Can Sauna Use Cause Hair Loss? Understanding the Effects of Infrared Saunas on Hair Health and Growth

Worried that sauna use might be causing your hair to thin? The intense heat and sweating in saunas can lead to scalp irritation, dehydration, and potential hair loss.

But don't panic, there are ways to protect your hair while enjoying the benefits of infrared saunas.

In this post, we will explore how saunas affect hair health and share tips to minimize any risks.

• Infrared saunas are gentler on hair compared to traditional saunas, reducing the risk of dryness.

• Protect your hair by covering it or using a deep conditioner before sauna use.

• Heat exposure can weaken hair over time, so moderation is key to prevent damage.

• Hydrate your hair with a nourishing conditioner or deep treatment after sauna sessions.

• Avoid direct heat exposure by sitting away from the sauna heater and tying long hair in a loose bun.

• For colored or chemically treated hair, use heat-resistant caps or towels to prevent damage and fading.

Saunas can have both positive and negative effects on your hair. The heat promotes blood flow to the scalp, which may help with hair growth.

However, it can also lead to dryness or brittleness if you’re not careful. Over time, frequent sauna use might weaken hair follicles.

Additionally, sauna exposure can irritate your scalp, potentially leading to flakiness. I’ve always loved the relaxing warmth of a sauna, but I’ve learned the hard way that without a little care, my hair can start to feel like straw—crisp and lifeless.

To protect your hair, it’s best to keep it covered or use a deep conditioner before stepping into the sauna.

Heat can dramatically affect hair structure, especially at high temperatures. As heat opens the hair cuticle, it allows moisture to escape, leaving strands dry and brittle.

According to research, hair exposed to temperatures above a critical threshold of 140 degrees undergoes irreversible structural damage.

Below this, changes are minor and linked to moisture loss, but above this point, the cuticle starts folding and breaking down. 

Human hair is constantly exposed to external factors like humidity, sunrays, and temperature, all of which influence its physical behavior.

Water plays a major role in hair’s biomechanical properties, and studies using relaxation tests show that immersion in water alters hair’s rheological behavior.

The generalized Maxwell model, used to analyze these results, highlights the correlation between water’s impact on hair structure and its chemical bond composition.

Around 200 degrees, the hair’s structure completely degrades. This shows why prolonged sauna exposure can weaken hair over time, making hydration and protection essential.

Infrared heat tends to be gentler on hair compared to the intense heat of traditional saunas.

Infrared saunas use lower temperatures, which reduces the risk of hair dryness or damage.

Traditional saunas, with their higher humidity, can cause hair to become brittle. As for preventing hair loss, infrared saunas may be better since they improve circulation, promoting healthier hair growth.

Using a sauna doesn’t necessarily lead to hair thinning for everyone, but excessive heat exposure can weaken hair follicles.

If you expose your scalp to high temperatures too often, it may cause shedding or breakage.

The effects vary from person to person, so moderation is key to maintaining healthy hair.

Sauna heat can strip away natural oils from your scalp, leaving it dry and irritated.

Frequent washing might seem like a solution, but over washing can also be harmful.

According to research, optimal scalp health is maintained when hair is washed five to six times per week.

In an epidemiological study, participants reported greater satisfaction with their hair and scalp condition at this frequency.

 A controlled study also showed that daily washing was more beneficial than weekly cleansing, with no signs of damage.

This suggests that balancing heat exposure with proper cleansing is key to keeping your scalp healthy.

The heat from the sauna can irritate the scalp, causing dryness, redness, or sensitivity. If you stay in too long, it may strip away natural oils, leaving your skin vulnerable.

For those with existing scalp conditions like dandruff or eczema, sauna exposure may worsen symptoms.

Frequent sauna use can lead to temporary hair thinning, but it’s generally not permanent.

The heat from the sauna can cause your hair to enter a shedding phase, but this is often short-lived.

Once sauna use is reduced, the shedding usually slows down, and hair regrowth begins. For most, the effects are reversible with proper scalp care.

Saunas can influence hormones linked to hair growth. Testosterone may rise temporarily, though research is unclear on whether this leads to shedding.

Cortisol, the stress hormone, can also increase, which might weaken hair over time.

Thyroid hormones, which help regulate hair growth, may fluctuate with heat exposure.

While saunas offer health benefits, frequent use could impact hormones affecting hair health.

"I've been using saunas regularly, and I wanted to share how they can help with hair regrowth! For me, it's been awesome.

Saunas increase blood circulation to the scalp, which delivers vital nutrients to hair follicles.

It also helps remove toxins that can contribute to hair loss. Plus, saunas reduce stress, a major factor in hair loss.

When I'm sweating away stress, my hair seems to grow better! Improved scalp health is another benefit.

The heat and steam open up pores, removing dead skin cells that can clog follicles. To supercharge my sauna, I add a few drops of rosemary oil to the water.

It smells amazing and stimulates hair follicles. I also make sure to drink plenty of water while I'm in there and enjoy some relaxing activities." — Yuko, a YouTuber who shares her sauna experience.

Regular sauna use can weaken hair over time if proper care isn't taken. High heat can reduce hair’s elasticity, making it more prone to breakage.

Repeated heat exposure may also affect keratin, the protein that keeps hair strong and smooth. If hair loses too many natural oils, split ends can become more common.

