energy that absorbs and releases particulate matter into the atmospheric surface. These gases include carbon dioxide, hydrofluorocarbons, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, perfluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride, and water vapor. Prolonged exposure to these gases can lead to various health hazards, including hair loss.
Research shows that particulate matter from greenhouse gases can cause dandruff, itching, hair follicle pain, scalp irritation, and oily scalps, which are often associated with hair loss and balding. Hair directly in contact with air pollution also shows signs of strand breakage, dryness, and early hair loss.
Air Pollutants and Hair Health
Air pollutants like lead and mercury pose serious health risks to those exposed to them. Common medical complaints include blood disorders and skin conditions that directly affect scalp and hair health. Scientists also caution that exposure to air pollution often mimics symptoms of androgenic alopecia, which could affect known treatments.
Air pollutants affect overall mind and body health, from the air we breathe to the food we eat. Once consumed, these pollutants impact the body, including the harmful effects of contaminated nutrients and the lack of autoimmune responses. If you find yourself asking, “Why am I losing my hair?”, it could be due to the environmental pollutants you are exposed to daily.
Allergens and Hair Loss
Allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust can cause allergic reactions in the body, leading to health-related responses like hair loss. Exposure to airborne allergens that trigger reactions such as skin irritation or autoimmune responses can lead to hair loss, especially for individuals with year-round allergy symptoms.
Hair Care Tips in a Polluted Environment
Protecting your hair and scalp from the harmful effects of air pollution involves several measures that can help maintain hair health and prevent hair loss.
1. Maintain Good Hair Hygiene
Washing your hair regularly is crucial in removing excess pollution build-up from your scalp and strands. Ensure proper cleansing to prevent clogged hair follicles and other adverse effects of pollution on your hair.
2. Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water and maintaining overall hydration are essential for healthy hair. Air pollution, such as soot and dirt, can absorb moisture from your hair, causing it to dry out faster than usual.
3. Wear Protective Headgear
Wearing a loose-fitting hat or scarf can help protect your hair from the harmful components of air pollution. Just ensure that the headgear is not too tight and does not cause tension on your scalp.
4. Consume a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet rich in macro and micronutrients is crucial for promoting hair growth. If you’re not eating a balanced diet, your hair may appear dry and lifeless, making it more susceptible to the damaging effects of air pollution.
5. Use Hair Care Products Designed to Combat Pollution
Invest in hair care products specifically formulated to counteract the negative effects of air pollution, such as anti-pollution shampoos and conditioners. These products will cleanse and nourish your hair, helping to restore its strength and vitality.
6. Care for Your Scalp
Scalp health plays a significant role in overall hair health and appearance. If you notice signs of scalp inflammation, such as buildup, irritation, redness, or increased sensitivity. It’s essential to implement a regular scalp-care routine. This can include using a weekly scalp scrub to exfoliate and remove pollution buildup while providing adequate protection to your scalp.
7. Use Topical Antioxidants
Air pollution-induced oxidative stress can be countered by using hair care products formulated with potent antioxidant ingredients like green tea and vitamins C and E. These antioxidants help mitigate the harmful effects of pollution on your scalp and hair.
8. Hair Transplant
A solid solution to hair loss will always be a well-performed state-of-the-art hair transplant surgery. Especially when hair loss is a result of outside factors, like weather and lifestyle, a hair transplant is one the best methods to get back your lost hair.
Conclusion
Air pollution is a growing concern for the environment and our health. While its effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health are well-established. Recent research has brought to light the connection between air pollution and hair loss. By understanding the specific pollutants that impact hair health. Following the hair care tips mentioned above, you can protect your hair and maintain its health in a polluted environment.
