Do infrared saunas affect your hair?
Infrared saunas are not only harmless, but can actually contribute to hair health. Infrared therapy is known to improve blood circulation and promote detoxification processes. This overall improvement in health and well-being can be beneficial for hair growth. In addition, infrared sauna technology can increase the production of collagen and elastin, both of which are beneficial for hair strength and growth.
To understand how infrared saunas affect hair health, let’s take a look at the science of hair growth and the principles of infrared technology. A healthy scalp is a prerequisite for healthy hair growth, and proper scalp hydration is essential. A well-hydrated scalp ensures optimal functioning of hair follicles and supports strong hair growth. Conversely, a dry scalp can weaken hair and reduce its growth potential. Infrared saunas indirectly support a healthy scalp and hair by promoting detoxification and blood circulation.

How to protect your hair in an infrared sauna?
It’s important to note that infrared saunas are very different from steam rooms or traditional saunas. Infrared heat works by penetrating the body and warming you from the inside out. However, if you’re concerned about the heat, simple precautions like wrapping a damp towel around your hair can provide additional protection.
If you’re still concerned that an infrared sauna could be damaging your hair, here are some ways to protect your hair:
After your sauna session, rinse or wash your hair to remove sweat and dirt.
Use a hair conditioner or leave-in conditioner before or after your sauna session to nourish your hair. Just make sure it’s natural and won’t damage your hair.
Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your sauna session to stay hydrated.
Gently massage your scalp to stimulate hair growth and improve circulation.
Avoid using hair products such as gels or mousses, as many of these products contain alcohol, which can further dry out your hair during infrared sauna sessions, making problems worse.
The Science of Infrared Saunas and Hair Health
Infrared saunas work with a spectrum of light that is directly absorbed by the body, creating a warming effect from within. This method is gentle on the hair and scalp, unlike traditional saunas, which heat the air around you, often causing excessive sweating and potential hair dehydration. The most important benefit of an infrared sauna for hair is its ability to improve blood flow and circulation. Improved circulation means more nutrients and oxygen reach the scalp, creating a healthy environment for hair.
Comparison to other types of saunas
Traditional steam and Finnish saunas heat the air around you, which can cause intense sweating and potential hair and scalp dehydration. In contrast, infrared saunas create a gentler environment by focusing heat directly on the body and preserving the natural moisture of the hair.
Benefits of infrared saunas for hair:
Improved blood circulation: By stimulating blood flow, infrared saunas help deliver essential nutrients to the scalp, strengthening hair follicles.
Detoxification: The deep sweating caused by infrared saunas helps to remove toxins from the body, which can also be beneficial for scalp health.
Stress reduction: Stress is a known factor in hair loss and thinning. The relaxing effects of infrared saunas can help reduce stress and indirectly improve hair health.
Collagen and elastin production: Infrared light has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which can contribute to stronger, healthier hair.
Additional hair care tips
In addition to using a sauna, it is very important to follow a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals essential for hair health. Regular hair care, such as gentle washing, avoiding excessive heat styling, and using natural hair care products, can also go a long way in maintaining healthy hair.