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ORIGINAL RESEARCH
The Invisible Threat to Hair and Scalp
from Air Pollution
1
College of Pharmacy, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
2
College of General Education, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
Submission date: 2023-11-05
Final revision date: 2024-03-09
Acceptance date: 2024-04-27
Online publication date: 2024-08-05
Publication date: 2025-01-09
Corresponding author
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2025;34(2):1745-1753
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
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.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
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