Can You Get Mold In Hair? Prevention Techniques Explored!

Fungal infections in the body are not uncommon these days. Today, we are discussing the possibility of getting mold in hair. Mold and other fungus can grow in hair although it is rare and can be preventable. Wet hair is ideal for these fungi to grow as they thrive in moist or damp conditions. The scalp becomes the breeding ground due to its natural oil and sweat. Remember, mold requires moisture, warmer conditions, and a food source for survival. 

Once these microorganisms invade hair, they cause many problems. Some of them are hair loss, scalp infections, and damaged hair. They can also cause allergic reactions, dandruff, and scalp infections. So, how do we tackle this problem? Well, there are many things we can do to prevent such conditions. Proper hair hygiene is required to mitigate these issues. 

As a rule of thumb, you should never sleep with wet hair; always ensure the scalp is dry and clean. If you suspect mold growth in hair using an antifungal shampoo should be your priority. You should also consult a healthcare professional if the problem persists. In this article, I will shed light on the major causes of mold in hair, how to treat them, and what you can do to prevent potential fungus infections on hair.

So without further ado, let us jump in. 

Can You Get Mold In Your Hair? Possible Ways

As explained earlier, it is possible to catch mold in your hair. That being said, it is not very easy for mold to invade your hair. Your hair’s natural defenses help you against mold. However, due to extreme cold conditions in the winter, molds and fungi sometimes override these defenses and grow in your hair. Now, addressing the question, ‘Is it dangerous?’, the answer is that it depends on many factors. 

A mold-like fungus termed dermatophytes causes scalp infection—tinea captis. Sharing towels and hair brushes increases the risks of infection. On top of that, mold infections can harm your hair and you can expect hair fall, brittle hair, and irritation as consequences. However, the good news is with proper treatment, you can get rid of this menace. 

Signs Of Mold In Your Hair

Mold infections in hair can be detected easily, as one may experience itching, scaly patches, and bald spots on the scalp. Moreover, it can also cause small blisters on the scalp, a condition known as ringworm infection. Below are a few symptoms that one should look at seriously.

✅ Musty odor: The presence of mold spores causes a wet mildew smell from your hair. This is a clear indication of the presence of mold.

✅ Dandruff: An increase in dandruff, which appears more yellowish and clumps together, is a visible sign of molds in your hair. 

✅ Inflamed patches: An inflamed patch on the scalp is often a result of molds thriving on the hair. It can cause itching and discomfort.

✅ Changes in hair texture: Hair becoming brittle or tangled is another sign of a mold’s incursion. 

✅ Scalp irritation: Itching and redness of the scalp can be an allergic reaction to mold.

✅ Hair loss: The presence of mold in your hair can cause inflammation and as a result, the functions of hair follicles are restricted leading to rampant hair loss. 

Causes Of Mold In Hair

It is observed that the primary cause of the growth of mold in the hair is exposure to moisture. Wet hair prepares a fertile environment for these microorganisms to thrive. Another factor is the seemingly poor scalp hygiene; not washing, or drying the hair. Environmental factors such as high humidity in the living spaces cause the mold to spread without any problem from person to person. 

Preventing Mold In Hair

Mold can be a cause of concern for many and here we will discuss some proven ways to eliminate them. Refer to the content below.

✅ Wash and dry your hair: Washing and drying one’s hair is the most important method to prevent mold infection on your hair.

✅ Do not share hair brushes: Never comb your hair with a hairbrush used by somebody else.

✅ Wash your hands frequently: Washing your hands using soap is another way to prevent getting hair molds.

✅ Keep your scalp neat and clean: Always dry your hair using a towel after bathing to avoid moisture on your scalp.

✅ Clean your hair brushes and comb: Cleaning up your hair brushes occasionally can prevent the spread of molds.

How to treat mold In Hair?

Although there are a few methods to treat mold, the treatment plan has to be chosen carefully depending on the extent of your problem. In most cases, developing habits of cleaning hair regularly and drying the scalp works effectively. However, in some cases, antifungal medication is required for a sustainable solution. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional if the problem persists.

Other Fungal Infections On Hair

Hair is prone to many fungal infections and due care should be taken to prevent inflammation in the scalp for growing thick and lustrous hair. One should be on guard against potential infections listed below.

• Folliculitis
• Impetigo
• Scalp psoriasis
• Scleroderma
• Lichen planus 

Conclusion

In this article, we had an overview of mold and saw some of its leading causes. We also discussed the common symptoms and the steps that should be taken to prevent its spreading. We concluded with a mention of the other possible fungal infections affecting hair. Hair health is an important aspect of overall health and requires dedicated action to prevent problems.

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