Is The Sauna Bad For Your Hair? Here's What Experts Say

As much as saunas are beneficial for your overall well-being, its effects on your hair can be a bit complicated. That’s because experts are divided on whether sauna heat harms or benefits hair. 

You see, there are sauna-goers who claim their health benefited by regular sauna sessions but at the cost of their hair. This includes everything from the heat hurting their locks to increased shedding. 

So, is the sauna bad for your hair or is it all a hoax? 

Well, that’s exactly what I’ve tried to answer based on the science behind sauna use and its impact on your hair. Also, I’ve shared expert insights to protect and boost your hair health as you hit the sauna for increased longevity.

Read on, and know everything about sauna and hair health. 

Is the sauna bad for your hair?

As I said earlier, the answer to whether or not is sauna bad for hair isn’t as straightforward. After all, while some sauna-goers complain about hair damage, others claim it actually improved their scalp health.

Sounds confusing, doesn’t it?

Let me make it simple for you. 

You see, excessive heat in the sauna can indeed lead to moisture loss, cuticle damage, and increased hair fragility. However, have a well-maintained sauna routine with age limit considerations and it will boost scalp circulation and improve your overall hair health.

So, it all comes down to your hair type, frequency of sauna use, and the protective measures you take.

This is exactly why it is important you understand how sauna exposure impacts your hair and what precautions you can take to minimize the risks.

How is the sauna bad for your hair?

​Let me begin by addressing the elephant in the room, i.e., how do saunas damage hair and what you can expect for hair health out of regular sauna bathing. 

Here’s a closer look at the negative effects of sauna if you don’t manage your sessions properly:

1. Moisture loss 
Being a sauna enthusiast myself, I've come to realize that while the heat feels great on my body, it can actually be tough on my hair. 

And it all starts with moisture loss where the high temperatures in saunas strip away the natural moisture in your hair. This dehydration leads to dry and brittle hair that's more prone to frizz and breakage. 

In fact, I’ve even noticed that when my hair is already on the dry side, exposure to sauna heat makes it worse. So much so that it ends up causing split ends and tangling. 

This is because moisture evaporates more quickly and the keratin structure of the hair weakens, making the strands more fragile. 

And if you have colored or chemically treated hair, this is especially problematic since your hair lacks the natural moisture-retaining properties of untreated strands.

2. Cuticle damage
Yet another effect that sauna heat has on your hair is cuticle damage. 

Cuticle is the outer layer of your hair shaft that acts as a protective barrier. And when you expose your hair to high temperatures, this outer layer opens up and increases hair porosity. 

In simple words, even though your hair absorbs moisture, it also loses it just as quickly and leaves the strands more susceptible to damage. 

In fact, I’ve seen this firsthand, where heat exposure has caused color-treated hair to fade more rapidly. So, while the sauna promotes better circulation and nutrient absorption, it also makes your hair more fragile and leaves it at the risk of breakage or split. 

3. Scalp sebum overproduction 
I’ve noticed that after a sauna session, my scalp sometimes feels oilier than usual. And it’s not just sweat but also the sauna’s heat that stimulates sebaceous glands in the scalp and leads to excess sebum production. 

This can happen with your hair too and make it appear greasy and weighed down. Also, the excess oil can lead to scalp irritation, more so if you have oily or acne-prone skin. 

Moreover, I’ve found that people who struggle with dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis experience worse symptoms. That’s because sweat mixes with oil and encourages yeast and bacteria growth, which irritates the scalp further.  

4. Hair shedding
One more downside that I’ve experienced with frequent sauna use is an increase in hair shedding. 

Here, the heat stresses the scalp and prolonged exposure to such high temperatures can cause hair follicles to enter the resting or telogen phase prematurely. And this leads to more hair fall than usual. 

I’ve seen this happen to a few patrons who noticed their hair thinning over time. In fact, constant heat also weakens their ability to grow hair as efficiently. 

5. Weakening of protein bonds 
Keratin is one of the primary components of our hair that gives it structure and elasticity.
However, the heat in saunas can weaken these protein bonds and cause the hair to lose some of its natural resilience. 

Over time, the hair that’s been exposed to excessive heat will lose its elasticity and become more prone to snapping when brushed or styled. 

Also, it becomes difficult to retain your hair’s natural shape. So, if you have curly hair, you might find that the curls have become limp and undefined. 

How is sauna good for hair?

A sauna is not necessarily bad for your hair. That’s because even though there are risks, sauna sessions can also positively impact your hair health if you do it the right way. 

All in all, here’s how sauna is good for your hair: 

1. Improved circulation to the scalp
One of the most significant benefits of saunas that I’ve come to love is the improvement in blood circulation to the scalp. 

You see, when you’re exposed to heat, oxygen and nutrient delivery to your hair follicles improve. This increased circulation helps nourish the follicles, which is crucial for promoting hair growth and preventing premature hair loss. 

So, with regular sauna use, your hair feels stronger and healthier. 

