The Invisible Threat to Hair and Scalpfrom Air Pollution

Continuous exposure to the particulate matter that constitutes air pollution can lead to accumulation on the scalp and hair and to oxidative stress in the body, which can cause scalp problems and hair damage.We followed a systematic review checklist to investigate the effects of air pollution on the hair and scalp and the mechanisms that lead to free radicals and oxidative stress.Utilizing online databases to identify systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and scoping reviews, 626 articles were shortlisted, and 54 articles were selected using the PRISMA flowchart.The results of the study provided a detailed look at the associated conditions and mechanisms that can occur when the hair and scalp are continuously exposed to air pollutant components.Specifically, we found that fine particulate matter causes hair damage and hair loss, seborrheic scalpitis, and hair follicle inflammation.Finally, we introduced substances with anti-inflammatory effects that can counteract air pollutant-induced hair and scalp-related diseases and provided implications for future research methods and directions.