Overview
Millions of people worry about hair loss, and while there are many causes for it, the changing of the seasons is one less well-known one. You’re not dreaming if you’ve ever observed more hairs in your shower drain or brush at particular seasons of the year. Seasonal variations can have a big impact on hair loss, particularly in the fall and spring. What seasonal hair loss is, why it occurs, and—above all—what you can do to control and lessen its effects will all be covered in this essay.
Seasonal hair loss: what is it?
The term seasonal hair loss describes the brief rise in hair loss that many people encounter at specific times of the year. Late summer or fall, and sometimes spring, are when it is most frequently reported. Even though this type of hair loss usually doesn’t indicate a significant health problem, it can nevertheless be upsetting, particularly if the shedding becomes more obvious.
Seasonal Hair Loss Causes
Seasonal hair loss is caused by a number of physiological and environmental factors:
Sunlight and Hormonal Changes: Vitamin D levels, which are essential for healthy hair follicles, can be lowered by less sunlight exposure in the fall and winter. The production of melatonin and other hormones involved in the hair growth cycle are also impacted by this change.
Temperature and Scalp Health: The dryness of cold weather can cause irritation, peeling, and weakening of the hair roots by drying out the scalp. Hair loss may result from these situations, particularly if the scalp isn’t adequately protected or hydrated.
Stress and Lifestyle Shifts: Seasonal changes can throw off patterns, interfere with sleep, and increase stress levels. It is commonly recognized that stress can cause hair loss, especially telogen effluvium.
Dietary Changes: Eating patterns are frequently impacted by seasonal variations. A deficiency of vital nutrients including omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, and biotin can weaken the hair shaft and cause excessive shedding.
Important Characteristics of Temporary and Reversible Seasonal Hair Loss:
Diffuse Shedding: Unlike more severe disorders like alopecia areata, diffuse shedding occurs when hair falls out evenly across the scalp as opposed to in areas.
No Bald Spots: Unlike pattern baldness in men or women, seasonal hair loss usually doesn’t result in bald spots or noticeable thinning.
Ways to Control and Avoid Seasonal Hair Loss
Keep Your Diet Rich in Nutrients: Pay attention to foods high in iron, zinc, and the vitamins A, C, D, E, and B-complex. Since keratin makes up the majority of hair, protein consumption is also crucial.
Employ Gentle Hair Products: Steer clear of harsh shampoos and styling products that deplete the natural oils on the scalp. Choose nutritious, sulfate-free products instead.
Oiling and Scalp Massage: Using natural oils such as castor, coconut, or argan oil to massage the scalp on a regular basis strengthens hair roots and increases blood circulation.
Protect Hair from Weather: To shield your scalp from wind and dry air during the winter, wear a scarf or cap. Use UV-protection hair sprays when the weather is sunny.
Remain Hydrated: Maintaining adequate hydration helps control the oil balance and maintains a healthy scalp, which lowers the risk of dryness-induced hair loss.
Hair treatments and supplements: If your diet is deficient in any particular nutrient, speak with a healthcare provider about supplements. Keratin therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are two more treatments that might be helpful, but only if a dermatologist recommends them.
In conclusion
It can be distressing to have hair loss at particular times of the year, but you can deal with it more composedly and successfully if you understand that it’s a seasonal phenomenon. Above all, keep in mind that this kind of hair loss is transient and frequently goes away on its own. You may greatly lessen seasonal hair loss and promote healthy, strong hair all year long by implementing the proper hair care regimen, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress. In order to rule out any underlying problems, it is essential to see a dermatologist if you observe excessive shedding or signs of thinning that last more than a few months.
