When you exercise, even your scalp sweats. Find out how sports can make your hair look greasier.
Sweat on your scalp can produce a similar effect to a build-up of oils – your hair looks greasy.
What’s the difference between sweat and sebum?
Sebum is a natural oil that’s constantly produced by the sebaceous glands under the skin. It’s needed to protect and moisturize the hair and scalp, but too much of it can give the hair a greasy appearance, and in some cases lead to irritation and dandruff.
The main reason you sweat is to control your body temperature. When you exercise, your body temperature rises and you sweat lots – when sweat evaporates from your skin, it helps to cool you down.
How does sweat affect your hair?
Sweat travels down the hair shaft, spreading oils and dirt down the hair with it, which can make the hair look dull and greasy.
Plus, a sweaty scalp is a warm, humid microclimate that’s perfect for the dandruff-causing fungus, Malassezia, to thrive. If it’s not dealt with properly, this could cause itching, irritation and even dandruff.
So make sure to thoroughly wash the sweat from your hair and dry it after exercising.
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