The London Underground handles up to five million journeys every day. The Tube keeps London moving, but did you know the high levels of dust and particulate matter on public transport could be having a surprising impact on your hair health?
The experts at the world’s largest hair loss clinic, Elithair, have looked at a range of factors to determine which underground lines are worst for our hair. Lead hair surgeon Dr Balwi also explains how the conditions can affect your scalp and hair shaft.
To do this, they measured the presence of harmful bacteria, respirable dust, particulate matter, temperature and whether the Tube line had air conditioning.
According to their findings, the Victoria Line claims the top spot for being the most damaging for our hair. The line was found to have the highest concentration of Iron Oxide and is four times above the World Health Organisation limit for PM2.5 – the air pollutant thought to have the biggest impact on our health.
The Central Line came in second place, which was the second-hottest tube line, with no air conditioning available and 16 types of harmful bacteria found.
In third place, the Bakerloo Line another one of the hottest Tube lines with no air-con adding sweat and dehydration to the mix along with its high bacteria levels.
Dr Balwi, leading hair surgeon at Elithair, the world’s largest hair loss clinic, explains the impact and how to protect your hair from Tube damage:
“Commuting on the London Underground exposes your hair to high levels of particulate matter, dust, and fluctuating temperatures, all of which can weaken the hair shaft and contribute to dryness, breakage, and scalp irritation. The underground system’s enclosed environment means pollutants can accumulate, settling on the scalp and clogging hair follicles, potentially leading to increased oil production or even hair thinning over time. Furthermore, the transition between warm, humid train carriages and colder outdoor air can strip moisture from your hair, leaving it brittle and prone to damage.”
“To protect your hair while commuting, you can consider these five key tips: wear a hat or silk scarf to shield your hair from airborne pollutants. Use a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to create a protective barrier against dryness. Wash your hair regularly with a gentle, clarifying shampoo to remove buildup from dust and sweat. Avoid excessive heat styling, as the underground’s fluctuating temperatures can already stress your hair. Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet to support strong, resilient hair from within. By taking these precautions, you can minimise the impact of your daily commute and keep your hair looking and feeling its best”.
