Key Takeaways

• This is further exacerbated with prolonged exposure, as high temperatures in saunas can weaken hair cuticles, strip hair of its natural oils and moisture, leading to dryness.

• Sweat minerals can accumulate on your hair as you enjoy a sauna. This can lead to excessive moisture loss and a greater likelihood of breakage or split ends.

• Using hair moisturizing products and protective coverings such as sauna hats or wet towels can prevent hair from burning and drying out.

• Spending no more than 5–15 minutes in a sauna at a time and practicing gentle hair care before and after sauna use will help maintain healthy hair.

• Fine, dry, or damaged hair is more likely to suffer heat damage. Fragile or chemically processed hair, such as from dying or coloring, for instance, may require additional care.

• Traditional dry saunas Traditional steam rooms Traditional dry saunas and steam rooms affect hair in very different ways. Finding the best environment and maintaining a healthy scalp is key to restoring maximum hair wellness!

Sauna hair damage refers to damage or undesirable changes to hair due to exposure to sauna heat and steam on a regular basis. The extreme temperatures of a sauna can reach upwards of 195°F. This intense heat can dehydrate your hair, making it dry, fragile and prone to split ends.

Traditional steam and infrared saunas are very popular in the United States. If you have colored, bleached, or overall dry hair, you might experience an increase in breakage from your sauna therapy. While steam can temporarily add moisture to the air, it doesn’t do a great job of hydrating your hair.

If you have access to towels or shower caps, the risk is at least partially mitigated. To get a clearer picture of sauna hair damage and how to fix it, continue reading. They recently shared information and advice to make sauna use safer in order to better protect your hair!

What Heat Does To Hair

Heat from saunas is intense. The damage it can cause to hair, particularly with repeated use, is enormous. In dry sauna rooms, the air heats up quickly. This heat literally sucks moisture out of everything, hair included. Those of us who live in Los Angeles or any other super dry area can probably relate to the feeling of drier hair after a sauna visit.

Hair begins to feel rough and porous. The effects of heat on hair include increased frizz and split ends. Some people experience increased breakage when they go in frequently.

The sauna's intense heat effect

The longer hair sits in extreme heat, the more the cuticle—the outside protective layer—starts to lift. This causes the hair to be completely stripped down. It absorbs moisture very quickly, but then loses it just as quickly.

If this is followed by a conditioner, you’ll notice that your hair will seem much softer. Eventually, excessive heat can cause hair to become brittle. The strand becomes ruffled, fades in luster, and will break if you tug on it. Many folks will put on a hair bonnet or head wrap to help reduce this wear and tear.

Moisture stripping explained

Heat doesn’t only screw up the outside. It’s not just the surface that gets damaged—it can alter the internal structure of every hair as well. With every sauna session, hair gets stripped of its natural oils.

These natural oils prevent breakage by making each strand supple and resilient. Once they’re out, moisture is free to escape and dryness follows. Sweating in the sauna only compounds the issue. Since sweat is high in salt content, it can further strip the hair of moisture. This can lead to increased split ends and weakened hair.

Hair structure under stress

Now, saunas do have their advantages. The heat can increase circulation to the scalp. Many believe this stimulates hair growth.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s hair is unique. Thicker, curlier hair tends to be more heat resistant than thinner or color-treated hair. Given that, it’s not surprising to think that sessions should be no longer than 10-15 minutes. Using a hat or wrap to cover hair can go a long way, regardless of hair texture.

Is Sauna Actually Bad For Hair?

Saunas are a common feature in gyms and day spas throughout Los Angeles and other cities. Considering the impact on hair health, it’s critical to consider the benefits versus potential risk. The real issue here is heat.

Extreme temperatures can remove essential moisture, dehydrate hair fibers and cause the scalp to feel taut and rough. This is a major culprit for split ends and breakage—particularly for color-treated or naturally dry hair. On the other hand, sauna heat increases circulation to the scalp. For some individuals, this improved blood flow can promote hair growth.

These aren’t all negative effects! It truly depends on how you prepare and care for your hair. Before stepping in, a few simple steps can help:

• Wet your hair first to lower heat shock.

• Use a leave-in conditioner or hair mask.

• Wear a sauna hat or wrap hair in a thin, dry towel.

• Detangle hair to cut down on breakage.

• Skip styling products that can react with heat.

In your sauna session, don’t overdo it. Many hairstylists recommend that you only spend 10–15 minutes in a sauna at a time. Sauna hats provide more than just aesthetic appeal! They aid in the diffusion of heat all over your head, ensuring that your hair does not dry out.

