The effects of air pollution on hair may not manifest immediately, but they can be very damaging. The current onslaught of haze and pollution has many of us running for cover. But when we are forced to venture outdoors, we often neglect to take the necessary precautions to protect our hair.

Air pollution and haze carry not just dust, smoke, soot but also hazardous gases with microscopic particle sizes that can cause serious health damage including to your hair. The most common effect of air pollution on hair is they can get lodged on your scalp or on openings on the hair shaft! 

The Terrible Effect Of Haze On The Scalp And Hair.

On the scalp, all these dust, gasses and smokes can cause scalp irritation, they can clog hair follicles, thereby disrupting normal functions, leading to hair breakage and loss. The disruption to the hair growth cycle coupled with excessive hair loss could then lead to premature baldness.

The ultra-small particles from air pollution can clog up hair pores and affect the health of your hair roots. With exposure to the pollutants, the scalp may turn sensitive, causing discomfort. Some may experience dryness on their scalp and even have issues with dandruff.

On the other hand, air pollution can also trigger excess sebum production on the scalp which clogs pores and block hair follicles. The toxic components in the air could enter the scalp skin and hamper hair regeneration. If it enters the bloodstream, it could further hinder hair growth. If left untreated, it can lead to severe health conditions including cancer!

Apart from that, long term exposure to polluted hair will lead to dull, frizzy, brittle hair that is prone to breakage. The harmful gases may cause your hair to lose it moisture quickly, making the dry and frail. The tiny particles could lodge in the small openings on your hair shaft and weaken the structure of your hair. 

The weaker your hair, the more it is prone to split ends and even thinner texture. The hair may look duller and limp as a result of this. To make matter worse, using the wrong hair products can attract and retain harmful pollutants to your hair. Keep on reading to find out the best hair products to use to protect your hair from harmful pollution!

The Best Ways To Protect Your Hair From Air Pollution.

The best way is most probably is to avoid outdoor activities and try to stay indoors as much as possible. If you are outdoor, shield your hair and scalp from harmful pollutants. Wear a hat or any protective gear to cover your hair from the elements. These can include a scarf or even simply by pulling your hoodie over your head.  

Remember to stay hydrated! Drinking plenty of water is not just beneficial for your hair but also for your overall health to combat the effects of pollution. Also, consider washing your hair more frequently. It can help to flush out as many pollutants from your hair and scalp as possible.

Another possible way to protect your hair from pollution is by using anti-pollution shampoos They are designed to cleanse out pollutants and protect your hair. You can also replenish moisture to your hair by using ant- pollution hair masks. Lastly, if possible reduce styling products on your hair. This can avoid attracting and retaining pollutants to your hair.

The Anti-Pollution Haircare Products You Should Buy Now.

Here are some of Beauty Insider Malaysia’s approved anti-pollution hair essentials to help cleanse, purify and detox your hair to ensure strands stay healthy and hydrated. 

1. Sachajuan Anti-Pollution Conditioner

Sachajuan’s Anti-Pollution Conditioner is able to create a barrier against the pollution that would build upon the scalp. The conditioner is also able to reduce colour-fade and mineral build-up on the hair. The formula smooths the micro-crevices on the surface of each hair follicle to prevent pollutants and odours from adhering to it.

You can buy Sachajuan Anti-Pollution Conditioner for RM128, online.

2. Kerastase Aura Botanica Bain Micellaire Riche Aromatic Shampoo

Kerastase’s Aura Botanica Bain Micellaire Riche Aromatic Shampoo provides 48-hours of deep durable nutrition to limp dry hair. The shampoo infuses the hair with deeply hydrating moisture that doesn’t weigh your hair down. It also creates an airy and abundant lather when applied to wet hair.

You can buy Kerastase Aura Botanica Bain Micellaire Riche Aromatic Shampoo for RM76, online.

3. Kiehl’s Damage Repairing and Rehydrating Shampoo

Kiehl’s Damage Repairing and Rehydrating Shampoo is formulated by Kiehl’s appointed chemists, with the goal to help repair weak hair that has been depleted by pollution. The shampoo is also formulated to be sulfate, silicone, and paraben-free, making it able to be used by colour-treated hair too without a cinch.

