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Tips to Minimize Seasonal Hair Loss

Aug 29, 2024 Guloor

What Is Seasonal Hair Loss?

You may have noticed that during specific times of the year, your hair sheds more than usual. This increased hair shedding happens when the season is changing.

The most common time is during the late summer and early fall months; however, it can happen in spring as well.

This phenomenon is known as seasonal hair loss, but it’s sometimes referred to as seasonal shedding or seasonal alopecia.

Before we go on, it’s worth mentioning that many scientific studies have assessed and proved the seasonality of hair loss, for example, Seasonal Hair Loss, 2010. It seems that humans, like many other mammals, such as sheep and hamsters, go through seasonal shedding, but it’s much less obvious in us.

Four Causes of Seasonal Hair Shedding

Multiple factors can contribute to seasonal hair loss. 

1. Hair Growth Cycle

The natural hair growth cycle consists of three phases:

  • Anagen: This is the growth phase during which new hair strands are produced and they grow about half an inch per month.
  • Catagen: This is the transitional stage during which hair growth slows down. Normally, about 3% of our follicles are in this phase at any given time.
  • Telogen: This is the resting phase (or shedding phase) during which the hair follicle becomes inactive (dormant). So, the hair strand doesn’t grow and by the end of this phase, it naturally sheds. Typically, 10% to 15% of our hair follicles are in this stage at any given time.
    Now, studies suggest that seasonal changes (such as environmental factors discussed below) affect the synchronization of these phases.
    This means that towards the end of summer and early fall, a higher percentage of our hair follicles enter the telogen phase (shedding phase) at the same time, leading to increased hair shedding.

    2. Environmental Factors

    A new season brings about changes in weather conditions, like lower temperatures and reduced humidity in fall compared to summer.

    In addition, our hair and scalp are exposed to sunlight during the summer months which can cause hair damage.

    All this means that our hair and scalp become drier and weaker by the end of summer, and as a result, we experience more hair shedding.

    3. Hormonal Fluctuations

    Long summer days influence melatonin levels as it’s produced during the night. So, in summer, less melatonin is produced.

    This hormone regulates hair growth, protects follicles from oxidative stress (which causes hair loss), and stimulates the production of melanin in hair follicles.

    So, this hormonal fluctuation may lead to more hair loss in the late summer and early fall weeks.

    4. Stress and Depression

    Stress is one of the main causes of hair loss in general (read our article about Stress-Related Hair Loss), and as we get closer to the beginning of fall, stress levels increase in many people.

    One reason can be returning to school and college for students, parents, and teachers. Another cause for this increased stress can be Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and its milder form, winter blues.

    Colder and shorter days in fall and winter affect people’s moods. Around 0.5% to 3% of the general population suffer from SAD, which is a seasonal depression. However, 10% to 20% of people experience a milder seasonal mood change (winter blues or subsyndromal SAD).

    This kind of depression can cause

    • anxiety and stress,
    • hormonal changes,
    • loss of appetite (which leads to poor nutrition),
    • and a lack of motivation for hair care.

    All these lead to an increase in hair loss.

    Overall, it’s important to remember that seasonal hair loss is a natural process that most people experience due to changes in the environment and physiological factors. So, there’s no need for concern and get more stressed about it! However, this doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t try our best to minimize its effects.

    How to Stop Seasonal Hair Loss

    There are a few simple things we can do to minimize or even prevent seasonal hair shedding. Just follow the tips below.

    Hair Care for Seasonal Changes

    • Keep your hair and scalp hydrated by applying a hydrating conditioner to avoid breakage and damage.
    • Only use gentle hair care products, like sulfate-free shampoos that don’t remove all the natural oil (sebum) from your hair and scalp.
    • Limit the use of heat-styling tools, like dryers, straighteners, etc.
    • Before heat styling, you can use a heat-protectant spray to minimize the damage.
    • Avoid pulling your hair with tight hairstyles, like ponytails and braids.
    • Make sure the water you’re showering with isn’t hard water. If it is, use filtered water to avoid hair and scalp damage.
    • It’s necessary to remove the split ends and damage by trimming your hair regularly.
    • Consider massaging your scalp to increase blood circulation in that area. This can stimulate hair growth.
    • Never forget that healthy hair needs a healthy scalp. Use argan or coconut oils to nourish it.

      Protect Your Hair from Environmental Factors

      • Although summer nights are short, you should get enough sleep during the night.
      • During hot days, avoid direct and prolonged sunlight exposure. You can wear a hat, or a scarf, or apply hair care products with UV protection.
      • During summer, we tend to shower more often, however, you should avoid over-washing your hair to avoid dry and fragile hair. Two to three times a week is enough.
      • After swimming, make sure you thoroughly wash your hair with pure water.
      • Manage your stress and depression by exercising, relaxing, or seeking professional help if necessary.

      If you still notice too much hair shedding during transitions between seasons, it’s a good idea to get help from a dermatologist.
      Gluoor welcomes your inquiries and provides you with the best products. As a company with quality and service, we believe that you will fall in love with us.

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