Witnessing Hair Fall? Pollution Might Be The Reason; Read What Expert Says

Celebrations of festivals have already kickstarted, and with that, we are witnessing the Air Quality Index (AQI) degrading every day, especially in the metropolitan cities. According to reports, Delhi and Mumbai are already witnessing air quality getting poorer by the day. 

The festive season also resonates with the season of pollution and health problems. From burning sensation in eyes to difficulty in breathing, pollution has a drastic effect on our health. But it is not just air pollution, water, land, and noise pollution that also contribute to many health ailments like hair fall, skin issues, stomach infection, etc.

We spoke to Dr Deepti Rana, senior consultant - dermatologist, laser and aesthetic physician, Max Multi Speciality Centre, Panchsheel Park, New Delhi, to understand how pollution might be destroying your locks.

Pollution Leads To Hair Thinning

Dr Rana said that pollution leads to hair thinning. The chemicals in the air attack the structure of strands, making them lose their shine and lustre. Dust and other chemicals also lower the levels of protein in the locks, making them weak. Hence, you experience more hair fall in this season. 

Pollution Makes Hair Greasy

The most common way pollution affects hair is by stripping the scalp of its natural oil. However, it can also lead to excess sebum production, which makes the strands appear oily and sticky. It leads to frequent cleansing. This weakens the strands and leads to hair loss. 

Pollution Makes The Scalp Itchy

The chemicals in the air and water leave the scalp feeling dry. If your scalp is producing more oil, you should wash it more frequently, which will add to dryness. This leads to an itchy and irritated scalp. If you scratch it often, your roots will become weak, and it will lead to hair fall. 

Pollution Contributes To Dandruff

Polluted air and water have chemicals like nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and other substances that deposit on the scalp. They add to the build-up of dandruff, itchy surfaces, irritated scalp, and weak strands. Thus, this is another way pollution contributes to hair loss. 

These are the primary four reasons why you might be witnessing hair fall in the season of pollution. Dr Rana said that it can lead to visible hair patches as well. Hence, we need to protect our locks from the harmful effects of pollution and the sun. 

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How To Protect Hair From Pollution?

The expert said that a few ways to protect your hair from pollution include,

• Frequently wash hair with products that do not strip your scalp of natural oil. 
• You should wear a scarf when heading out. It will prevent chemicals from settling on your scalp and the sun from attacking your hair. If you live near construction sites, it will also protect your locks from dirt and dust, which can cause huge damage and lead to more hair fall. 
• Dr Rana suggested using hair serum that can help you tame the frizz (Kitchen Ingredients For Frizzy Hair). It will also prevent your locks from entangling.
• You should also reduce the use of heating tools like straighteners and curlers. These can add to hair loss during the pollution season. 

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This pollution season, you can protect your hair from harmful chemicals and direct exposure to the sun. Our expert guide will help you maintain the shine of your locks.