Haze and air pollution: what they may do to your scalp and hair

Haze is a familiar part of life in Malaysia, especially during dry spells when smoke from land and forest fires drifts across the region and the Air Pollutant Index (API) climbs. Alongside sore eyes, coughing and cancelled outdoor plans, some people notice their scalp feels itchier or oilier and wonder whether the haze is making their hair fall. Research on air pollution and hair is growing, and laboratory and association studies suggest pollutants can affect skin and hair follicles. However, there is still no good evidence that haze causes hair loss in people. This guide explains what is known, what is still uncertain, how to look after your scalp during haze season, and why protecting your lungs comes first.

(This is general information, not personal medical advice.)

Short answer

There is no good evidence that haze or everyday air pollution causes hair loss in people, although research in this area is growing. A 2024 review notes that hair follicles may be exposed to pollutants directly through the skin and indirectly through the bloodstream, that particulate matter can trigger inflammatory responses and has been associated with alopecia areata, and that the effects of pollutants on hair remain incompletely characterised ¹. An earlier expert review concluded that epidemiological and mechanistic studies suggest air pollution affects skin integrity ². The bigger health concern during haze is your heart and lungs: the WHO states that fine particulate matter causes cardiovascular and respiratory disease and cancers ³. In Malaysia, an API of 101 to 200 is classed as unhealthy and above 300 as hazardous ⁴. For your scalp, simple care is reasonable: wash based on how oily or dirty your hair gets ⁵, treat flaking if it appears ⁶, and see a doctor if shedding lasts more than a few months or you notice bald patches.

What haze is and why it matters for health

Haze is caused mainly by fine particles in the air, often from burning vegetation. Malaysia's Department of Environment reports air quality using the API, which ranges from good to hazardous and is linked to the National Haze Action Plan ⁴. The categories are:

Source for categories: ⁴.

The WHO estimates that outdoor air pollution caused 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide in 2019, mostly from heart disease, stroke, lung disease and lung cancer ³. Hair is a much smaller concern than these, which is why the priority during heavy haze is reducing what you breathe in.

What research says about pollution and hair

Pollution and skin

A 2014 review developed by European and Chinese experts summarised evidence that air pollution has detrimental effects on human skin and discussed protective measures ². The scalp is skin, so it is reasonable to expect it can be affected too, although most of the research focused on facial skin rather than the scalp.

Pollution and hair follicles

A 2024 review from the University of Miami described how hair follicles are particularly vulnerable to environmental exposures because they grow quickly and have a rich blood supply ¹. It noted that:

• particulate matter can trigger inflammatory responses and has been associated with alopecia areata;
• tobacco smoke and some chemicals have hormone-like effects with unclear consequences for follicles;
• some polyaromatic hydrocarbons, a group of combustion chemicals, have been linked to androgenetic alopecia;
• these effects remain incompletely characterised and need more research.

These are signals worth watching, not proof that breathing haze will make your hair fall. Most of the evidence comes from laboratory work and association studies, which cannot show cause and effect ¹.

Why your scalp may feel different during haze

Many people describe their scalp as itchier, oilier or more flaky during haze, especially in Malaysia's heat and humidity. Possible reasons include dust and particles settling on hair and skin, more sweating under hats or tudung, and changes in routine such as washing less often. Flaking can also come from dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis, which are common and treatable ⁶⁷. See scalp care in Malaysia's hot, humid weather and itchy scalp: common causes.

Practical scalp care during haze season

• Wash based on how oily or dirty your hair gets. The AAD says people with an oily scalp may want to shampoo every day, while drier or textured hair may need washing less often ⁵.
• Apply shampoo to the scalp. This helps remove built-up products, dead skin and excess oil without drying the lengths too much ⁵.
• Use conditioner on the lengths. Conditioner moisturises and detangles ⁵.
• Treat flaking. If dandruff appears, a medicated dandruff shampoo can help; the AAD suggests following the product instructions ⁶.
• Let hair dry properly. Dry hair and scalp after washing, especially before covering your hair.
• Change pillowcases regularly. This is simple hygiene during dusty periods.
• Be cautious with expensive "anti-pollution" claims. There is little good clinical evidence that such hair products prevent hair loss. See what a hair loss shampoo can and cannot do.

Protecting your health first

When the API is high, the general advice in Malaysia is to reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity, and for high-risk people such as older adults and those with heart or lung conditions to stay indoors more ⁸. Check the API before exercising outdoors, keep windows closed when the air is poor, and follow official health advice. If you have asthma or another lung condition, follow your doctor's plan.

Shedding after a difficult haze season

Hair fall that appears weeks or months after a haze episode is more often explained by other triggers. Significant illness, a fever, severe stress or a crash diet can trigger telogen effluvium, a temporary shedding that typically begins about two to four months after the trigger ⁹. If you had a bad respiratory infection during haze season, for example, the shedding may be related to that illness. Telogen effluvium usually settles once the trigger has passed. See sleep and hair loss.

