Hair Loss. It’s a topic no one likes to think about, much less talk about. But, it’s real and something everyone needs to understand. Researchers believe that genes play a key role. But, there are also a significant number of unknow environmental factors that may also affect hair loss risk.

There has been new research into pollution as a possible trigger for hair loss. Light is now being shed upon a potential mechanism that may explain how air pollution causes hair loss.

There is  a new paper, “Effects of particulate matter on human dermal papilla,” that looks at the effect of so-called particulate matter on the cells at the base of hair follicles (human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs)).

After being exposed to PM10-like particles of dust and diesel, it was revealed revealed that exposure to PM10 and diesel particulate matter lowered levels of a protein key for hair growth. The protein is called beta-catenin. Additionally, PM10-like dust and diesel particulates lowered levels of other proteins that determine hair growth and hair retention.

It was reported that while the link between air pollution and serious diseases such as cancer, [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease], and [cardiovascular disease] are well established, there is little to no research on the effect of particulate matter exposure on the human skin and hair in particular.

It certainly is something to keep an eye on, and think about!