Hair loss has been linked with air pollution – here's how to stop it happening to you
Hair loss is a complex issue. It can be caused by an array of physical and mental health conditions, from Covid-19 to anxiety. But research has revealed a less likely cause – pollution.
While it’s was estimated that general air pollution levels in big cities across the UK were falling, air pollution levels in this country still frequently go above and beyond international air quality standards, and levels of some harmful pollutants (such as ammonia) are still on the rise. In fact, earlier this month Londoners have been warned to avoid strenuous outdoor activity due to extremely high levels of pollution.
In response, Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, warned that we need to try harder to combat dangerous levels of pollution: “If we do not double down on our efforts to deliver a greener, more sustainable future, we will replace one public health crisis with another – caused by filthy air and gridlocked roads.”
So, while we sit and wait for the government’s latest plans on tackling the issue, we think it’s best to do all we can to protect ourselves from the potentially dangerous pollutants in our air.
A skincare staple you might have not known you needed.
While we’re already relatively clued-up on the effects of pollution on our skin (hello inflammation, pigmentation and breakouts), it turns out that our hair is starting to feel the strain too. What damages skin, has the ability to damage the scalp, and what damages your scalp is absolutely going to start impacting the health of your tresses.
In fact, according to new research, exposure to common air pollutants could even be linked to hair loss (eek!).
According to Allure, researchers exposed cells from hair follicles to different levels of dust and diesel PM for 24 hours and then measured different protein levels in the cells. The scientists found that both pollutants decreased the level of a specific protein that is responsible for hair growth.
Here's what I learned about why the concept of "good hair" persists around the globe.
"The research found that when the cells on the human scalp were exposed to common air pollutants created from burning fossil fuels, the proteins in the cells that are responsible for hair growth and hair retention were significantly reduced," study leader Hyuk Chul Kwon told the website. "The more pollutants that the cells were exposed to, the bigger this impact seemed to be."
Mark Leeson, Global Artistic Ambassador for Revlon Professional and Founder of Mark Leeson Salons explains: “If you’re walking anywhere where there are cars (so this isn’t just for city dwellers) your hair picks up metal deposits like copper and iron and other particle matter. Pollutants make hair drier, duller and more difficult to manage. Particle matter in the air actually damages hair cuticles and even the internal hair shaft.”
Besides damaging strands, drying them out and generally wreaking havoc, pollution can also be really damaging if you get your hair coloured. “Free Radicals from pollutants are very reactive molecules and they can react unpredictably during the colour process, causing a lot of damage to the hair shaft and internal structure of the hair,” explains Mark.
So what can be done? The bad news is that regular shampooing and conditioning won’t be enough to remove pollutants. However, that’s not to say nothing can be done. As pollution becomes a more pressing issue in our beauty regimes, a host of products are now available to help battle the side effects.
If you’re serious about protecting your hair from pollution (and we think everyone should be), these are the products you should consider adding to your haircare lineup ASAP…
Grow Gorgeous Scalp Detox, £17.50, LookFantastic
This little pot of magic acts as the ultimate cleanse for your hair. With pomegranate enzymes to gently exfoliate and castor oil beads to nourish, one use of this pre-wash treatment hits total reset on your locks. The best bit? Bean bio-ferment is the secret ingredient that works to neutralise free radical damage. If you’re yet to try this, do it now – it will become a staple.
Save when you shop with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Redken Clean-Touch Shampoo, £38.25, LookFantastic
Micellar water is a daily regular in our skincare regimes, so why has it taken us so long to harness micellar technology in our haircare? If you’re all too well acquainted with the perils of build-up, this clever shampoo from Redken is for you. Removing all impurities without stripping the hair of its natural protecting oils, it’s the perfect refresh for your tresses.
Save when you shop with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Noughty Haircare Tough Cookie Strengthening Shampoo, £6.99, LookFantastic
Containing not one, not two, not three but FOUR powerful antioxidants to help rid hair of harmful pollutants, this shampoo is seriously good. A blend of cloudberry, bilberry and sea buckthorn works to moisturise while wheat bran extract helps strengthen and protect against urban pollutants. Plus, 5% of sales are donated straight to Fund4Trees to help promote the conservation and improvement of the natural environment. Stock us up.
Oribe Power Drops Hydration & Anti-Pollution Booster, £55, Net-A-Porter
These drops of heaven mean business. If your locks are looking a little worse for wear as a result of some heavy pollution, get on board with these. Hyaluronic acid shields each strand with moisture while moringa seed extract fights pollution. Small but mighty, either add a couple of drops to your daily product for a supercharged boost or apply a few neat drops to damp hair after washing and embrace the silky results.
Klorane Anti-Pollution Protective Conditioner with Aquatic Mint, £10, Escentual
If you prefer to take a natural approach with your haircare, look no further than this conditioner from French haircare brand Klorane which contains 95% original origin ingredients. When ethnobotanists at the brand discovered the antioxidant properties of aquatic mint, they worked to incorporate it into a hair range that works to draw out pollutants from the hair and scalp. Plus, this conditioner nourishes as it works – we’re obsessed.
The Manta Hairbrush, £25, FeelUnique
While this one isn’t explicitly an ‘anti-pollution’ product, it’s definitely one to keep in your kit. Because the health of your hair relies so heavily on the state of your scalp, it’s important to do all that you can to rid it of pollutants with minimal irritation. And that’s where this baby comes in. Super flexible in the hand and soft silicone bristles make this hairbrush the ultimate tool to give your scalp a deep cleanse.
Save when you shop with these FeelUnique discount codes.
Revlon Professional Magnet Anti-Pollution Restoring Mask, £17, Salons Direct
Using moringa seed extract and keratin amino acids, this mask promises to repair any fibre damage and strengthen strands to help protect against any pollution-induced aggression. Plus, it leaves locks with an almost blinding sheen – just the way we like it. If you’re really into it, visit your local Revlon salon and book in for a Magnet colour treatment that works to neutralise pollutant particles on the hair during the colouring process.
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