HAY fever season is well and truly upon us – with many struggling with itchy eyes, blocked noses and never-ending sneezing.
But did you know that seasonal allergies such as hay fever can also affect your hair?
“When allergies kick in, our body responds with inflammation, which can restrict blood flow to our hair follicles, denying them the nutrients they need,” hair pro Arran Isherwood said.
This then means that hair is pushed into its shedding phase early, as the body “concentrates on protecting itself against allergens and diverts attention away from non-critical functions”.
“The hair follicles could stop growing new hair and become weak, which could in turn lead to breakage,” Arran, Senior Trichologist at leading hair transplant clinic FUE Clinics, added.
In addition, itchiness from the allergies can make people scratch their heads more – with the scratching leading to the weakening of hair roots, meaning they are more prone to breaking.
But don’t despair – there are several ways you can protect your hair during hay fever season to prevent seasonal shedding.
The first thing is to make sure you eat a balanced diet.
“Hair, primarily composed of a protein called keratin, thrives on a protein-rich diet,” Arran explained.
“That’s why foods like fish, chicken, and tofu are essentials; they provide the nutrients to build hair follicles, supporting healthy hair growth.”
Other vitamins, such as iron, also “play a pivotal role in hair health” so it’s a good idea to include foods like spinach and red meat in your meals if possible.
You should also avoid excessive styling.
“Continuously wearing tight hairstyles, like ponytails or braids, can lead to traction alopecia,” Arran said.
“This type of hair loss is caused by persistent tension on the hair follicles, eventually damaging them and inhibiting hair growth.
“While it’s okay to sport that sleek ponytail or braids occasionally, consider letting your hair down or opting for looser styles instead.”
You should also avoid using heat on your hair if you can.
And if you absolutely have to, make sure you’ve used a good heat protectant.
” It acts as a shield, reducing the potential damage and keeping your locks looking lustrous,” Arran added.
Make sure you stay hydrated – drinking at least eight cups, or two litres, of H20 per day – too, as this helps keep your hair follicles nourished to prevent dry, brittle strands.
And try and use coping mechanisms to deal with stress, which can lead to hair shedding.
“Whether it’s taking a walk, meditating or taking some time out from work, finding your personal stress-relief strategy is vital for both your mental well-being and your hair’s health,” Arran said.
And the last thing is to remember to treat your scalp.
“Regular scalp massages can stimulate blood circulation, delivering more nutrients and oxygen to hair roots,” he added.
“This promotes healthier and potentially faster hair growth.
“Plus, keeping your scalp moisturised with hydrating treatments stops it from getting too dry, protecting your hair from becoming brittle and shedding more easily.”
