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Does Excessive Sweating Cause Hair Loss?
Does Sweating Cause Hair Loss?
When you sweat a lot, the sweat builds up on your scalp and may clog the hair follicles. As a result, it creates an unpleasant environment for hair growth, which leads to hair loss.
Some people have a condition called Hyperhidrosis, which causes excessive sweating due to overactive sweat glands [1]. Although a common disorder, it can cause anxiety in social situations.
What Causes Excessive Sweating And Hair Loss?
1. Overactive Sweat Glands
One of the most common causes of excessive sweating is having overactive sweat glands. With this, the nerves responsible for signaling your sweat glands become overactive, without being triggered by physical activity or a rise in temperature.
2. Stress
Stress, anxiety, and even a temper can play havoc on your day, but have you stopped to wonder what stress might be doing to your body? Telogen Effluvium and Alopecia Areata are the two common types of hair loss linked to stress. However, this can be easily controlled by managing your stress.
3. Heat
Sweating is a natural response to heat, so you may want to follow a proper hair care routine to stay cool even in humid temperatures. Experts say that just as the sun damages your skin, it can damage your hair too. [2]
4. Physical Exertion
Physical exertion directly causes your body to sweat, so you may want to avoid particularly strenuous activities on warm days. Also, avoid stepping out in the sun during peak hours.
5. Hormonal Changes
Excessive sweating can also be caused by hormonal changes such as menopause and hormonal medication. Other hormonal changes such as those that occur during pregnancy and adolescence can also cause you to break out in a sweat.
6. Spicy Food
Did you know that what you eat can make you sweat? Capsaicin, a chemical found in spicy foods, is the culprit. It stimulates the nerves, leaving you with a sensation of moderate warmth. As a result, you tend to sweat more when you eat spicy food.
If you still can't point your finger at what is causing your excessive scalp sweating, you must consult with your doctor to identify the cause.
How To Stop Sweat From Damaging Your Hair?
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is known to control sweat. Mix a couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with warm water, massage the mixture onto your scalp and leave it on for a couple of minutes before rinsing it off.
2. Essential Oils
Massaging your scalp with essential oils can soothe it and reduce hair fall. Experts recommend cedarwood essential oil to diminish hair loss. Lavender oil has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that help keep the scalp healthy. Chamomile oil helps add shine and softness to it.
3. Leave-In Conditioners
Before you work out or engage in any physically exerting activity, protecting your hair with a leave-in conditioner such as a nourishing serum is a good idea. You can also consider using a deep conditioner after your workout as it will help heal and rehydrate your hair after all the sweating.
4. Stress Busters
Stress and anxiety can cause you to sweat more than usual, so you may want to consider stress management techniques and build habits that help you manage stress, such as meditation and exercise.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, stress may be one of the most common reasons for unexplained hair loss. Also, there are several types of stress-induced hair loss. However, the condition is only temporary, and it can be controlled easily with a few coping mechanisms and deep breathing techniques [3].
5. Wear Breathable Fabric
Soaring temperatures can make you sweat more, so you must pick out lightweight, breathable clothes. It's best to avoid fabrics that make you feel hot and uncomfortable.
6. Avoid Certain Foods
Spicy food is known to make you feel hot, so you may want to avoid it. Coffee is also not recommended by experts as caffeine increases your heart rate, raises blood pressure levels, and activates your sweat glands.
7. Stay Hydrated
Drinking an adequate amount of water each day is a vital step to ensure your body sweats less. Make sure to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
8. DIY Masks
Several DIY masks can help deal with excessive scalp sweating. You can mix three tablespoons of lemon juice and two tablespoons of coconut and massage this onto your scalp. Leave it on for a couple of minutes before rinsing it off with cold water. Similarly, you can also try an egg and yogurt mask.
9. Medication
If your excessive scalp sweating is getting out of hand, you should visit a doctor. A few over-the-counter antiperspirants and medication can help manage frequent and severe sweating episodes effectively.
Since excessive sweating can also be caused due to other underlying health conditions, it is crucial to find the right treatment after consulting a certified professional.
Symptoms Of Hair Loss Caused By Sweating
1. Immature Hair Shedding
If you are experiencing hair loss classified as ‘unnatural’ or ‘abnormal’ for somebody your age and if you’re a fan of high-intensity workouts, you may want to consult an expert. Excessive exercise leads to excessive sweating, which can cause hair damage and premature shedding of hair.
2. Premature Greying
If you’re in your twenties and your hair shows signs of greying, excessive sweating or stress-induced hair loss could sometimes be the culprit.
3. Excessive Sweating Of Head And Face
If you sweat excessively from your face and head, in particular, you may have a condition known as craniofacial hyperhidrosis. If you experience this, it is necessary to consult your doctor.
Should I Wash My Hair Everyday If I Sweat?
No. Although, washing the sweat off of your hair after an arduous activity is extremely important, it is also crucial that you refrain from washing your hair every day. Doing so, can rid your hair of its natural oils and dry it out, making it appear frizzy and dehydrated.
You should ideally wash your hair two to three times a week. If you sweat a lot, rinsing your scalp between shampoos will help clean it.
Wrapping Up
Sweating is perfectly natural and serves an important purpose. The damage that excessive sweating can do to your hair can be easily managed and fixed with the tips listed in this article. Make sure you lead a healthy and active lifestyle. If you are sweating in unusually large amounts, you must consult your doctor.
Begin By Knowing Your Skin