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Due to exposure to air pollutants, the cuticle, cortex and keratin of the hair suffer damage. Chemicals dissolved in the air enter the hair shaft, causing the hair to become dry and lifeless.

The impact of pollution in the environment is increasing rapidly. This not only damages the facial skin but also increases hair problems. Due to this, one has to face many problems ranging from hair fall to dryness. Actually, the pollutants dissolved in poisonous air prove to be the cause of hair fall by damaging the roots. If you too are suffering from hair related problems due to air pollution, then know which tips help in controlling this problem (how to protect hair from pollution).

According to research by the New Jersey Hair Restoration Center, pollution increases the risk of androgenetic alopecia, which causes hair loss. Nano particles cause damage to the hair texture. Apart from this, hair roots become weak due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Nano particles cause damage to the hair texture. Image: Adobe Stock

Symptoms of hair damage due to pollution

Hair breakage and continuous hair fall
Increase in dryness and itching on the scalp
Noticeable change in hair color and deterioration of hair texture
Increasing dryness in hair and facing the problem of split ends
loss of hair volume

How does polluted air cause hair damage?

Regarding this, Dermatologist Dr. Sonali Kohli says that due to exposure to polluted air, metals and particulate matter dissolved in the air damage the hair. Chemicals dissolved in the air enter the hair shaft, causing the hair to become dry and lifeless, which leads to hair fall. Oxidative stress increases due to pollutants. In such a situation, being in contact with them for a long time can spoil the color of the hair and make the hair thin.

According to the NIH report, exposure to air pollutants causes damage to the cuticle, cortex and keratin of the hair, due to which the hair becomes dry and starts breaking. Pollutants can strip away the natural oils on the scalp, leading to weakened hair and an overall decline in hair health.

Why does hair fall due to pollution?

According to the National Institute of Health, due to exposure to particulate matter i.e. PM, the amount of protein on the scalp starts decreasing. This affects hair growth and leads to hair fall. In fact, many elements including beta-catenin and cyclin D are present in the proteins found in hair. Know from Dermatologist Dr. Sonali Kohli which tips can help you in avoiding air pollutants.

Protect your hair from air pollution by adopting these tips

1. Avoid using sticky styling products

Styling hair with products like sticky hair serums, sprays and oils should be avoided. Actually, the toxic substances present in the environment and air pollution together start sticking to the hair, due to which oxidative stress starts increasing. Due to this one has to face hair loss. In such a situation, those hair styling products should be selected which can seal the hair cuticle.

2. Keep hair wrapped

Due to poor air quality, pollutants rapidly attack the hair. Apart from this, there is a risk of hair damage due to sunlight. The effects of pollution and UV rays together prove to be the cause of hair fall and thinning. According to the National Library of Medicine, environmental stress increases protein deficiency in hair. Due to this, change in hair color also becomes visible. To keep your hair safe, take the help of a cap or head wrap.

3. Avoid using products containing chemicals

Before choosing hair care products, make sure that they are completely free from sulphates, parabens and other harmful chemicals. Sulfates and parabens are considered one of the major sources of water pollution due to their ability to bioaccumulate in the environment. Actually, these chemicals can also reach the body through hair care products. Therefore, when purchasing hair care products it is important to have sulphate free or paraben free labels on them.

When purchasing hair care products it is important to have sulphate free or paraben free labels on them. Image: Shutterstock

4. Use hydrating agents

Use of hydrating agents like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and glycerin proves beneficial in increasing the strength of hair. This reduces the side effects of increasing pollution on the hair and the hair remains strong. Also, the texture of the hair remains proper.

5. Hair cleaning is necessary

With the help of natural hair mask and shampoo, hair can be protected from getting damaged. Washing hair 2 to 3 times a week helps in cleansing the hair and maintains the pH of the scalp. Also the effect of pollution starts reducing.

With the help of natural hair mask and shampoo, hair can be protected from getting damaged.

6. Keep the body hydrated

Due to change in weather, lack of thirst increases, which causes dehydration and increases dryness in hair. In such a situation, drinking plenty of water solves the problem of dehydration in the body. Also, increased dryness in skin and hair can be reduced.