If you feel adventurous, try putting on a deep conditioner or mask before you go in. That’s because the heat here helps to open up the hair cuticle, allowing treatments or conditioning masks to really soak in. Everyone’s hair is a little different, and what works for one might not work for another.

Smart Sauna Hair Protection Steps

Sauna heat can severely dry out your locks and open up the hair cuticle layers, leading to hair dryness and potential hair dehydration. To ensure hair is protected, following sauna hair care tips before, during, and after each sauna session can greatly benefit your overall hair care regimen, keeping your hair healthy and strong.

1. Prep hair before steaming

Applying a moisturizing leave-in or cream before entering the sauna locks hydration into each strand. A leave-in conditioner or light hair oil is your best bet, providing a solid first line of defense.

Wrapping hair in a damp towel or wearing a sauna hat reduces direct heat exposure. This is particularly important for readers with fine, color-treated, or delicate strands. These types can dry out almost twice as quickly as coarse or virgin hair.

Limit sessions to 5 to 15 minutes. Taking this preventative approach reduces the risk of dryness, which is particularly relevant when using hot, dry Finnish saunas that induce heavy sweating.

2. Shield strands during sauna

The more loose hair the better. Roughly pulling hair back into tight buns or ponytails adds tension. This increases the likelihood of it breaking under heat.

In case you do need to tie hair back, use a really gentle scrunchie, or wear your hair in a low, loose ponytail. Applying a hair mask before stepping into the sauna offers an additional level of protection.

Enhance protection for your locks. It increases hydration and protects them from the heat. Leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing out.

3. Cool and care after heat

Once you’re out of the sauna, lather hair with a mild, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to rinse away sweat and other buildup. Massaging a small amount of hair serum into hair seals in moisture.

These steps are crucial for any hair type, but most notably for bleached, relaxed, or hair that is already on the dryer side. For thick, coarse hair and for hair that is more prone to heat damage, moisturizing products and extra gentle handling are especially important.

Vulnerable Hair Types In Saunas

Dry or steam, both types of saunas can affect hair in various aspects. The dry heat in traditional saunas can draw moisture from the hair shaft quickly, making sauna hair care essential for those with coarse or curly hair types that are naturally more vulnerable to hair dryness. Hair can become increasingly dry and lackluster, and split ends can worsen after every trip. Those of us with color-treated hair know all too well the struggles of fading too quickly and getting dried out. The heat causes the cuticle layers to expand, which releases color molecules, emphasizing the importance of a strong hair care regimen.

Steam rooms, by contrast, saturate the air with humid heat, providing several potential benefits for hair. Moisture helps to more effectively retain hydration on the hair! However, it can be very damaging and lead to frizz for people with fine or porous hair textures. High humidity increases the diameter of the shaft and prevents the curl from bouncing back, which can be a concern for regular sauna users.

If you’re already prone to dandruff or a sensitive scalp, both sauna types can set off itch or flakes. While steam can help exfoliate the scalp by loosening dead skin, it can disturb the scalp’s pH balance — particularly when overindulged. This highlights the importance of incorporating sauna hair care tips into your routine to maintain a healthy scalp.

Wearing a sauna hat, typically crafted from light, breathable cloth like cotton or felt, works wonders by blocking excess heat and retaining moisture. Keeping each sauna session to 10 or 15 minutes will help prevent damage. A few seconds of cool water rinse, and/or hair mask or leave-in repairer, restores it, further enhancing your hair care products' effectiveness.

Thick and normal hair types usually respond well to increased blood circulation in the scalp area. This increase in blood flow can help hair grow thicker and healthier in the long run, supporting overall hair care. As with most treatments, each individual’s results will depend upon their baseline hair health and post sauna care, making personalized hair care crucial.

Incorporating sauna usage into your wellness routine can be beneficial, but it's vital to be mindful of potential hair dehydration. With the right sauna hair care strategies, you can enjoy the benefits of sauna bathing while ensuring your hair remains vibrant and strong.

Dry Heat Vs. Wet Steam

Healthy scalp equals healthy hair. Scalp health is at the foundation of beautiful, healthy hair. Whether you choose a dry or wet sauna, the sensations you feel when entering one are immediate. This can turn out to be a blessing or a curse, depending on the sensitivity of your scalp and your hair care routine.

Dry heat, the type used in most traditional saunas across Los Angeles, is much more tolerable. This is doubly true for people who can’t tolerate heavy, hot, wet air. People who have eczema or psoriasis usually like dry heat. It won’t add to the itch or flare-ups that can be caused by excess humidity.

With either method, you may notice tightness on your scalp or hair. If you’re not careful, you may start to see some flakiness!

