According to recent data, UK gyms will be up to 40% busier this month as we head into the new year*. However, most people who go to the gym are unaware of proper hair care practices during and after workouts.
In the section below, Dr. Abdulaziz Balwi, lead hair surgeon at Elithair, examines the relationship between gym habits and hair health and explains how to care for your hair properly when working out.
Should you wash your hair after working out?
“Washing your hair after a workout is generally advisable, especially if you sweat a lot or build up heat. Sweat itself does not cause hair loss, but when combined with sebum, dirt, and bacteria, it can contribute to scalp irritation or inflammatory conditions such as folliculitis, which may indirectly affect hair health if persistent.”
“If scalp irritation or inflammation becomes chronic, it may negatively affect the scalp environment needed for optimal hair growth. Using a gentle shampoo after workouts helps keep the scalp clean, balanced, and supportive of strong hair growth without over-stripping natural oils.”
Is the sauna bad for your hair?
“Sauna use does not directly cause hair loss, but frequent exposure to high heat can negatively affect hair and scalp health if precautions are not taken. Intense heat can dehydrate the hair shaft, making hair more fragile and prone to breakage, while also drying out the scalp. In some individuals, excessive heat and dehydration may worsen scalp dryness or irritation and could aggravate pre-existing scalp conditions.”
“Very hot water when showering may also disrupt the scalp’s lipid barrier and increase hair-shaft dryness, which can make hair feel more brittle and susceptible to breakage.”
“Staying well hydrated, limiting sauna duration, and rinsing or conditioning the hair afterwards with lukewarm water can help reduce these effects and maintain overall hair health.”
How do steroids affect hair growth?
“Anabolic steroids can have a significant impact on hair growth, particularly in people who are genetically predisposed to hair loss. This is especially relevant given that 52% of men say their build and muscle prominence affects their self-confidence, leading some to turn to performance-enhancing substances.**
“Anabolic-androgenic steroids can increase overall androgenic activity in the body, either by raising androgen levels or by directly activating androgen receptors. In genetically susceptible individuals, this can accelerate androgenetic alopecia, a hair loss condition driven by follicular sensitivity to androgens such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT).”
“While steroids do not cause hair loss in everyone, they can dramatically accelerate the process in those already susceptible, often resulting in noticeable thinning at the hairline and crown.”
If you feel your hair loss is exacerbated by these factors, it may be worth discussing treatment options with a medical professional, who can advise on solutions ranging from preventative treatments to hair transplant surgery.