You can buy Kiehl’s Damage Repairing and Rehydrating Shampoo for RM120 on Lazada Malaysia.

4. Klorane Anti-Pollution Purifying Mist with Aquatic Mint

Klorane’s Anti-Pollution Purifying Mist with Aquatic Mint has an antioxidant-rich, plant-based formula detoxifies, and protects the hair and scalp from external pollutants. The mist instantly makes the hair feels refreshed, and frizz is reduced. It does not weigh hair down, is colour-safe and dermatologically tested, and is a 95 % natural origin formula. 

You can buy Klorane Anti-Pollution Purifying Mist with Aquatic Mint for RM93, online.

5. Grow Gorgeous Defence Anti-Pollution Conditioner

Grow Gorgeous Defence Anti-Pollution Conditioner helps protect the hair from the damage caused by external stressors and deeply nourish strands with this expertly blended anti-pollution moisturiser. Its ingredients nourish the scalp and roots and help stimulate the scalp, restore shine and encourage healthy-looking hair.

You can buy Grow Gorgeous Defence Anti-Pollution Conditioner for RM 66, online.

6. Phyto Detox Pre Shampoo Mask

Phyto Detox Pre Shampoo Mask intensely cleanses the scalp so that the hair regains body and volume from the roots. The mask cleanses the scalp deep-down, being so lightweight it easily purifies the roots and provides a reset to keep the scalp healthy.

You can buy Phyto Detox Pre Shampoo Mask for RM95, online.

7. Yves Rocher Anti-Pollution Detox Scrub

Yves Rocher Anti-Pollution Detox Scrub ensures the scalp is gently exfoliated. The proteins contained in these Moringa seeds have the particularity of purifying water from its impurities. The scrub makes your hair healthy and oxygenated, feeling lighter and becomes oily less quickly.

You can buy Yves Rocher Anti-Pollution Detox Scrub for RM60 on Zalora.

8. TRESemme Cleanse and Renew Deep Cleansing Shampoo

TRESemme’s Cleanse and Renew Deep Cleansing Shampoo has a clarifying formula for removing build-up and impurities. It is infused with vitamin C so the shampoo is gentle enough for daily use and will cleanse your hair for that fresh. It will also gently removes the build-up and heavy residue on the surface that diminishes hairs shine.

You can buy TRESemme Cleanse and Renew Deep Cleansing Shampoo for RM30, at Watsons. 

9. Vichy Dercos Nutrients Detox Shampoo

Vichy’s Dercos Nutrients Detox Shampoo is specially developed to deeply cleanse and protect hair and scalp from pollution. The shampoo is also formulated with detoxifying spirulina to absorb pollutant particles and purifying charcoal to intensely nourish and protect the hair fibre.

You can buy Vichy Dercos Nutrients Detox Shampoo for RM45, online.

10. Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt

Christophe Robin’s Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt is a detox treatment for the scalp. It cleanses and purifies to restore the balance of comfort to sensitive or oily scalps. This scrub can even be used as a post-colour treatment to calm, soothe, and ease itching or irritating sensations.

You can buy Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt for RM208 at Sephora.

11. Aveda Scalp Benefits Balancing Shampoo

Aveda’s scalp benefits balancing shampoo gently but still thoroughly removes buildup, excess oil, and impurities from the hair while balancing the scalp. The shampoo leaves hair feeling softer, looking healthier, and smelling like the amazing botanical pure-fume scent.

You can buy Aveda Scalp Benefits Balancing Shampoo for RM147, online.

12. Schwarzkopf Extra Care Airy Biotin Repair Spray

Schwarzkopf’s Extra Care Airy Biotin Repair Spray is a hair spray that has been formulated with concentrated liquid keratin. This is so that the spray is able to repair hair damage and refill gaps in the hair cuticle, and hair structure is ultimately restored. This spray alongside a secret weapon to dangerously touchably soft hair.

You can buy Schwarzkopf Extra Care Airy Biotin Repair Spray for RM36 at Watsons.