Why alfalfa hair sticks up?
As part of our Know Your Body series, we have covered some fascinating aspects of the human body. Today, we will discuss the alfalfa stick-up, the phenomenon where hair strands stand up or stick out, about which travel content creator Niharika Arora recently shared an Instagram reel. In it, she claimed that one shouldn’t ignore the same as it could indicate an impending lightning strike, urging all to take cover. “In some situations, especially outdoors, if you notice your hair standing up and you feel a tingling sensation, it could be a warning sign that lightning is about to strike. This occurs because the electric field in the atmosphere is increasing rapidly, which can happen right before a lightning strike. If you find yourself in such a situation, it’s important to take immediate action,” shared Arora.
She suggested a few measures one can follow at such times.
1. Get to safety: Seek shelter immediately, preferably inside a building or a car.2. Stay away from tall objects: Avoid trees, poles, or other tall objects.3. Crouch down: If you cannot find shelter, crouch down with your feet together and place your hands over your ears to minimise contact with the ground. Do not lie flat.
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Is there any truth to this claim?
Dr Karuna Malhotra, cosmetolog and aesthetic physician at Cosmetic Skin and Homeo Clinic, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi, said that hair standing up when outdoors could be a sign that lightning is about to strike, as it indicates the presence of an electric charge in the atmosphere. “This phenomenon is known as ‘electrostatic induction,’ where the buildup of static electricity causes your hair to rise. When lightning is imminent, the electric field in the area intensifies, potentially triggering this response,” said Dr Malhotra.
This could indicate lightning is about to occur (Source: Express File)
While this is a meteorological signal rather than a direct dermatological issue, Dr Malhotra noted that the skin and hair react to environmental stimuli, including electrical charges. “The human body can act as a conductor, and if conditions are right for a lightning strike, you may experience tingling sensations or feel your hair rise,” shared Dr Malhotra.
Agreeing with Arora, Dr Malhotra emphasised that while this sensation may seem harmless, it’s crucial to take immediate action. “If you notice this happening, you should quickly seek shelter to avoid being struck lightning. Being outdoors during a storm poses significant danger, and these bodily signals should not be ignored,” said Dr Malhotra.
She advised paying attention to your skin and environmental conditions to stay safe during electrical storms.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