2. Natural deep conditioning 
Another reason I love my sauna sessions is the natural deep-conditioning effect they provide.

The heat in a sauna opens up hair cuticles and promotes better absorption of moisture and nutrients. And this is especially beneficial when you apply a deep-conditioning treatment or a nourishing hair mask before your sauna session. 

I personally love using a hydrating oil or leave-in conditioner before I step into the sauna. This combination of heat and hair-care product helps my hair feel softer and shinier. 

 3. Scalp cleansing
Saunas are a great way to detoxify the body, and the scalp is no exception. In fact, when I sweat in the sauna, I notice that my scalp feels cleaner and lighter.

That’s because sweat helps unclog pores and remove dirt, excess oil, and product buildup that can otherwise weigh hair down. 
 
What’s more?
​
If you’ve been dealing with an itchy scalp or mild dandruff, a sauna session can help clear things up by removing dead skin cells and impurities. 

Awesome, isn’t it?

 4. Strengthens the hair shaft 
Moderate sauna use can actually strengthen your hair, more so when combined with the right hair care routine. 
 
How?

Well, saunas ensure that your hair follicles receive a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients. And this leads to stronger and more resilient strands. 

For instance, I’ve noticed that after several sauna sessions, my hair feels more solid. Also, saunas improve scalp hydration as well as the overall texture of my hair, making it look shinier and healthier.

How to protect hair in sauna?

Now that you know does sauna damage hair, it’s about time I tell you how you can avoid this and actually benefit from the heat.

You can follow my tips to get the most benefits out of sauna bathing, which includes: 

1. Sauna headwear
Wearing a sauna hat or wrapping a damp towel around your head will shield your hair from direct heat. And this will help retain moisture and prevent excessive dryness in an Amerec dry sauna.

2. Pre-sauna hair care
Apply a conditioner or natural oil before entering the sauna as it will create a protective barrier and reduce moisture loss.

3. Post-sauna rinse
After your session, rinse your hair with lukewarm water to remove sweat and any residual impurities.

4. Hydration
Maintain overall hydration by drinking water before, during, and after your sauna session as this supports both your body's and hair's moisture levels.

Frequently asked questions

Can sauna heat cause hair loss?
No, sauna heat does not directly cause hair loss. 

However, excessive exposure to high temperatures can dry out the scalp and weaken hair strands, making them more prone to breakage. 

Also, if you already have a sensitive scalp or pre-existing hair loss issues, using a sauna without proper protection might exacerbate your condition.

Does a sauna help hair grow faster?
There is some evidence that sauna sessions improve blood circulation in the scalp, which, in turn, promotes hair follicle health and hair growth. 

Nevertheless, this effect is indirect and depends on other factors like genetics, diet, and overall hair care routine.

Is it safe to use hair products before entering a sauna?
It depends on your product. 
For instance, applying a light layer of coconut oil, argan oil, or leave-in conditioner can help create a protective barrier against heat. 

But that said, you should avoid alcohol-based styling products, gels, or sprays, as they can dry out the hair when exposed to high temperatures.

  How can you protect your hair in the sauna?
Here’s how you can keep your hair safe in the sauna:   

• Wear a sauna hat or wrap your hair in a damp towel.
• Apply natural oils or a leave-in conditioner beforehand.
• Avoid staying in the sauna for prolonged periods.
• Rinse your hair with cool or lukewarm water afterward.

 Are infrared saunas better for hair than traditional saunas?
Infrared saunas are generally gentler on hair because they heat the body directly rather than the surrounding air. This results in lower overall temperatures and reduces the risk of moisture loss and hair dryness compared to traditional high-heat saunas.
 
In fact, this also applies to far infrared vs near infrared saunas where the latter is more warm. 

Should you wash my hair after a sauna session?
Yes, but avoid using harsh shampoos. You can use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo followed by a hydrating conditioner.

Also, rinse your hair with lukewarm or cool water since it helps remove sweat or any residue.

Can you go to a sauna after coloring your hair?
I suggest you wait at least 48–72 hours after coloring your hair before exposing it to sauna heat. That’s because the high temperatures can open up the hair cuticle, causing faster color fading and increased dryness. 

If you must go, apply a protective oil or conditioner and keep your session brief.

Can you bring a hair mask into the sauna?
Yes, you can! A sauna’s heat can help open up hair cuticles, allowing deep-conditioning masks or oils to penetrate more effectively. 

However, make sure to rinse your hair afterward with lukewarm or cool water to seal the cuticles back up.

Conclusion

So far, you know whether or not is the sauna bad for your hair. Also, you can now take the right proactive steps to protect your hair from potential dryness and use the sauna for hair growth instead. 

Got more questions about sauna and hair health or simply need a sauna in your home? 
You can get in touch with us!
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At Steam & Sauna Experts, we are seasoned sauna installation experts with more than a decade of expertise installing top-of-the-line saunas across South Florida. And our inventory consists of industry-leading sauna accessories. 

Simply put, we’ve got all your home and commercial sauna needs covered on a budget.