Is the Sauna Ruining Your Hair? How to Keep It Healthy in Heat, Humidity, and Infrared

The truth is that neither a traditional sauna, a steam room, nor an infrared sauna is inherently bad for your hair. Each can, however, challenge your strands in different ways if you do not take a few precautions. The intense heat, humidity, or infrared rays can affect moisture levels, protein structure, and overall hair health. Understanding the differences between these saunas and how they interact with your hair can help you enjoy the ritual without compromising your strands.

Dry Sauna, Steam Room, and Infrared: What’s the Difference?

Traditional Dry Sauna
This sauna offers high heat with low humidity. The hot, dry air can draw moisture from your hair, leaving it feeling dry, brittle, or more prone to breakage if you spend too long inside. Hair that is naturally dry, colored, or chemically treated is especially sensitive in this environment.

Steam Room Sauna
Steam rooms provide lower heat but very high humidity. The moist air can make hair swell and frizz, particularly fine, colored, or naturally delicate hair. While the moisture may feel hydrating at first, without proper care, the combination of heat and humidity can weaken strands and cause tangling.

Infrared Sauna
Infrared saunas work differently. Instead of heating the air around you, infrared light penetrates your body directly. The heat is gentler on your hair than a dry sauna, but it can still lead to moisture loss and frizz if your strands are not protected. Infrared saunas are especially popular for deep relaxation and circulation, so pairing them with a hair care ritual is key.

How Heat Affects Hair

Hair is made of protein and water, and both can be compromised by excessive heat. Whether it comes from a dry sauna, a steam room, or infrared rays, heat can weaken the hair shaft, disrupt the cuticle, and leave hair looking dull, frizzy, or limp. Color-treated or chemically processed hair is particularly vulnerable, but even healthy hair benefits from thoughtful pre- and post-sauna care.

Pre-treat with oil or mask
Before stepping into the sauna, give your hair a protective boost. Apply a few drops of a lightweight hair oil, like the Hair Growth Oil, to the mid-lengths and ends. If your hair tends to get oily, focus on the ends; if it’s dry, you can also include the scalp. This nourishes strands, locks in moisture, and forms a barrier against heat, ensuring your hair stays soft and resilient throughout your session.

Tie it up
Protect your strands from friction and excessive heat by styling them loosely. Opt for buns, braids, or twists that keep your hair contained without pulling too tight. Avoid tight hairstyles, which can snap fragile strands, especially when hair is warm and more susceptible to breakage.

Rinse and replenish
After your sauna, rinse your hair with cool water to close the cuticle. Follow with a nourishing conditioner, and apply a small amount of oil to the ends to restore hydration and shine.

Scalp care
Your scalp deserves attention as well. Using a Scalp Massager post-sauna stimulates circulation, helps rebalance natural oils, and supports healthy hair growth.

Final Thought

Whether you are indulging in a traditional dry sauna, luxuriating in a steam room, or trying the latest infrared sauna trend, your hair can thrive alongside your body rituals. By incorporating a few simple steps such as oil, gentle styling, rinsing, and massage, your strands can emerge soft, shiny, and healthy, perfectly complementing the glow you feel from head to toe.