Winter is always tough on the hair, but this year there’s an additional threat lurking in the environment.
The levels of pollution have increased over the past year, leaving numerous parts of the world covered with smog. This, combined with a lack of moisture and lower Vitamin D levels, all prove potentially hazardous for your hair. So, how exactly can pollution damage the hair and what can you do to protect it?
How does pollution damage the hair?
Pollution caused by smoke and chemicals has been known to contribute towards hair loss. Different types of pollution affect the hair in different ways. Cigarette smoke for example, can cause damage to the hair strands, while smoke from fires can significantly harm the hair’s follicles.
Even dust in the home can have a negative impact on your hair’s health, as it causes the scalp to become scaly and itchy. If left untreated, it could even trigger hair loss conditions such as alopecia areata.
Smog has become a particular worry, as the small particles contained within the thick fog penetrate deep inside the skin causing irritation to the scalp. When you combine that with the cold, harsh winter weather which already makes the scalp itchy and red, it poses a greater risk of hair damage.
How to protect the hair against pollution
The good news is, it is possible to protect the hair against pollution damage in winter. You can start by keeping the hair nourished with antioxidant supplements, and deep conditioning the hair on a weekly basis.
Collagen supplements and oil capsules can also be great for reversing any damage already caused by pollution particles. However, if severe damage has been done, it’s best to seek advice from a hair specialist. They will be able to determine the best course of treatment to resolve temporary hair loss and get your hair back to its best.
Overall, pollution can have a devastating impact on the hair and it’s not easy to avoid exposure to the damaging particles. However, taking extra-care of your hair during the colder winter months can help to fight off hair loss and minimise the damage caused.
