As the days grow longer, the flowers bloom and the world awakens from its winter sleep, you may notice an unexpected side effect of spring’s arrival: seasonal hair loss. In this article, we’ll look at what seasonal hair loss is, what causes it, and how to prevent it so you can maintain beautiful hair all year round.
What is seasonal hair loss?
We naturally lose around a hundred strands of hair a day, but sufferers of seasonal hair loss often notice a sudden and constant change in the amount of hair lost, with no illness or trauma to explain it. Seasonal hair loss occurs when the scalp is stressed by changing temperatures, resulting in hair loss. Autumn and spring are typical periods for seasonal hair loss.
What are the causes of seasonal hair loss?
To understand why this happens, it’s important to know that your hair goes through several cycles. Your hair has four main growth cycles: anagen (the growth phase), catagen (the transition phase when hair starts to fall out), telogen (the resting phase), and exogenous (when hair falls out). Hair tends to rest in the telogen phase in summer and enter the exogenous phase (or falling phase) in autumn and sometimes spring.
Although further research is needed to determine the root cause of this transition, there is something about temperature changes that triggers the scalp and follicles to enter a falling phase.
Evolution can also play a role in seasonal hair loss: your hair may grow more in summer to protect your scalp from the sun. So you may naturally lose more when the cooler months arrive. However, there are probably other factors at play during this period. Here are a few of them:
- Sun exposure – If you’ve been enjoying the sun all summer, you’re likely to experience more hair loss than usual in autumn. According to a recent study, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage hair follicles, making hair more fragile and more likely to fall out.
- Hormonal fluctuations – When sunlight is less abundant in autumn and winter, one part of the brain, the hypothalamus, may not function as usual. The body can then produce more melatonin, the sleep hormone, which can have an impact on the hair growth cycle and lead to greater hair loss during these months.
- Diet and nutrition – In summer, with all the barbecues, ice creams, and picnics, you may not always be getting the vital nutrients your hair needs. When you lack essential elements like iron, protein, and vitamins over a long period of time, your hair can become more brittle, dull, and prone to breakage.
- Stress – End-of-summer transitions, such as returning to school or work, can introduce stress factors that can contribute to hair loss. Chronic stress can disrupt the natural hair growth cycle, pushing more hair into the “fall” phase, also known as the telogen phase of the hair growth cycle, when hair stops growing and eventually falls out.
- Seasonal activities – Swimming in chlorinated pools or the ocean can weaken hair strands by stripping them of their natural oils. By the end of summer, hair can thus become dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage.
How long does seasonal hair loss last?
As a general rule, seasonal hair loss is temporary. Most people notice it for a few weeks or even months. When the seasons change, and you treat other factors that may be exacerbating the situation, hair loss usually returns to its normal rhythm.
How can you prevent seasonal hair loss?
By taking good care of your hair and scalp, you can pave the way for healthier growth. Here are our top daily hair care tips:
- Adopt a balanced diet
Hair, composed mainly of a protein called keratin, thrives on a protein-rich diet. That’s why foods like fish, chicken, and tofu are essential: they provide the nutrients needed to build hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth.
But protein isn’t everything. Vitamins, particularly iron, play an essential role in hair health. Iron, found in foods such as spinach and red meat, produces hemoglobin in our red blood cells. This hemoglobin transports oxygen throughout the body and helps cells grow and repair themselves. As a result, if you lack iron, your hair may lose its vigor and fall out more often than usual.
So, even if summer makes you want to indulge, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet all year round. It keeps your hair healthy and strong, especially when faced with the challenges of seasonal changes.
- Avoid excessive styling
Constantly wearing tight hairstyles, such as ponytails or braids, can lead to traction alopecia. This type of hair loss is caused by persistent tension on the hair follicles, which eventually damages them and inhibits hair growth.
While there’s nothing wrong with sporting a ponytail or braids from time to time, you may want to consider letting your hair down or opting for looser hairstyles, especially during shedding season, when hair is more likely to fall out.
- Stay hydrated
Just like your skin, your hair can feel the effects of seasonal dryness. Drinking enough water – around eight cups or two liters a day for the average person – helps nourish hair follicles and prevent dry, brittle hair. This extra hydration helps reduce the risk of hair breakage at a time when hair is already vulnerable.
- Limit heating tools
When temperatures drop in autumn, it’s common to resort to blow-drying. These tools can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it vulnerable to breakage. Try to minimize the use of heated styling tools and, when you do decide to heat style, always apply a heat protection product. It acts like a shield, reducing potential damage and preserving your hair’s shine.
- Manage stress
Hair loss can be promoted by chronic stress, so it’s essential to put coping mechanisms in place. Whether it’s taking a walk, meditating, or taking time off work, it’s essential to find your own stress-relief strategy, both for your mental well-being and the health of your hair.
- Look after your scalp
A healthy scalp can pave the way for vigorous hair growth. Regular scalp massages can stimulate blood circulation and bring more nutrients and oxygen to the hair roots. This promotes healthier and potentially faster hair growth. What’s more, keeping your scalp hydrated with moisturizing treatments prevents it from becoming too dry, which in turn prevents your hair from becoming brittle and falling out more easily.