Different hair types react uniquely to sauna heat. Curly hair tends to become dry and frizzy as moisture is pulled out.

Fine hair is more prone to breakage, while high-porosity hair loses moisture faster. Oily hair may seem to benefit at first, but excessive heat can trigger increased oil production.

Men and women experience sauna use differently due to hormonal and physiological differences.

Men sweat more, while women may feel the heat more intensely. Sauna heat can also impact hormones—men might experience temporary shifts in testosterone, while women may notice estrogen fluctuations. These changes can influence hair health differently for each gender.

Sauna heat can be harsh on colored or chemically treated hair. High temperatures open the hair cuticle, causing color to fade faster.

If your hair is keratin-treated, excessive heat may weaken the treatment, causing frizz. To protect your hair, wear a towel or a heat-resistant cap in the sauna. Applying a leave-in conditioner before your session can help lock in moisture.

• Use Heat-Protectant Sprays – Create a barrier against high temperatures to prevent damage.

• Choose Strengthening Ingredients – Look for keratin, argan oil, and panthenol to fortify hair.

• Apply Natural Oils – Coconut and jojoba oil help lock in moisture and prevent dryness.

• Deep Condition Before Sauna Use – A nourishing hair mask hydrates and keeps hair soft.

“Just the tiny bit of moisture will tame fly-aways and hydrate tresses without leaving hair greasy looking,” says Dr. Stuart, a hair and scalp specialist.

Lightly dampening your hair with water before entering the sauna can help maintain hydration and prevent excessive dryness.

A leave-in conditioner adds an extra layer of protection, locking in moisture and reducing frizz.

To further shield your strands, consider wrapping your hair in a towel or wearing a sauna cap.

After your session, replenish lost hydration with a deep-conditioning treatment, and don’t forget to drink plenty of water to nourish your hair from the inside out.

Covering your hair in a sauna can help prevent heat damage. A sauna hat made from wool or felt is one of the best options as it helps regulate temperature.

If you don’t have a sauna hat, wrapping a cotton towel around your head provides a similar effect.

Wetting the towel before wrapping adds extra protection by creating a cooling barrier.

Colored or chemically treated hair benefits even more from these coverings, as they help prevent fading and dryness.

Limiting direct heat on your hair is key to preventing damage. Sitting away from the sauna heater can help reduce intense exposure. If you have long hair, tying it in a loose bun can help reduce heat exposure.

Avoid placing your head too close to the sauna’s heat source, as direct heat can weaken hair structure over time.

Rinsing your hair after a sauna helps remove sweat and prevent buildup. Using cool or lukewarm water is best, as hot water can strip natural oils.

Conditioning after rinsing is essential—opt for a hydrating conditioner that restores moisture and strengthens hair. Leave-in conditioners add extra nourishment and help detangle hair.

Washing your hair after every sauna session can strip natural oils and lead to dryness. Instead, try rinsing with water alone or using a lightweight leave-in conditioner to refresh your hair.

Dry shampoo can help absorb sweat and oil without overwashing. If you must wash your hair, use a gentle sulfate-free shampoo that won’t strip moisture.

Regular nourishing treatments can help combat sauna-related dryness. Deep conditioning once or twice a week replenishes lost moisture and strengthens hair.

Natural oils like argan, coconut, and olive oil provide extra protection when applied before a sauna session. Using a hydrating hair mask post-sauna helps repair any damage and keeps hair soft.

A sauna session can strip moisture from your hair, leaving it dry and brittle. Using a nourishing conditioner helps restore hydration and keeps your strands healthy.

Look for conditioners with ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, and keratin, which provide deep moisture.

If your hair feels extra dry, opt for a deep conditioner or a hair mask instead. Leave the conditioner in for at least five minutes to let your hair absorb the nutrients.

Heat from a sauna can deplete your hair's natural oils, leading to dryness. Deep conditioning replenishes lost moisture and strengthens the hair shaft.

It’s best to apply a deep conditioner after a sauna session rather than before, as your hair is more receptive to moisture after heat exposure. Leave the treatment on for about 10-15 minutes for maximum hydration.

After a sauna session, your hair is more vulnerable to damage, making heat styling a bad idea.

Using a flat iron or curling wand immediately after sauna exposure can weaken hair further, leading to breakage and split ends. Instead, let your hair air dry and avoid excessive manipulation. If you must style, use the lowest heat setting and a heat protectant.

If you plan to style your hair after a sauna session, applying a heat protectant is essential.

A good heat protectant creates a barrier against high temperatures and helps lock in moisture. Apply it to damp hair before drying or styling.

Post-sauna hair can be fragile, so detangling should be done with care. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to prevent breakage.

Start from the tips and work your way up to avoid pulling on knots. Applying a leave-in conditioner can make detangling easier and protect your strands from snapping.

Massaging your scalp after a sauna session boosts blood circulation and promotes hair growth.

Use gentle, circular motions with your fingertips to stimulate hair follicles. Adding a few drops of nourishing oil, like jojoba or coconut oil, can help combat dryness and improve scalp health.

Rinsing your hair with cold water after a sauna session can lock in moisture and enhance shine.

Cold water helps seal hair cuticles, making your strands smoother and less prone to frizz.

A quick cold rinse at the end of your shower can refresh your scalp and improve overall hair texture.