Hair health is an essential aspect of personal well-being. Often, when we discuss factors that affect hair health, we focus on diet, genetic predisposition, and hair care practices. However, environmental factors can also have a significant impact, and some of these influences might be more unusual than you’d expect. This article aims to shed some light on these less-discussed elements and their effects on hair health.
Scientific studies have begun to shed light on the specific ways in which environmental pollution impacts hair health. Air pollution comprises particles and gases that may damage skin and hair follicles when they settle on the scalp. For example, research conducted in Mexico and Shanghai has demonstrated that urban air pollution negatively affects skin quality, leading to alterations in sebum secretion (the oily substance produced by the sebaceous gland attached to hair follicles) and changes in skin structure. These pollutants have been observed to induce inflammation and harmful effects by penetrating the skin barrier and stimulating the production of inflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen species in the skin. The studies suggest that these penetrated pollutants might also disrupt the hair growth mechanism.
The hair fiber itself may also be affected, with research by Galliano et al. showing that pollution affects the surface properties of human hair. Naudin et al. found that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, present in air pollutants, accelerate the degradation of hair fibers. Over time, exposure to air pollution probably leads to diffuse thinning hair loss and reduced quality of hair fiber. There is even some debate as to whether air pollution could also accelerate premature hair greying. Urban environments, in particular, expose individuals to higher levels of air pollution, thereby increasing the risk of these hair health issues.
Another intriguing factor is water hardness. “Hard water” is water that has often been pumped from deep underground where minerals such as calcium and magnesium have dissolved into the water. Minerals in water can build up as deposits on the hair, causing it to feel rough and dry. Hard water also makes the hair more prone to tangling. Moreover, this mineral build-up can prevent hair products from fully penetrating into the hair shaft, reducing their effectiveness. Research shows that using “soft water”, which has fewer minerals dissolved in it, can help alleviate these issues and improve overall hair health. Soft water tends to come from rivers and rain catchment reservoirs where there is much less chance of minerals dissolving into the water.
Exposure to sunlight is also an important environmental factor that affects hair health. Although small amounts of sunlight can stimulate hair growth by increasing vitamin D levels in the skin, excessive exposure can be harmful. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can degrade the protein structure of hair (particularly the keratins), leading to discoloration, dryness, brittleness, and increased susceptibility to breakage. In addition, some studies have suggested increased sunlight exposure might accelerate the progression of androgenetic alopecia.
Interestingly, even the altitude of your location can affect your hair. At high altitudes, the air is thinner and contains less oxygen, which might slow down hair growth with prolonged exposure. Some studies suggest that blood viscosity increases at high altitudes, and this has potentially negative effects on the blood microcirculation (and corresponding nutrient supply) in tissues including the skin and hair follicles. Additionally, high-altitude environments are often drier with less humidity in the air, leading to increased hair dryness and brittleness.
Lastly, noise pollution is an unusual factor that might indirectly affect hair health. Chronic exposure to high levels of noise can lead to stress, which is a well-known trigger for conditions like telogen effluvium, a temporary diffuse hair loss condition.
Understanding these unusual environmental factors can help us better manage our hair health. It is important to note that while we cannot always control our environment, there are steps we can take to mitigate these effects. For instance, wearing a hat or using UV-protectant hair products can protect against sun damage. Using water softeners or specially formulated shampoos can help manage the effects of hard water. And, in areas with high pollution levels, regular scalp cleansing can help remove pollutants.
In conclusion, maintaining hair health is a multi-faceted process that extends beyond diet and hair care practices. Unusual environmental factors, such as air pollution, water hardness, sunlight exposure, altitude, and noise pollution, can significantly influence hair health. By acknowledging these factors and taking appropriate measures, we can promote healthier hair and enhance our overall well-being.
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