Environmental and Cosmetic Factors in Hair Loss and Damage
January 2007
in “
Current problems in dermatology
”
hair loss hair fiber damage cosmetics traction heat radiation weathering friction wetting heating UV exposure heat styling tools chemical treatments sun exposure dryness brittleness mechanical manipulations chemical manipulations hair shaft irregularities swimming chlorine telogen effluvium anagen arrest hair follicles hair damage
TLDR Environmental and cosmetic factors, including heat, chemicals, and sun exposure, can cause hair loss and damage.
The 2007 document reviews how environmental and cosmetic factors contribute to hair loss and hair fiber damage. It highlights that hair loss can be caused by internal factors such as diseases and genetics, as well as external factors like cosmetics, traction, heat, and radiation. Hair damage can result from weathering due to friction, wetting, heating, and UV exposure, with daily hair care practices potentially exacerbating the issue. Heat styling tools and chemical treatments can cause significant damage, while sun exposure can lead to dryness and brittleness. Mechanical and chemical manipulations can create hair shaft irregularities, and activities like swimming can damage hair due to chlorine and sun exposure. Conditions like telogen effluvium and anagen arrest can cause increased hair loss, with the potential for permanent damage if the follicles are severely injured. The document advises minimizing chemical treatments, reducing heat styling, and protecting hair from sun and water to prevent damage and loss.