Does excessive sweating cause hair loss?
Hair fall due to sweat
In earlier times when people were exposed to milder climates than the present one, there was no need to worry about excessive sweating and hair loss. But as the climate became hotter and more humid, excessive sweating and hair loss due to excessive sweating has become a major concern for everyone irrespective of age or gender.
Haircare, in the present generation, has started becoming equally important for both men and women. Hair loss is one of the common health concerns with men, with a survey revealing that up to 95% of men are concerned about losing hair and around 80% of women also suffer from hair fall problems.
A major cause behind hair fall is excessive sweating and since we live in India which has a very hot and humid climate, many people face this problem. Excessive sweating can cause hair loss in both men and women.
Excessive sweating can cause oiliness on your scalp and skin thus disrupting your hair growth cycle. Hair loss can also be due to some medical conditions like cancer, iron deficiency, thyroid, alcohol consumption, etc.
How Sweat Might be Damaging Your Hair?
A sweaty scalp can make your hair dull and frizzy. So, to get rid of the excess sweat, you might apply more shampoo than what is required. This makes the hair dry and lifeless.
Humidity makes your hair sweaty even after washing. This makes your hair look oily and if you happen to use a blow dryer, then your hair might end up taking a serious hit.
A sweaty scalp can make your hair produce a bad odor. It also attracts dust and pollutants that can make your scalp itchy. They clog the pores and don’t let your scalp and hair breathe comfortably. This will induce you to scratch your head frequently, thus, increasing the risk of hair fall and rashes.
How to Reduce Excessive Sweating?
To avoid excessive sweating it is advised to avoid spicy food, green tea, etc as these increase the production of sweat and in turn, lead to excessive sweating. It is also advised to wear cotton clothes especially when you are going out or doing any physical activity.
As a fitness freak, you spend a lot on your health. You spend time making sure that your skin looks radiant and beautiful. Similarly, always ensure that you have a bottle or a tube of hair care product in the bathroom. Our hair is one of the most important assets that we have as human beings. It is often the first thing that people notice in us. So, it is important to take care of our hair and scalp to look beautiful and healthy.
Applying antiperspirants may block the sweat ducts so that the sweat can’t reach the surface of your skin. Antiperspirants usually are made up of metallic salts called aluminum chloride. These products may not work immediately but remember, patience is the key. Stick to your routine of applying antiperspirants before going to bed.
Avoid using deodorants because they cannot prevent sweating, they just mask the bad odor produced by the bacteria.
What are the Home Remedies to Control Excessive Sweating?
Along with OTC medications, you can also try out some home remedies to reduce sweating.
- Avoid wearing heavy and tight clothes that can trap sweat. Instead, go for a light-colored cotton or silk outfit. Take an extra pair of garments when you go to the gym.
- Use antibacterial soaps to control bacterial growth that can cause sweaty skin. Shower every day to avoid excessive sweating. Dry yourself completely before applying antiperspirant.
- Avoid spicy foods and alcohol because they can make you sweat even more.
- Use a plain, unscented hair serum to help absorb moisture.
- Avoid hot baths and eat smaller meals to help regulate digestion.
How to Deal with Sweaty Scalp?
- Wash your hair twice a week using a clarifying shampoo. These types of shampoos can clear the scalp from sweat and dirt or residues that may clog your hair follicles.
- Allow your hair to become more vibrant with the help of a haircut. Shorter hair can be more stylish and can give summer vibes as well. It can also make your scalp cool down easily.
- You can also use refreshing oils like peppermint oil to refresh your scalp, which can also curb itchiness that might be making you uncomfortable.
- Avoid styling tools and cosmetic hair products that can heat the scalp even more. This will make your scalp sweaty and full of bad odor.
- Use homemade hair masks and massage them into your scalp. Lemon juice and coconut water can be an effective mask to get rid of a sweaty scalp. It will help in reducing excessive sweat, grease, and oiliness.
Take Away
Many effective treatments are available for a sweaty scalp or excessive sweating that induces hair loss. If you feel embarrassed or frustrated due to excessive sweat from your scalp and body, we recommend speaking to a doctor or dermatologist to determine the underlying cause of your excessive sweat and provide you with the best treatment.
