Key Takeaways

• More importantly, saunas increase circulation and blood flow to the scalp while opening up pores. When used correctly, they improve the overall nourishment of hair and encourage a healthy scalp!

• Combined heat and steam have been shown to increase absorption of topical products. Plus, they’re great at bringing more shine to your hair, particularly when paired with the proper aftercare products!

• Hydration is key, too—even on and in hair. Always hydrate with water before and after your sauna session to combat hair dryness and dehydration.

• Protective steps like using a sauna hat, applying leave-in conditioners, and keeping hair clean and free from styling products can minimize potential heat damage.

• If you have color-treated, sensitive, or super dry hair, proceed with caution. In lieu of full-on shower cap bathing, opt for shorter sauna sessions to maintain your hair’s integrity.

• Infrared and traditional saunas each have their own special perks to offer your hair. Try a few different ones out to find the one that works best for your specific hair!

Increased blood flow Saunas increase circulation to your scalp, which can lead to healthier hair. Not only do these help to open hair cuticles, but they help to get moisture to penetrate.

The heat and steam in American saunas can work to loosen up any product buildup and oil. Plus, it makes your hair look shinier and feel healthier.

However, overdoing it by visiting regularly or spending too much time could result in dry locks. To avoid damage and dry hair, most Americans would probably wash their hair and then provide some type of moisturizing after sauna use.

In the Tips and Risks sections, they dive deeper.

What Happens in a Sauna?

What actually happens to our bodies when we step into a sauna? This environment is famous for relaxing muscles and allowing the body to sweat out toxins. Increased blood circulation is one of the benefits. Saunas increase circulation, which can improve blood flow to the scalp and keep hair follicles vigorous.

The effect of sauna heat and steam on your hair and scalp health differs a lot. It really just comes down to the kind of sauna you’re using and how you approach your sauna session!

Understanding sauna heat and steam

Typical temperature varies between different types of saunas. Most traditional Finnish saunas are in the range of 160–194°F, whereas infrared saunas are cooler, around 120–150°F. Steam rooms, in contrast to dry saunas, use wet heat by increasing the humidity to near 100%.

Humidity prevents the scalp from drying out quickly and can reduce hair breakage. The dryness of these saunas can strip hair of moisture if it’s not well protected. Conversely, steam opens up hair cuticles, allowing a deep conditioner or mask to penetrate more effectively.

Other people will wear a shower cap and a wool hat to trap the moisture. Some people like a sauna hat, usually made of wool or felt, to protect your hair and keep the top of your head at a consistent temperature.

How your body reacts

Your body goes into overdrive to cool down in the sauna, including the production of sweat. The combination gets your sweat glands working to flush impurities from your skin. The heat increases your heart rate and improves blood flow.

This can stimulate more blood flow and nutrients to your scalp, which boosts hair growth. You may find that your hair is softer or slightly frizzy following a sauna session. Most importantly, many seekers of sauna experience mental relief—stress and tension melt away in a sauna.

Setting the stage for hair

Prior to entering, make sure your hair is clean and free of heavy styling products. Don’t forget to use a protective treatment too! Avoid humectants such as glycerin, which can cause a bad reaction when heated.

A simple list: shampoo, a deep conditioner, a plastic cap, and a sauna hat. Protect your hair from heat damage by keeping your sauna session short—10-15 minutes should do the trick. Get ready for your hair to be silkier! Just remember that it will be a little fluffier or wilder until your next wash.

Sauna's Hair Perks Unveiled

The benefits of sauna use are more than relaxing sore muscles. If you’re an Angeleno (or any other city dweller), do yourself and your beauty regimen a favor by incorporating regular sauna sessions. They can have special perks for your hair health!

The combination of heat and steam offers a multitude of benefits that work wonders on the scalp and hair. The results are contingent on using the right products and everyone’s unique hair texture.

