Khaberni - A British expert has warned that a common winter habit may be behind the increase in hair loss cases, noting that bathing in very hot water can damage the scalp and weaken hair follicles.
Dr. Wajid Ali Anwar, a British cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon and hair transplant specialist, explained that high heat causes inflammation in the scalp and removes the natural oils that protect the hair, leading to dryness, split ends, and possibly temporary hair loss mistakenly believed to be sudden hair loss.
He added that individuals suffering from thinning hair might notice an increase in the problem when exposed to hot water.
A common phenomenon, but with multiple causes
Hair loss is natural, as a person loses between 50 and 100 hairs daily without noticing, according to the British National Health Service (NHS).
About 40% of British men suffer from hereditary baldness by the age of fifty, while a similar percentage of women experience gradual thinning with age.
Hair loss is also attributed to other factors, including stress, illness, iron deficiency, rapid weight loss, or treatments like chemotherapy, according to "The Sun".
Heat weakens keratin
Although there is no direct evidence linking hot water to baldness, some studies suggest that repeated exposure to high heat may weaken the hair structure. A study published in 2023 in the journal Polymers showed that hot water damages the keratin protein responsible for hair strength, making it fragile and prone to breakage.
Tips for maintaining scalp health
Dr. Anwar advises adhering to a moderate shower temperature ranging between 37 and 39 degrees Celsius, such that the person feels comfortably warm without a burning sensation.
He suggests testing water temperature on the wrist before use, settling for a short evening shower lasting five minutes to remove sweat and dust, and avoiding vigorous scrubbing or hot water after exercising.
