New research has found that hairdryers in hotel rooms are a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
Not only can they make you sick, but they could also cause dandruff and even hinder hair growth.
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It sounds extreme, but according to a trichologist it is absolutely true.
Jacqui McIntosh warns holidaymakers that the hairdryer in your hotel room could be the dirtiest item you use during your stay.
The research by ABC news found that hot appliances are often overlooked by cleaners, making them a breeding ground for bacteria.
“Let’s talk about the dirty truth about unhygienic hair dryers,” says Jacqui, Bellissima Hair Ambassador.
“They become breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi.
“When these nasty microorganisms get on your hair and scalp, they can cause infections and irritation, disrupt your hair follicles and slow healthy growth.
“Neglected hair dryers also harbor dust, mold and other invisible culprits.
“Not only are they unhygienic, they are also harmful to your scalp.
“Prepare for irritation, dandruff, and a flood of other hair woes like dullness, frizz, and even hair loss.”
Nowadays everyone is more conscious about hygiene than ever before. The last thing you want is your freshly washed hair to be full of bacteria.
Jacqui even warned that using a hair dryer in a hotel can ruin your healthy locks.
“If the vents are blocked, the heat distribution is disrupted,” she explains.
“Some parts of your hair are exposed to too much heat, leading to dryness, brittleness and split ends.
“Neglected hair dryers are time bombs that can explode at any moment.
The 4 Phases of the Hair Growth Cycle
Hair experts at Philip Kingsley shared the four stages of the hair growth cycle: Anagen, Catagen, Telogen and Exogen
Anagen phase:Also called the ‘growth phase’ or ‘active phase’, is the phase in which the cells in the hair root divide most rapidly, causing more new hair to be formed.
During the Anagen Phase, hair grows about half an inch per month [about six inches a year]and faster in summer than in winter.
This phase of the hair growth cycle lasts an average of three to five years.
Catagen phase:After the anagen phase, your hair cycle enters a short transition phase called the catagen phase. This phase marks the end of active hair growth and separates individual hairs from the blood supply and the cells that produce new hair.
About three percent of all hairs are in this stage at any one time and it lasts about 10 days.
Telogen phase:The third phase of your natural hair growth cycle is the telogen phase, a resting period during which hairs remain in their follicles but are not actively growing.
It is estimated that 10-15 percent of your hair is in the telogen phase at any given time.
The telogen phase lasts about three months or 100 days.
Exogenous phase:The final stage of the hair growth cycle, when individual hair strands release from their follicles and fall out.
Now the whole process starts again.
“If dirt builds up inside the appliance, it can overheat, increasing the risk of burning your hair or scalp.”
Plus, those cheap plastic nozzles can get very hot.
What is the solution?
Unfortunately, the options are limited.
You can take a lightweight hair dryer with you in your suitcase on holiday, but you can also just let it air dry.
Maybe your natural hair texture needs some rest.
