If the weather reports are to be believed, the UK is in for another heatwave. While we’re excited about the welcome return of summer, we’re not looking forward to the inevitable sweating that is likely to follow.
While sweating certainly has some health benefits, the same cannot be said about the effects of the extra moisture on your hair and scalp. Experts explain that excessive sweating can actually lead to hair loss.
Basically, our sweat contains salt, which is not good for our hair and scalp and can lead to dryness and hair loss.
But the science behind summer hair has something more to offer.
How sweat can cause hair loss
According to experts, if we sweat more than normal, there is a risk of increased hair loss, and there can be various reasons for this.
“First, sweat contains lactic acid, which binds to the keratin in your hair follicles and stresses the hair,” explains Dr. Balwi of Elithair.
“Lactic acid can also cause inflammation, bacterial growth, buildup, and in some cases scalp infections.”
Humidity and moisture on the scalp also provide the perfect environment for bacterial or fungal infections, which can lead to temporary hair loss.
“Another reason sweat can lead to hair loss is because sweat contains minerals like sodium, potassium and magnesium, all of which remain on the scalp after the sweat evaporates,” Dr. Balwi continues. “Salt buildup can leave hair feeling dry, brittle and prone to breakage.”
Dr. Balwi says the impact of sweat on the overall health of the scalp is key to the link between sweat and hair loss.
“The buildup of dead skin cells, dirt and bacteria can clog hair follicles and prevent healthy hair growth,” he explains. “That’s why it’s so important to know how to care for your scalp when you sweat.”
According to Anabel Kingsley, brand president and trichologist at Philip Kingsley, sweating during the summer months or while exercising can also cause oils to build up on the scalp, which can lead to inflammation and irritation.
“If your scalp is overly oily, you’re also more likely to experience scalp problems like dandruff,” she explains. “This is because the yeast responsible for dandruff thrives in an oily environment.”
Fortunately, there are some ways to combat excessive summer sweating, keep your scalp healthy, and reduce the risk of sweat-related hair loss.
How to prevent summer sweat from causing hair loss
Care for your scalp
Dr. Balwi says it’s important to cleanse the scalp thoroughly to prevent a buildup of lactic acid, sweat and dirt. “This can be achieved with sulfate-free or cleansing shampoos,” he explains.
Products containing the following ingredients are effective for thorough cleansing of the scalp:
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Tea tree oil: “It has antibacterial and antifungal properties, protects the scalp from irritation and effectively prevents hair loss,” explains Dr. Balwi.
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Peppermint oil: Dr. Balwi says it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, helps cleanse the scalp, and promotes healthy hair growth. “It’s also important to nourish the scalp, especially after using ingredients with stripping agents found in cleansing shampoos,” he adds. “Using hair masks or hair oils will help prevent dryness and stimulate hair growth.”
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Argan oil: It contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants that promote overall hair health. “It absorbs quickly into the hair shaft and helps moisturize, nourish and tame frizz,” explains Dr. Balwi.
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Vitamin E: It moisturizes the hair and scalp, prevents dryness and adds shine to the hair. It increases blood circulation to the scalp and can therefore stimulate hair growth. “It also has antioxidant properties that protect hair from environmental damage and free radicals that can cause dullness and breakage,” adds Dr. Balwi.
Drink enough fluids
Dr. Balwi says it’s important to drink plenty of water to maintain a good balance between sweat and natural oils on the scalp.
Protect your scalp
Avoid dyeing your hair. “If you have a sweaty scalp, you should avoid causing additional damage by bleaching or dyeing your hair,” explains Dr. Balwi.
Change your pillowcase
Cleaning your bedding regularly can help prevent sweat buildup, as bacteria and minerals caused by sweat can settle on your pillowcase.
“Switching to a silk pillowcase is another great way to improve hair health, as silk is less damaging to hair and does not absorb its natural oils,” adds Dr. Balwi.
How often should you wash your hair in summer?
Although it is tempting to wash your hair more often in summer due to increased sweat production, Dr. Balwi says it is important to find a balance: on the one hand, to cleanse the scalp to avoid buildup, and on the other hand, not to strip the hair of its natural oils.
“Therefore, you should not wash your hair more than two to three times a week,” he explains.
If you want to wash your hair more often, he recommends rinsing it without shampoo to give it a fresh look without washing it too often.
“Shampooing too often can dry out your hair,” he adds.
Other factors that can increase hair loss
In addition to sweating during exercise, other factors can also increase the oiliness of your scalp, such as stress, menstruation, etc.
“During these times, make sure to use shampoo more frequently and keep the scalp as clean as possible to avoid buildup,” recommends Kingsley.
“Focusing on your scalp (washing twice) can also help reduce sebum production, thereby improving hair health and reducing hair loss,” she adds.
A flaky or itchy scalp can contribute to hair loss, so Kingsley says it’s important to keep the scalp clean, which can be achieved by regularly cleansing with targeted products.
“I recommend our range of shampoos and conditioners for flaky/itchy hair,” she adds.