Keeping track of your hair

If you are worried, a simple record helps you and your doctor. Take photos of your parting and hairline in the same light every few weeks, and note when shedding started, any illness, fever or stressful events, diet changes and new products. Shedding that began two to four months after an illness points towards telogen effluvium ⁹, while slow thinning over years with a family history suggests pattern hair loss ¹⁰. A record like this is often more useful than counting hairs on the pillow.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if shedding lasts more than a few months, if you notice round bald patches, a widening parting or receding hairline, or if your scalp is very itchy, red, painful or scaly. Round bald patches may suggest alopecia areata, which needs a proper diagnosis ¹¹.

Questions to ask your doctor

1. Is my hair loss pattern hair loss, temporary shedding or something else?
2. Could a recent illness or stress explain the shedding?
3. Is my itchy or flaky scalp dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis or another condition?
4. Which shampoo suits my scalp during haze season?
5. How often should I wash my hair?
6. Do I need blood tests?
7. Should I be concerned about my lungs during haze?
8. When should I come back if things do not improve?

Life in Malaysia

Haze episodes in Malaysia often coincide with hot, dry weather, school and outdoor event disruptions, and more time spent indoors with air-conditioning. Many people wear face masks outdoors, and some cover their hair. If you wear a tudung, choose breathable fabrics and let your hair dry before covering it; see hijab and hair loss. Check the API through official channels before outdoor exercise, and plan school runs, sports and errands for times when the air is clearer. Pharmacies sell many scalp products, and a pharmacist can help you choose a suitable dandruff shampoo; see hair loss products at the pharmacy.

Common myths

• "Haze makes your hair fall out." There is no good evidence of this in people; research is still developing ¹.
• "Anti-pollution shampoo protects against hair loss." There is little good clinical evidence for this claim.
• "Washing hair daily causes hair loss." Washing removes hairs that were already shed; the AAD says oily scalps may be washed daily ⁵.
• "A mask protects your scalp." Masks are for your lungs; scalp care is a separate, simpler matter.
• "Itchy scalp during haze means hair loss is coming." Itch is more often from dandruff, sweat or product build-up ⁶.

Common mistakes

• Blaming haze and missing pattern hair loss, alopecia areata or temporary shedding after illness.
• Skipping washes for days during haze and then dealing with flaking and itch.
• Scratching an itchy scalp hard enough to break the skin.
• Spending heavily on unproven anti-pollution products.
• Exercising outdoors when the API is unhealthy.
• Ignoring breathing problems while focusing on hair.

How a doctor can assess you

A doctor may ask when the shedding began, about recent illness, stress, diet, medicines and family history, examine your scalp, and arrange tests if needed ¹². They can tell whether the scalp problem is dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis or something else, and whether the hair loss pattern suggests pattern hair loss, alopecia areata or telogen effluvium. See hair loss treatment in Malaysia.

Bottom line

Research suggests air pollution can affect skin and that pollutants may influence hair follicles, but there is still no good evidence that haze causes hair loss in people. During haze, protect your lungs first, check the API and limit outdoor activity when it is high. For your scalp, wash based on how oily it gets, treat flaking, and let hair dry before covering it. If shedding lasts for months or you notice bald patches, a doctor can check the real cause.

Frequently asked questions

Does haze cause hair loss?

There is no good evidence that haze causes hair loss in people. Research on pollutants and hair follicles is growing, but most of it is laboratory or association data.

Can air pollution affect the scalp?

Reviews suggest air pollution can affect skin integrity, and the scalp is skin. Some people notice more itch, oiliness or flaking during haze, although the evidence is limited.

Should I wash my hair more often during haze?

Washing based on how dirty or oily your hair gets is reasonable. The AAD says people with an oily scalp may want to shampoo every day.

Do anti-pollution shampoos work?

There is little good clinical evidence that anti-pollution hair products prevent hair loss. A gentle shampoo used regularly is usually enough.

Should I wear a hat or cover my hair during haze?

Covering your hair may reduce dust settling on it, but the main health priority during haze is protecting your lungs and limiting outdoor activity when the API is high.

What API level is unhealthy?

In Malaysia, an API of 101 to 200 is classed as unhealthy, 201 to 300 as very unhealthy and above 300 as hazardous.

Can stress or illness during haze season affect hair?

Significant illness or stress can trigger temporary shedding a few months later, so hair fall after a difficult period is often from that rather than the haze itself.

When should I see a doctor?

See a doctor if shedding lasts more than a few months, if you have bald patches, or if your scalp is very itchy, painful, red or scaly.

Educational content. Not medical advice.