Is Hair Loss Due To Excessive Sweating Reversible?

Does sweating damage hair?

What causes excessive sweating and hair loss?

Why does sweat lead to hair loss?

How to protect hair from sweat during exercise?

How to prevent hair fall due to sweating?

Does sweating damage hair?

Yes, sweat can lead to hair damage in various ways. The lactic acid present in sweat binds with keratin in the hair follicles and strips the hair of its luster and strength. It also leads to brittle hair and can cause inflammation which hampers the supply of blood and nutrients necessary for good hair growth. An excessively sweating head creates an environment conducive to the growth of bacteria, leading to infections of the scalp. If the scalp is flaky, the sweating on the head leads to a moist scalp, and this prevents the hair follicles from getting the nutrients required for growth. These were the major ways in which excessive head sweating damages the hair.

What causes excessive sweating and hair loss?

Causes of excessive sweating on the head

• A workout or any physical activity causes the body temperature to increase, to regulate which, the body releases sweat.
• Warm weather is another reason for sweating. To keep itself cool, the body releases sweat when the outside temperature is high.
• Resting the head in the same position for a long time, or sleeping on one side for a long time can lead to sweat on the head and scalp.
• Hormonal imbalance, thyroid disorder, and a condition called hyperhydrosis which is caused by overactive sweat glands are other reasons for excessive sweating on the head.
• Stress can cause excessive perspiration.

Why does sweat lead to hair loss?

• As mentioned earlier, lactic acid is present in sweat. If it accumulates on the scalp for a long time, it can cause inflammation and hair damage.
• Sweating on the head leads to itchiness and irritation on the scalp skin, creating an urge to scratch. Excessive scratching of the scalp, loosens the hair, causing hair fall.
• DHT, mostly present in the sweating that occurs after a workout, binds with the hair follicles and hampers their growth.

Thus, excessive sweating on the head and scalp leads to hair loss.

How to protect hair from sweat during exercise?

• Using a headband or hair wrap while exercising, reduces the build-up of sweat in the scalp as it absorbs the sweat.
• It is also good to keep a towel to dry your head and face frequently during workouts.
• Wear plaits or braids while working out, as these hairstyles give the scalp more access to oxygen.
• When working out outdoors, it is necessary to provide the head and scalp with sun protection.
• It is advisable to brush the hair after a workout, as this prevents the sweat from getting clogged in the scalp.
• While washing the hair is a good hygiene practice, frequent hair washes should be avoided, as it can lead to hair fall.

How to prevent hair fall due to sweating?

• Keep the hair and scalp clean and maintain good hygiene.
• Oiling the hair nourishes the scalp and helps cleanse the toxins in the hair.
• Brushing the hair is good for improving blood circulation in the scalp region.
• Washing the hair helps keep the scalp clean. Wash the hair especially well during the warm season and after workouts when the perspiration is more. Shampooing the hair prevents sweat from accumulating in the hair and also reduces the risk of infections caused by bacteria.
• If excessive head sweating is the result of some underlying medical condition, it is necessary to get a suitable treatment for the same.

So this was some useful information about hair loss caused by head sweating and how to prevent it. Note that excessive perspiration can occur due to certain medical conditions. Hence it is important to consult a doctor regarding the same. For expert advice on how to protect the hair and scalp from sweat, it is good to consult a dermatologist. For all your questions about excessive sweating from the head or any other hair conditions and their treatments, one of the best places to approach is HairMD. It is a hair transplant centre in Pune and has a team of experienced dermatologists who specialize in treating hair conditions. They will guide you well about the causes and treatments for hair loss due to excessive sweating and help you keep your hair healthy and beautiful, always.