1. Boosts scalp blood flow

When you sit in the sauna, the heat increases your heart rate and causes blood vessels to dilate. It increases circulation, even to your scalp. Increased blood flow means increased oxygen and nutrients delivered to our hair follicles, giving them the support they need to produce healthy hair.

This increased blood flow can help nourish your hair follicles, leading to healthier, stronger hair and even reducing thinning for some. Increasing your blood circulation helps deliver all of these necessary tools to your scalp.

All this encouragement allows new strands to flourish and keeps them flourishing!

2. Opens up scalp pores

Just like your skin, your scalp has tons of pores. Open pores allow for more thorough cleansing to remove sweat, oil, and residual hair products. This can be useful in aiding the prevention of buildup that suffocates hair growth.

Many find that introducing a mild scalp exfoliator immediately after a sauna improves product penetration. This treatment is ideal for letting all of your other products absorb deeper!

Just be sure to thoroughly rinse your hair and scalp to remove any sweat and debris.

3. Enhances product absorption

The heat and humidity in the sauna make hair care treatments more effective. Post-session, your hair and scalp are primed to absorb all those deep conditioners or growth serums you’ve got waiting in your rotation.

Good choices are moisturizing masks, leave-in treatments, and light oils such as argan or jojoba. Allow your hair to cool down slightly before applying products for optimal results.

Pat and shut for best results!

4. Reduces stress, helps hair

We all know stress can make our hair fall out. Taking regular trips to the sauna can help you unwind both physically and mentally, leading to fewer stress-induced hair problems.

Reducing stress levels too contributes to overall wellbeing, which makes maintaining a healthy routine much more realistic.

5. My secret to shiny locks

Glossiness is the result of hydration and flattened cuticles. While saunas can indeed help your hair retain moisture, excessive heat can actually make your hair dry.

Apply a few drops of coconut or almond oil onto your hair post-sauna to add shine. As with any beauty treatment, consistency is key to maintaining lustrous locks.

Sauna and Hair Loss: The Real Story

The popular belief Many people believe that saunas lead to hair loss, but in reality the situation is more complicated. While many people associate hair loss with the extreme heat of the sauna, shedding can result from a variety of factors—genetics, stress, nutrition, or illness. Then there’s Los Angeles, where the dry air and obsession with all things wellness has made saunas ubiquitous.

When used responsibly, most experts will tell you that sauna use should not result in long-term hair loss. Well, you’re right, as long as you know a few important things before climbing in.

Can saunas make hair fall out?

So no, saunas don’t cause permanent hair loss. For some individuals, it is more noticeable when they see more strands in the shower or on a towel after a session. In most cases, this shedding is temporary.

This is possible since heat opens pores, causing weak or loose hairs to shed earlier. That doesn’t mean new, healthy hair can’t regrow, though. Staying on top of fundamental hair care—such as mildly cleansing and steering clear of aggressive products—reduces this transient shedding. Unless someone is already prone to hair loss, sauna use itself isn’t going to be the culprit.

Heat’s effect on hair strands

Extreme sauna temperatures, which may even reach 100°C, can contribute to the hair becoming dry or brittle. Excess heat may strip away natural oils that protect hair fibers from damage. Short, moderate sessions are usually no problem, but prolonged or excessive heating may result in split ends or lackluster strands.

For extra protection, throw on a towel or use a leave-in conditioner to insulate strands from the harsh heat.

Dehydration: a hidden hair risk

Since sweating in a sauna pulls moisture from all things, you can expect that it will pull moisture out of your hair. It may manifest itself as dandruff, itchy scalp or hair that is brittle and breaks easily.

By chugging water before and after each sauna session, and using hydrating masks, you can still enjoy the benefits without damaging your hair. Pay attention to the moisture level of your strands—if they feel parched or coarse, work on upping their hydration.

When to be cautious

Certain hair types—such as color-treated, brittle, or thinning hair—require additional attention. Signs of heat damage are split ends, breakage, or a lackluster appearance.

