We at Welona have clients from all across the world. Some are cyclists, bikers, footballers, hockey players, while some are two-wheeler riders with 9 to 5 jobs. One thing that is common among all of them is that they use helmets. They wear their helmet when they play and ride, and they believe wearing a helmet is a great way to protect themselves. However, one concern all of them have is whether wearing a helmet causes hair loss? We got our experts to answer this!
So, does wearing a helmet cause hair loss? The answer is no. Wearing a helmet does not cause hair loss; it is meant to protect and is legally necessary to wear. Then, why do some people face hair loss after regularly wearing a helmet? There are three reasons for it:
- The helmet causes traction on hair if they fit poorly or worn improperly.
- A helmet can exacerbate bacteria accumulating on the scalp surface if hair hygiene is not maintained.
- The helmet can cause scalp infection if the inner lining is unhygienic.
Losing some amount of hair daily is a normal process of the hair cycle. But if the scalp is not taken care of properly post helmet usage, it can aggravate the hair loss that is supposed to be natural.
Let us talk about these causes for hair loss by using a helmet in detail:
#1. Improper fit of helmet:
Hair loss by helmet happens mostly because it does not fit properly (too tight or too loose) or not worn properly. You must be careful every time you put on the helmet and remove the same. In case you feel any tension or pulling on hair follicles while wearing or removing the helmet, it can lead to traction alopecia. It is a condition caused due to hair pulling and tightened ponytails, buns, and braids.
#2. Bacteria in Helmets:
Whether you are wearing a helmet for sports activities or regular rides, your helmet gathers sweat and dirt, causing bacteria. These pollutants sit on your head and build on your scalp until you take the helmet off. While you may wash your hair and scalp to get rid of these pollutants, you often forget to clean the helmet. So, the next time you wear the same helmet, it has greater chances of spreading the bacteria. No rocket science, this bacteria infects your scalp causing gradual hair loss.
#3. Unhygienic Inner lining of helmet:
It is another common reason that may contribute to your hair loss. Your inner lining of the helmet gets dirty and grubby as the oil and dirt from your hair transfers into the pads. And if you do not often wash the inner lining and pads, there is every chance that you will sooner or later face hair loss. So, you must maintain the hygiene of the inner lining of the helmet. It is always better to buy a helmet with removable pads and lining, making it easier to wash.
#4. Ways to prevent hair loss from helmet
If you frequently wear a helmet, then there are certain things you can do to prevent hair loss:
a.) Helmet Care for Preventing Hair loss
- Ensure that your helmet is the right size for your head. Make sure you do not feel any tension or pulling while wearing or removing it.
- Be gentle when you are wearing and taking the helmet off.
- Take time to wear and remove your helmet. Make sure your hair is not getting pulled backward.
- Deep clean your helmet regularly, particularly from the inside, where the dirt and sweat accumulate.
- Make sure you keep your helmet clean and dry. If possible, allow it to remain under the sun every day for some time.
- It is a great idea to wrap your head with a cloth and then wear a helmet. It will absorb the sweat and reduce friction between the helmet and hair.
- Never wear your helmet on wet hair. Sweat mixing with wet hair is more dangerous than you imagine.
b.) Hair Care for Preventing Hair Loss
- Keeping your hair clean is the first step towards preventing hair loss through a helmet. Use a mild shampoo and wash your hair every alternative day.
- Deep condition your hair twice a week using natural moisturizers such as Aloe Vera, Avocado or Yoghurt.
- If you have dandruff or an itchy scalp, then get the best dandruff treatment to avoid aggravating the problem when wearing a helmet.
- Make sure you tie up your hair properly to prevent it from getting messy or getting stuck in your helmet.
- Massage your scalp with your favorite oil. It will increase the circulation of hair follicles.
- Avoid using too much styling or chemicals on your hair, as your hair becomes more prone to damage when you wear a helmet after styling.
- Avoid tight ponytails, braids and buns as a normal process of protecting your hair from falling.
c.) Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Hair Loss
- Smoking reduces the blood flow in your scalp. So, if you smoke and love your hair, make sure you pick the right option and quit smoking.
- Exercise regularly to reduce hair fall caused by stress. If you do not exercise, then try meditation or yoga to reduce the stress levels.
- Getting enough sleep will ensure your hair growth hormones are intact and will speed up cell reproduction.
- Take a diet rich in protein and vitamins to keep your hair follicles strong from within.
- Choose your hair care products carefully. Avoid sulfates, bleach, dyes, peroxide, alcohol, and polyethene glycol while selecting your hair products.
- Look for shampoos with keratin, protein, aloe vera, caffeine, fruit and essential oils such as rosemary, peppermint, and jojoba.
Please understand, wearing a helmet is absolutely necessary because life is more precious than looks. However, we can help with the best hair care treatment for you. Our treatments include follicular unit extraction (FUE), follicular unit transplantation (FUT), platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP), growth factor therapy, stem cell therapy, and more. If you experience unusual hair loss, get in touch with Welona hair care experts for assessment.
