I’m a hair loss expert – these are the UK areas where you’re most likely to go BALD due to weather and pollution
A HAIR loss expert has revealed the UK areas where you’re most likely to go bald due to the weather and pollution.
Researchers at Crown Clinic looked at every weather component in each region to detail exactly how the area you live in impacts your hair.
Factors including rainfall, wind speed, UV levels, the amount of pollution and average temperatures were all analysed.
The findings show the North West and Yorkshire have the highest chances of environmental hair damage while Scotland has the lowest.
Here’s how the various factors can impact your hair’s health.
The UK regions with the highest risk
1. North West, England
2. Yorkshire & The Humber, England
3. South West, England
4. Northern Ireland
5. South East, Wales
6. Scotland
Pollution levels
Pollution can cause dryness, frizz and dullness to your hair because it strips it of natural oils.
It can also lead to oxidative stress, scalp irritation, premature ageing and chemical damage, leading to weakened hair structure, hair loss and colour fading.
Rainfall
Rain can increase moisture in the hair, which can benefit dry hair, but high humidity from rain can also cause frizz and loss of definition in curls.
Rainwater can also contain pollutants that potentially can lead to product build-up and scalp irritation, while also providing some protection from the sun’s UV rays.
UV levels
Excessive exposure to the sun’s UV rays can lead to fading of colour-treated hair as well as it becoming dry and brittle and weakening its protein structure.
UV rays can also lead to scalp damage, causing scalp conditions.
Prolonged exposure to UV rays can also result in dull, brittle and prematurely aged hair.
Average temperature levels
Exposing your hair to high temperatures from the sun can cause damage to your scalp, possible sunburn, redness, inflammation and disruption to the scalp’s natural balance.
The high heat can also cause oxidative stress which can weaken the cellular structure of the hair, making it more susceptible to damage.
Wind speeds
The wind can damage hair by friction, tangling and dryness. Friction can lead to hair breakage and split ends.
Winds can also tangle and knot your hair, leading to matted hair which can be tricky to untangle and strips your hair of its natural moisture, leaving it dry and brittle.
Dr Asim Shahmalak offered a number of ways you can protect your hair from the elements.
She said: “Covering your hair with a hat or scarf, using protective hairstyles, and keeping your hair well-moisturised can help minimise the detrimental effects of wind, UV exposure, and other environmental stressors.
“Using gentle hair care practices, such as avoiding harsh chemicals and minimising heat styling, can go a long way in maintaining healthy, beautiful hair, regardless of the weather.”