If you’re already experiencing hair loss or scalp concerns, it might be best to spend less time in the sauna, or at lower heat. Be mindful of how your scalp is feeling during and after your session.

Smart Sauna Hair Care Tips

Protecting your hair from the heat and humidity of the sauna while reaping all its benefits in Los Angeles requires a savvy, deliberate strategy. This combination of dry heat and sweating can be hard on hair. Keeping your hair healthy while using a sauna is absolutely possible, allowing you to reap the benefits of improved circulation to the scalp and a calm, clear mind!

Here’s where to find that happy medium.

Before you step in

Before you step in, apply a leave-in conditioner—or a light coating of coconut oil—to seal in moisture. Wearing a sauna hat or wrapping your hair in a towel protects strands from the direct heat.

Removing any styling products before you step in makes a difference, as product buildup can combine with sweat and clog your pores. Hydrate with plenty of water before your session, as saunas can dehydrate you quickly.

Protecting hair during sauna

• Wrap hair up with a moist towel or sauna hat.

• Limit heat exposure to 15–20 minutes.

• Stay away from sitting right under the hottest vents.

A wet towel will help insulate hair from the heat and protect it from dehydration. Sauna hats, which you’ll find in most spas around Los Angeles, provide easy protection from heat. The less time we spend in the sauna, the less damaging it is.

After-sauna hair TLC

Tip #5: Rinse hair ASAP upon leaving the sauna. This washes off all sweat and grime that accumulates on the scalp. Follow up with a serum or use an oil on towel-dried hair—steam and heat from the sauna opens the cuticle, allowing treatments to be absorbed.

Smart sauna hair care tip #2: Choose a gentle, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Make sure to allow hair to cool before trying to style or comb.

My go-to sauna hair routine

Why continuity of care is important? Consistency is key. My routine: pre-sauna oil, wrap in a towel, short sessions, rinse after, then scalp massage with oil.

A soft bristle brush helps to distribute your hair’s natural oils and promotes healthy blood circulation. Choose products suitable for your hair needs and adapt your routine accordingly.

Hair Types and Sauna Heat

Whether for relaxation, rejuvenation, or holistic treatments, saunas are all the rage in Los Angeles right now, but not every hair type reacts well to sauna heat. Whether your natural texture is curly, straight, or chemically color-treated, each requires a different care regimen. The intense heat serves to lift hair cuticles, allowing treatments like conditioners or hair masks to penetrate the hair more easily.

Conversely, when hair is dry or damaged, excess heat can lead to further deterioration. Many users have noticed that sauna heat increases blood circulation to the scalp, which may help stimulate hair growth. There’s a risk of heat damage, particularly in sessions over 10-15 minutes. This will help disperse the heat and provide your hair with some additional protection.

Sauna tips for curly textures

Don’t forget, curly hair is dry hair. Curly hair is very thirsty for moisture. Apply a leave-in conditioner before entering the sauna to help seal it in. While open, the cuticles allow conditioners to penetrate more deeply.

Excessive heat can cause curls to become dry and frizzy. Reduce the amount of time spent in the sauna, and be gentle with your curls afterwards, as always—use a wide-tooth comb and a moisturizing curl cream.

Straight hair in the sauna

For straight hair, it can end up looking weighed and flat out after a sauna. Apply a little moisturizing oil beforehand and create a loose braid or bun while you enjoy the heat.

Then, apply a smoothing cream and hydrate with plenty of water to maintain long-lasting sleek style.

Colored or treated hair care

Heat fades colored or treated hair, making it brittle and causing it to fade with heat. Consider color-safe masks and keeping hair covered with a towel or wide-brim hat.

Deep conditioning treatment is very important immediately following the sauna and monitor the hair closely for symptoms of increased dryness or color loss.

Sensitive scalps and sauna use

With sensitive scalps, especially, they can become itchy or even sore. Apply a calming serum beforehand, and cover up with a hat or towel.

