Does acid rain cause hair loss? - The effect of acid rain on us

Introduction

Hair loss is one of the big problems that a lot of people are currently facing all around the world, regardless of their gender, nationality, and more. However, have you ever heard that you might get hair loss due to not having an umbrella when it rains outside?

Understanding of pH: What is it, and what does it measure?

Before we go into why the rain could lead to hair loss, we should know what “pH” is. The pH scale is used to quantify the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. With a scale from 0 to 14, a lower pH signifies a higher acidity, and a higher pH signifies a higher alkalinity. pH 7 means the solution is neutral.

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Returning to our primary focus, acid rain could potentially contribute to hair loss issues, but this only applies to situations with a lower pH than usual.

How does acid rain occur?

The usual pH of the rainwater hovers around 6, indicating a slight acidity. In contrast, acid rain has a pH of 4, often even lower. These low-pH rains are caused by releasing sulfur dioxide(SO2) and nitrogen oxides(NOx). These gases are released during the combustion of fuels or from vehicles like trucks and cars. When these atmospheric gases react with water, oxygen and various chemicals, they form an acid, making the rain acidic.

Why could acid rain cause hair loss?

Although the ideal pH for our hair is weakly acidic, exposure to the various chemicals in acid rain could lead to scalp irritation and subsequent hair damage, ultimately resulting in brittleness and hair loss. This is why people say acid rain leads to hair loss. Moreover, the acidity of rainwater could disrupt the natural pH balance in your scalp, which can cause the outer layer of your hair, known as the cuticle, to lift. This damage to your cuticles may weaken your hair, leading to dryness, frizz and a lacklustre appearance.

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To avoid these effects and keep your hair healthy and rich, don’t forget to put an umbrella in your bag before you go out! If you want to learn more about the science behind our lives, you can explore our website to find out more.