Regular physical activity is generally recommended for good health. But is there a limit that shouldn't be exceeded when it comes to hair health? The answer is yes.
Sport is beneficial for overall health and even for hair health, but as with anything, excess can become harmful.
Sport: yes, but in moderation.
When practiced in moderation, exercise improves blood circulation, promotes nutrient delivery to hair follicles, and stimulates hair growth. It is therefore beneficial and recommended, provided it is not overdone.
It's essential to listen to your body. If exercise intensifies hair loss, reducing the frequency or intensity can be beneficial. Conversely, if intense exercise is well tolerated, there's no problem.
Each person is unique: hair health is managed on a case-by-case basis.
Sport remains beneficial for the body and mind, provided that one does not go to extremes.
Excessive exercise and hormonal imbalances
Excessive physical activity can lead to hormonal changes, including an increase in the production of androgens such as testosterone.
This increase can promote the production of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone directly involved in hair loss and recognized as one of the main causes of androgenic alopecia.
Intense exercise and nutritional deficiencies
When excessive exercise is combined with an overly restrictive diet, the body can quickly become deficient in essential nutrients for healthy hair (proteins, iron, zinc, vitamins, etc.).
These deficiencies can then cause or worsen hair loss, unless they are compensated for by a balanced diet or appropriate food supplements.
Physical stress
Intense physical exercise represents a significant stress for the body.
This stress can trigger telogen effluvium, a temporary hair loss.
Indeed, excessive exercise increases the level of cortisol, the stress hormone, which is also a recognized factor in hair loss, even temporary.
Sweat and scalp hygiene
Sport means sweating.
Without good hair hygiene, sweating can lead to an accumulation of salts, sebum and bacteria on the scalp.
This can cause irritation, slow hair growth and, in the long run, increase hair loss if the scalp is not properly cleansed.
Finding the right balance
The goal isn't to stop exercising, but to find the right balance between physical activity and hair health. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet, combined with proper hydration, is essential both for supporting physical exertion and for maintaining healthy hair.
When you engage in regular physical activity, a suitable hair care routine is essential. Washing your hair after each workout should become automatic to remove sweat, salts, and bacteria that accumulate on the scalp. If you're worried about washing your hair too often or causing excessive oiliness, it's recommended to use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo suitable for frequent washing, such as our No. 1 Thickening Shampoo .
It is also important to manage the physical and mental stress associated with intensive sports training. Incorporating relaxation exercises such as yoga or meditation, or simply scheduling proper recovery time, helps limit the increase in cortisol and protect the hair growth cycle.