Allow yourself to cool down afterwards, rinse your hair and scalp with lukewarm water, using mild products to prevent irritation.

Infrared vs. Traditional Saunas

Saunas have been used for centuries to promote relaxation and well-being. Their effects on hair are not all the same and depend on the kind of heat being applied. While both infrared and traditional saunas increase core body temperature, they achieve this through different means. Understanding these distinctions and nuances can better inform your approach to hair care and scalp health.

How infrared saunas differ

Traditional saunas heat the air temperature to create the heat that raises your body temperature. Their heat feels less intense, typically between 120 and 140 degrees F. That’s because this warmth produces a deeper sense of comfort without the need for heavy sweating.

Hair may be less affected due to the drier, cooler air. The milder heat stops your scalp from becoming dehydrated. This is helpful for those of us that have dry or brittle hair.

Infrared saunas are more convenient to install in the home and require less maintenance. The lower intensity heat helps to strengthen and nourish the hair. It softens, smooths, and protects from frizz and dryness — particularly appealing for customers with fine, color-treated hair.

Traditional steam and your hair

Unlike infrared saunas, which heat the body directly, traditional saunas must heat the air, typically between 176 to more than 200 degrees F. This is because the hot, humid air opens up the cuticle of the hair strand, letting moisture in but letting it out.

Regular, short sauna sessions hydrate the scalp and soften hair. Prolonged exposure in high humidity may lead to drying of hair or scalp irritation in sensitive individuals. A simple rinse post-sauna removes sweat and salt.

This prevents your hair from getting crunchy or tacky.

Which is better for hair?

Research indicates there isn’t a definitive answer when it comes to sauna types and benefits for hair. Both provide excellent health benefits such as relief of stress and improved sleep.

Ultimately, the decision is based on hair type, comfort level, and whatever makes the most sense for the individual. There’s no right answer, so trying both is the best way to learn what feels best for you.

Conclusion

So all that to say, relaxing in the sauna could leave your hair luxurious and shiny. The pros and cons of steam on hair Steam naturally retains moisture in hair, but excessive heat can lead to dryness or color fading. Those of us who live in LA know first hand the toll dry air and heat can take on your tresses. A sauna is a wonderful relaxing retreat, but proper maintenance really goes a long way. Use a nutrient-rich oil or hydrating leave-in spray. To protect fragile hair, keep it protected and wash it out with cool water when done. Choose the best sauna for your hair and overall needs—infrared is less intense, traditional steam provides additional hydration. Give it a shot and let us know what you’re doing that works. Allow your hair to be the canvas that shares what you want to say.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is using a sauna good for your hair?

The answer is yes, moderate sauna use increases circulation to your scalp, making your hair shinier and healthier. So, go ahead and enjoy the sauna — just be sure to protect your hair from too much heat.

Can a sauna cause hair loss?

There is no evidence that connects regular sauna use directly to hair loss. It is true that overheating or dehydration has the potential to damage hair, but with good hydration and care, this does not happen.

Should I cover my hair in the sauna?

Should I cover my hair in the sauna? It has the added benefit of keeping moisture locked in.

Does the type of sauna matter for hair health?

So whether you choose a traditional or infrared sauna, both can do a number on your hair. So when it comes to gentleness on hair, infrared saunas are at an advantage because the lower temperatures are a lot less harsh.

How can I protect color-treated hair in the sauna?

Treat it with a leave-in conditioner and wear a protective cover over your hair when you go into the sauna. This helps to keep color locked in and adds moisture, combating dryness.

Are saunas safe for all hair types?

While your hair isn’t completely immune to sauna heat, even if you have fine or damaged hair, it requires extra care! Make sure to use moisturizing products and don’t sit in there for a long time.

How often can I use a sauna without harming my hair?

To protect your hair, limit sauna sessions to 2–3 times a week. Make sure you always moisturize and hydrate your hair before and after every sauna session.