Factors of Hair Damage in Boxing

Competing in the sport of boxing puts you at risk for several potential health problems, including brain damage. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, it’s estimated that 15 to 40 percent of ex-boxers have shown symptoms of chronic brain injury, and have at least some degree of brain damage. If you’re a boxer, taking a blow to the head has the potential to cause hair damage, especially in women. However, most hair damage occurs from preventable causes.
CAUSES
A common cause of hair damage and hair loss is poor hair care practices. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, poor hair care includes vigorously towel drying your hair when it’s wet, combing or brushing your hair when it’s wet, using a blow dryer or curling iron, coloring your hair, skipping conditioner, wearing hair extensions and wearing tight ponytails or braids. If you’re a boxer and wear a tight ponytail or braid you are more susceptible to hair damage if you take a blow to the side of your head, since hair can easily break or rip out in this situation.
STEROIDS
Some athletes, including some boxers, take steroids to help build muscle and increase strength and performance. According to TeensHealth, hair loss can occur in people who take steroids, such as testosterone. This form of hair loss may be irreversible and similar to male- or female-pattern baldness. Taking steroids can also cause increased hair growth in other parts of the body such as the face, neck or back.
POOR NUTRITION
If you’re a boxer, you likely undergo strenuous training on a regular basis. Therefore, you have increased nutritional needs compared to a non-athlete. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, nutrition-related causes of hair loss or damage include not consuming enough calories, protein deficiency, iron deficiency, weight loss and consuming too much vitamin A. Although minimum protein requirements for the general population are 46 grams per day for adult women and 56 grams per day for adult men according to the Institute of Medicine, athletes may require slightly more protein than this due to increased lean body mass, increased energy expenditure and increased protein demands for muscle building and repair.
PREVENTION
If you’re a boxer, you may not be able to prevent all hair damage or hair loss caused by severe blows to your head. However, you can help prevent some forms of hair damage by eating a healthy diet and maintaining good hair care practices. This includes not pulling your hair back tightly, especially during a boxing match.

Posted in: Boxing