Wet steam, as found in typical spa steam rooms, produces a thick warm mist. People really, really rave about it for getting junk out of their skin and helping with chest tightness. It helps to open skin’s pores while allowing for deep cleansing to become easily accessible.

Whether you’re battling a cold or just have an occasional cough, this wet heat can quickly break things up. Not everybody is a fan of wet steam. For others, it makes hair flat. It over-softens the scalp, potentially disrupting the natural oil balance.

Dry and wet heat both draw moisture out of your body. At these high temperatures, dry saunas can cause severe dehydration, which can have detrimental effects on both the scalp and hair. Wet steam is a little softer, though it can dry out your skin if you overdo it.

Just like our skin and hair, everyone is different and we all have our own individual needs. Some prefer dry heat because it is easier to manage and less messy. Others choose wet steam because they want that deep clean.

Your Scalp: The Unsung Hero

Often forgotten in sauna discussions, the scalp plays a key role in maintaining healthy hair. Using a sauna regularly is another good way to increase blood flow to the scalp, which is one of the many benefits of sauna usage. This increased circulation nourishes the roots, creating ideal conditions for hair growth in the long run.

In cities like Los Angeles, you can find them in most gyms, spas, and wellness centers. Many people have felt these effects themselves. Sauna heat additionally works by opening up pores on the scalp, making it easier to follow effective sauna hair care tips. This is ideal for removing accumulated sweat and residue, refreshing the scalp.

It’s the type of deep clean that most people struggle to achieve with a regular shower. The story does not end there. In response to all that heat, the scalp often produces additional oil, or sebum. This can cause hair to become oily more quickly than usual, particularly in hot, arid environments where sweat combines with sebum.

It’s not all doom and gloom. That same heat can be your secret weapon, acting like a deep conditioner. The humid environment in a sauna works to soften hair and can improve its natural shine, which contributes to an effective hair care regimen. Excessive heat can cause increased hair loss for others.

That’s the reason why regular sauna-goers often notice increased hair fall. This is not necessarily an indicator of harm. It might feel overwhelming, but taking baby steps is the key. Putting on a sauna hat will help maintain heat evenly and protect tresses from being parched.

Taking a shower after sauna eliminates sweat and grime. I’ve heard some people swear by applying a light coat of conditioner or oil beforehand to protect your hair. This simple trick can go a long way in locking in moisture, preventing the scalp from becoming overly dry.

These small habits can make a real difference for anyone who enjoys sauna time but wants to keep their scalp and hair in top shape, ensuring healthy hair growth and vitality.

Conclusion

While saunas are beautiful and relaxing, especially after a long day, all that heat can really dry your hair out in a hurry. People fortunate enough to have bleached or dyed hair experience this even further. Wet steam causes hair to swell, increasing the risk of breakage. Dry heat tends to strip moisture and can turn hair brittle. These are pretty simple fixes, which is what makes them helpful. Throw on a towel, spray with leave-in spray before sauna, or avoid the sauna after getting new color. The scalp is experienced in defending roots from trouble, but some additional support never goes amiss. In Los Angeles, where dry air further compounds the issue, that extra mile of care can make all the difference. Looking to avoid damaged, brittle hair? Experiment with these tips the next time you visit the sauna to discover what suits your hair best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can using a sauna cause hair damage?

So, yes, regular sauna use can lead to hair dryness, making it brittle and more susceptible to breakage. High heat removes natural oils and moisture, especially if you don't follow sauna hair care tips to protect your strands.

How can I protect my hair in a sauna?

Tip #2: Cover your hair with a towel or shower cap and apply hair care products like a leave-in conditioner before entering the sauna room. These sauna hair care tips help maintain hydration and protect against hair dryness.

Is dry heat or steam worse for hair?

Is dry heat or steam worse for hair? While dry heat can lead to hair dryness and potential hair dehydration, steam can infuse your hair with hydration, providing benefits for overall hair care.

Are certain hair types more at risk in saunas?

Certain hair types may be more at risk in saunas due to hair dryness, making them susceptible to damage from high heat during sauna usage.

Does sauna use affect the scalp?

The frequency of your sauna usage, pool visits, or hot tub sessions significantly impacts your hair health. Protecting your scalp is essential for maintaining balance, which is crucial for your overall hair care regimen.

How often is it safe to use a sauna if I care about my hair?

To protect your hair from damage during sauna usage, follow these sauna hair care tips and keep sauna use to 1–2 times per week.

Will using hair oils before a sauna help?

Will using hair oils before a sauna help with hair care and protect my hair from potential moisture loss and heat damage during sauna usage?