With a heatwave coming to the UK this bank holiday weekend, many of us will be looking forward to spending more time outside. However, research shows that 1 in 4 (26%) adults in the UK suffer from hay fever and 49% will experience common symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and a blocked nose.* While these hay fever symptoms are well documented, a lesser-known hay fever issue might also be impacting you: increased hair loss.
Dr Abdulaziz Balwi, leading hair surgeon at Elithair, has shared why hay fever can indirectly lead to increased hair loss and what can be done to ensure better hair health when you suffer from hay fever.
How can hay fever trigger hair loss?
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen. When we inhale pollen, our immune system overreacts, mistaking it for a harmful substance and releasing a histamine, which is what causes the symptoms of hay fever. It triggers inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses. This inflammation can trigger additional hair loss. While not a direct, immediate cause, the body’s reaction to allergens like pollen can trigger Telogen Effluvium, causing hair to shed. When your immune system is healthy, inflammation protects your body from further damage. However, when your immune system is impacted by hay fever it can respond to scalp inflammation by attacking hair follicles, resulting in hair loss.
This inflammation can also cause stress which is a leading cause of hair loss. As well as pollen triggering an inflammatory response, hay fever sufferers may experience increased hair thinning due to irritation causing itching and rubbing of the scalp. This can further irritate the hair follicles, leading to increased shedding.
What to look out for?
An itchy or irritated scalp
Symptoms of hay fever which include:
Sneezing and a runny or blocked nose
Coughing
Itchy, watery or red eyes
Headache
Tiredness
Gradual thinning of hair
Sudden loosening of hair
Increased hair shedding
How can you manage hair loss caused by hay fever?
Additional hair loss triggered by hay fever can affect both men and women, and as hay fever cannot be cured, it can feel as though there is nothing that can help with this.**
However, there are practical and accessible ways to deal with hair loss exacerbated by hay fever:
Seeking treatment: speak to a doctor about managing hay fever symptoms. This may include antihistamines, nasal sprays, or hay fever injections to alleviate inflammation and reduce the allergic response.
Protecting the scalp: Avoid excessive scratching of your scalp, as this can aggravate inflammation and contribute to hair shedding. Consider wearing a hat or using a barrier cream to shield the scalp from pollen exposure when outdoors.
Maintaining hair health: Practice good hair care habits, such as using gentle shampoos and avoiding tight hairstyles or excessive heat styling. Incorporating healthy foods and vitamins into your diet can also support overall hair health.
Managing stress: Stress can exacerbate hair loss, so finding healthy ways to manage stress levels – whether through exercise, relaxation techniques, or hobbies – can help mitigate its impact on hair thinning.