On the journey of losing those extra few pounds, sweating is always considered a blessing for the body as it boosts energy, removes toxins, and regulates body temperature. However, excessive sweating on your scalp may cause a problem for your luscious hair. Various studies show that sweat contains lactic acid, which mixes with the keratin in hair and blocks the pores, resulting in damaged hair and hair loss. We understand losing hair day by day can leave an unpleasant feeling. Thankfully with the help of certain tips and techniques you can easily avoid such impending scenarios.
What does sweating mean?
Sweating is a natural phenomenon which works as an air conditioning for your body. When your body senses overheating, it releases a salt based fluid secreted from the skin to maintain the body temperature. Your skin has mainly two types of sweat glands i.e.eccrine and apocrine. Whilst Eccrine glands are present over most parts of your body, the Apocrine glands open into the hair follicle. Increase in temperature, emotional imbalance, improper diet and medical conditions are certain major causes behind sweating.
How does hair loss and sweating connect?
Sweaty and greasy hair has a higher chance of dandruff which can clog your pores, thereby making hair follicles inactive and increase risk of hair fall. Excessive scalp sweating makes your hair dehydrated which eventually leads to poor hair growth and damaged hair. Studies show that sweat contains salt which removes the protective coating of your hair and strips off your natural hair color. Moreover, the toxins present in sweat can damage your tresses and result in hair fall once they come in contact with bacteria. A study published in May 2016 explains that sweating can lead to inflammation on the scalp and reduce blood circulation to your hair follicles, thereby causing dry, damaged hair. Furthermore, excessive sweating is also associated with dandruff, scalp itchiness and frizzy hair. It is said that you should avoid sleeping with wet hair because wet hair are prone to breakage.
Tips to prevent hair loss due to sweating
Once we understand the connection between sweat and hair loss, it becomes imperative to take some precautions to lessen the hair damage caused from sweating.
- Consider using a mild shampoo
- Frequent scalp massage
- Brush your hair
- Opt for a spa session
- Healthy diet
1. Consider using a mild shampoo
Sweat present in the scalp can result in excessive hair loss. As a result, it is pivotal to keep your scalp clean and healthy. Trichologist advice on gently washing your hair twice a week with a mild shampoo to keep your scalp free from dirt, extra sebum etc. Hydrolysed Wheat Proteins, Niacinamide are certain key ingredients to look for in a mild shampoo targeting hair loss. These ingredients clear up residue from your scalp without stripping off natural moisture of the scalp.
2. Frequent scalp massage
Scalp massage is the best summer hair care tip to keep your healthy by providing deep nourishment. It helps in extracting dirt and toxins from the scalp while promoting blood circulation to hair follicles for a healthy hair growth.
3. Brush your hair
Brushing your manes may seem like a menial task however, this simple chore is also known as an important factor for healthy hair growth. Gently combing through your hair with a wide-toothed brush helps to avoid any detangles while stimulating blood circulation. Moreover, it helps in evenly disturbing the sebum (oil) present in your scalp to the tips of your hair.
4. Opt for a spa session
Taking steam once a week is best way to restore damage hair. It flushes out all dirt and toxins from your scalp and opens up your pores, removes extra oil from your scalp while activating your hair follicle to improve its function.
5. Healthy diet
Maintaining a healthy diet also plays an essential role in regulating sweating. Studies show consuming spicy, fried food or excessive caffeine in drinks can produce extreme heat in the body and lead to excessive sweating. Which is why, you should incorporate healthy fats, proteins, fibres in your meals while reducing the consumption of processed foods.
Understanding the root cause behind hair loss plays an essential role in finding the suitable solution. However, it is often overlooked by the majority of people. Similarly, following a good hair care regimen focused on your concern can help you prevent severe scenarios such as baldness, damaged hair, itchy and irritable scalp. So, incorporate these tips and techniques into your daily hair care routine to attain your desired hair goals effectively.
P.S.
Keeping your tresses nourished helps in avoiding frizzy, tangled, damaged and dry manes. A hair mask penetrates your hair strands thereby improving your hair health and preventing hair loss. Many hair specialists suggest applying a protein-rich hair mask at least once a week to attain silky, manageable and healthy tresses.
