Pollution is everywhere, and it’s only increasing day by day. Living in busy cities is without a doubt entertaining and exciting, but the downside to living in a busy city is that the smoke, dirt, dust, and pollution can lead to health problems. Studies show that extended exposure to air pollution eventually leads to hair loss.
How Environment affects your hair
One of the most common side effects of living in a city is damaged hair, which most people tend to ignore. Air pollution and dust particles lead to weak, dull and lacklustre strands.
The poor air quality can also intensify sensitive scalps, causing dandruff and itching. Your hair is susceptible to the damaging aggressors anytime you're outdoors, whether it's an outdoor workout or during your commute.
Polluted air contains particles of dust, soot, dust, grime and gaseous pollutants that get settled on both the hair and scalp, causing irritation and damage. It can also lead to dryness to breakage to an itchy scalp.
Hence, to take extra care in today’s polluted environment becomes imperative.
Here are 5 ways to help you get rid of dirt and grime in your hair and minimise your exposure to air pollution:
Wash your hair frequently
Washing your hair frequently using a mild shampoo is necessary for the better health of hair. It washes away the dust and dirt that you get exposed to on a daily basis. Using a gentle shampoo is also equally important, so you don’t strip your strands of their natural protective oils as well.
Cover up
Your hair requires sun protection just as much as your face and the rest of your body. Try using a product that comes with SPF coverage to protect your strands from free radicals and damaging ultraviolet rays. You can also wear a bandana or cap to protect your hair from dust.
Make a cleansing hair mask
You can also go for a simple DIY mask instead of expensive, time-consuming salon treatments to cleanse your hair of dirt and pollutants.
Mix one part baking soda into three parts water to form a paste. Use this paste to massage into your hair strands. Baking soda helps in removing any grime and grease, as well as any build-up that’s formed in your hair. Wash off using warm water after three to five minutes, then shampoo and condition as per normal.
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Avoid excessive chemical treatments
Avoid using excessive chemicals and colours on your hair. Chemical treatments such as bleaching and dying weaken your hair and cause it to be even more susceptible to damage from air pollution. Also, do not use too many styling products, such as gels or sprays, hair oils, as dust and other pollutants will stick to your hair more easily.
Be Gentle
It’s imperative that you treat it with extra care as pollution can compromise your hair quality. Use a wide-toothed comb and start at the ends of your hair while combing and detangling, working your way up to the roots. Go for blow-dry only if necessary and, always use a heat protection product, to limit heat exposure. Use curlers and straighteners at a temperature no higher than 360-400 degrees.