Yes – pollution hair fall is absolutely real and considering how there is such high pollution in the air in cities like Gurgaon and everywhere else for that matter it is very probable. Pollutants accumulate on your scalp and hair which slowly damages the follicle and then leads to hair loss. But that can definitely be treated.
How Does Air Pollution Affect Your Hair?
We often think hair fall is due to “stress”, or “special” diets or even “genetics”. But you’d be surprised to know how much influence your environment has – and actually on your hair! Every time you are exposed to polluted air, microscopic particles, including particulate matter, fly ash, heavy metals and chemical compounds, bond with the strands of hair and settle onto the surface of the scalp.
In time, they cause a damage cycle that most people don’t attribute to pollution.
Here is what is happening below the surface:
i) If pollutants are feeding into your hair follicles then they will starve for oxygen and nutrients needed for healthy hair strand growth.
ii) Polluted Air Causes Increased Oxidative Stress leading to Disrupted Hair Production.
iii) Chemicals in polluted air disturb the pH balance of the scalp – which causes dryness, dandruff and itching.
iv) Some of these particles even block keratin formation, which diminishes the strength of your hair.
Common Sources of Pollution That Damage Hair
Not all pollutants are created equal. This is why it’s important to understand what you’re breathing in on a daily basis and how to mitigate it more proactively:
i)Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10): Tiny PM from vehicle and industrial emissions also include nanosized particulates small enough to diffuse through the scalp’s barrier.
ii)Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides: Gas emissions that react with water vapour in the environment to create acid particles in the scalp.
iii)Heavy metals: Lead, mercury and cadmium from industrial emissions which build up in your scalp tissue to interfere with hair follicle functioning.
iv)Indoor air pollution: Smoke from cooking, the fumes that emanate from cleaning products and the VOCs (volatile organic compounds) released from paint or furniture also have a contribution – you’d be surprised how many people don’t think of this.
Signs That Pollution May Be Behind Your Hair Fall
Air Pollution Hair Fall May Have the Following Symptoms:-
(i) You will notice hair suddenly falling off more than usual after shifting to a polluted city or during the winter season (when air quality is poor).
(ii) Hair feels rough, feels dry and is fragile despite being oil/conditioned regularly.
(iii) You will have a flaky scalp that doesn’t seem to stop nor responds well to anti-dandruff shampoos.
(iv) Hair looks dull and doesn’t have its natural shine despite shampooing.
(v) You notice thinning at the temples or front hairline unlike your relatives who are otherwise not bald.
If more than one of these fit your description, don’t forget to add the obvious – pollution.
Prevention Tips: Protecting Your Hair from Pollution
You don’t always control the air you breathe, but you CAN control the level of damage you leave your hair exposed to.
i) Cover your hair outside – A simple scarf, cap, or hat acts as a physical barrier to keep out the polluted air.
ii) Wash your hair regularly – Cleansing your scalp of debris regularly (2-3x a week) helps prevent the buildup of substances that can cause damage over time.
iii) Clarify your hair weekly – Clarifying shampoos help deep-cleanse the scalp and, ultimately, hair follicles, removing impurities left behind by traditional shampoos.
iv) Condition your hair after each wash – The environment robs moisture from your hair, so slather on a nourishing conditioner every time you wash.
v) Eat antioxidants-rich foods, to help your body combat environmental effects on the inside out – these include foods high in Vitamins C and E like nuts, seeds, and citrus.
vi) Drink plenty of water – As with your skin, a clean, well-moisturized scalp supports healthy hair.
vii) Minimize heat styling for already-damaged hair – A compromised shaft won’t have the strength or resilience to withstand heat, so save it for healthier strands.
When Prevention Is Not Enough
However, at times, damage has already occurred and is terminal. No matter how much you try to protect your hair from pollution, its a long term process which slowly deteriorates hair. In some cases, if there is a genetic predisposition or nutritional deficiency, it can cause extensive hair thinning and in some cases follicle damage. 3. Seek professional help For such cases, it becomes necessary to get your hair checked from a professional who can tell you the exact extent of follicle damage to help determine the next course of action – medical treatment like PRP or a hair care regime, or for permanent hair restoration.
When to Consider a Hair Transplant?
If you’ve already experienced hair fall that has resulted in thinning hair, a receding hair line or bald spots, a hair transplant is the only permanent solution – no shampoo or supplement can guarantee such results. The best hair transplant in Gurgaon at QHT Clinic employs cutting edge FUE techniques to extract healthy hair follicles from the donor area and precisely implant them in the areas where you’ve experienced thinning hair or hair loss. The transplanted hair is also genetically resistant to the effects of pollution and other environmental stressors – so you get not only cosmetic benefits but long-lasting ones too.
All operations are performed in a state-of-the-art operation theatre by doctors who are experts specifically in hair restoration. With clear and upfront costings, we place no hidden costs and provide free aftercare services for six months.
Conclusion
Air pollution contributes to hair fall, albeit silently, but hugely – and in Gurgaon, it is definitely not the cause that can be ignored. Daily activities can limit the damage caused by pollution but if hair fall has started happening visibly, no point in just waiting for it to get even worse. opt for the right diagnosis before you seek a hair transplant.
And, when you do go for it, do so at a clinic where safety and expertise are assured.
Book your FREE consultation at QHT Clinic Gurgaon!
Medical Review by
Dr. Sandeep
Senior Hair Transplant Specialist
- 25 Years Total Clinical Experience
- QHT Hair Transplant Procedures
- Advanced Hair Restoration
- Hairline Design & Reconstruction
