Does Sweating Lead To Hair Loss?

Yes, you do need to keep your scalp dry and clean as much as possible.

Medically Reviewed by Vd. Naveen Sharma, BAMS
By Jyotsana Rao

Does sweating lead to hair loss? Yes, it can. Shocked! That is correct. People commonly believe that sweating too much is beneficial to their health. That, however, is not the case. Although sweating is a good method for eliminating waste and toxins, excessive sweating can damage the scalp and hair due to the lactic acid component in perspiration.

Do you want to learn more about it? What can you do to avoid it? Scroll down to find out.

The Logic: How Does Sweating Cause Hair Loss?

Can sweat cause hair loss? On one side, there are studies that have shown that when the lactic acid in the sweat mixes with the keratin in the hair it leads to damage and hair loss. This is one reason why to a certain extent you might feel loss of hair when you are sweating or just after that.

On the other hand, the sweat glands secrete sweat that mixes with the bacteria already accumulated on the scalp and leads to formation of fungal infections. This unhygienic condition leads to hair loss according to a lot of researchers.

There is another logic why sweat can lead to hair fall and loss. It says that when we sweat through the sweat glands on the scalp, it leads to dehydration of the hair strands. This can be another reason why there is hair loss associated with sweat. When sweat mixes with flakes on the scalp it can block the pores and make the hair follicles inactive. This can also lead to hair loss to quite an extent.

[ Read: Tips To Control Hair Fall ]

Prevention Of Hair Loss Through Sweating

Now that it is clear that sweat and hair loss are connected to an extent, the next step is to know how you can prevent such situations in a successful and effortless manner. Check out how: –

1. Wash the hair more than often especially if the weather is hot and humid and you are more prone to sweating. This will help in removing the dirt and extra sebum production that can mix with the sweat and cause hair loss.

2. Take steam on the hair. This helps in opening up the pores and thus flushes out the dirt and toxins from the scalp. It also removes the extra oil and activates the hair follicles for proper functioning. This is one way to prevent hair loss through sweat.

3. Massage the scalp with oil. This helps in proper blood circulation to the hair follicles as well as ensures deep nourishment and removal of dirt and toxins. This is one of the best ways apart from shampooing to prevent hair loss through sweating.

4. Avoid tight hairstyles or ponytails that can prevent the sweat from evaporating and trigger it to get accumulated with the dirt and oil in the scalp and thus cause hair loss. Keep the hair loose to enhance passing of air.

5. Brushing the hair will help in blood circulation as well as keep the sweat away. This is one way in which you can prevent hair loss. It increases hair growth by pressurizing the points of the hair follicles.

Ways to Reduce Scalp Sweat

  1. Stay stress and anxiety free.
  2. Deep breathing techniques are helpful.
  3. Wash your hair after exercise.
  4. Try natural ways to prevent excessive sweating.
  5. Have an active and fit lifestyle.
  6. Avoid fried reheated, fast foods, excessive sweets, and caffeinated drinks because these produce excessive heat in the body and lead to excessive sweating.

While most people associate sweating with the elimination of toxins and waste from the body, excessive sweating can lead to hair and scalp damage. Does sweating lead to hair loss? Studies indicate that when lactic acid mixes with keratin, it can lead to hair damage. Other factors such as infections and dehydration also contribute to hair loss. Washing your hair frequently and massaging your scalp with oil can prevent your hair from sweating. Additionally, eating a balanced diet and effectively managing your stress can reduce sweating of the scalp drastically.

 

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Jyotsana Rao is an engineering graduate from NIT, Nagpur, who discovered her love for writing during her undergraduate days. She... more

Vd. Naveen Sharma

(BAMS, Ayurveda Specialist)
Dr. Naveen Sharma is a renowned Ayurveda specialist with an experience of 10 years. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in... more

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