Do you find that you are losing more hair in the late summer and early months of fall than at any other time of the year? You may find yourself asking “why?” The answer may be seasonal hair shedding. While it is normal to lose about 50 to 100 individual hairs in a singular day, it can be alarming to suddenly see larger clumps of hair on the floor of your shower or in your brush. Is seasonal hair shedding normal? Let’s delve deeper into this subject and find out.
What is Seasonal Hair Shedding?
There’s no point in trying to deny it, weather changes throughout the year have a natural tendency to generate physiological shifts. Whether you notice it or not, the seasons affect the chemicals we produce in our brain, and it also changes how our skin and body react to other things as well. With an increase in sunshine and humidity, we produce more oils, collagen, and keratin. So, what is seasonal hair shedding? This is when our hair starts to naturally fall out to make way for new strands of hair. When wintertime comes, we are exposed to drier air, and we retreat inside. This means that we are exposed to less sun and our skin, scalp, and hair become drier and our bodies produce few chemicals and hormones that help with hair growth.
If you find yourself searching Google for answers, then look no further. You are only one out of millions of men and women worldwide that are experiencing seasonal hair shedding. There have been extensive studies that have exposed this trend in hair loss.
Why Do I Shed Hair Seasonally?
During the year, the hair on your scalp exists in various phases. With seasonal hair shedding, the shedding begins in the summer months, peaks during the fall months, and can sometimes linger through the wintertime. The first phase of hair growth is called Anagen, where about 85 percent of your hair is actively growing. The second phase of hair growth is called Catagen, where hair starts detaching from the bulb. At this point, the hair is preparing to shed. The third phase of hair growth is Telogen, where about 15 percent of old hair is resting as newer hairs start to grow. In the fourth and final phase, called Exogen, new hairs start to push old strands from the scalp. This final phase of Exogen is when hair shedding occurs.
These four phases of hair growth are happening simultaneously in varying stages throughout the year. If you are shedding hair seasonally, it is because a larger portion of your hair is entering the Telogen phase, where those new hairs are starting to grow, during the later summer months. Chances are, this is due to an increase in Vitamin D which helps to encourage Keratin production naturally. As fall and winter months set in, we spend less time in the sunshine, are exposed to less Vitamin D, and produce less Keratin. Seasonal hair shedding is a natural part of hair growth and only lasts about 2 or 3 months during the year.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Seasonal Hair Shedding?
If you notice more hair in your brush or shower starting in the later months of summer, and the early months of fall you may jump to the conclusion that you have a serious hair loss condition. At the New Look Institute, you can schedule an appointment with a trichologist who can take a look at your scalp and provide you with peace of mind about what exactly is happening and help ensure that you have a treatment plan in place that minimizes any unnecessary hair loss from occurring.
Typical hair fall is about 50 to 100 strands of hair daily. If you shed more than this it is called Telogen Effluvium, and while it can be temporary, consulting an expert will help you feel like you are more in control of what you are going through. With the right diagnosis, solutions, and tools, you may be able to stop excessive hair shedding.
How to Treat Seasonal Hair Shedding
Your body naturally cleanses and rejuvenates itself constantly, and so does your scalp. Old strands of hair must be shed to make room for newer healthier hair. Instead of trying to retain older and more damaged hairs, treatments help you optimize your scalp health which creates an environment that is conducive to growing stronger and healthier hair to reduce seasonal shedding. Here are some great tips to help you foster healthier hair growth.
- Eat Healthy – the most beneficial vitamins and minerals to your health come from your diet. When you eat healthy, essential nutrients are more easily absorbed. Make sure you meet your daily intake of proteins, fruits, veggies, and Omega 3 fatty acids. These nutrients are ideal for promoting healthy hair growth.
- Let Your Hair Down – especially if you have longer hair, tightly bound hairstyles can pull healthy hair strands out prematurely. Let your hair flow freely instead of wearing it up as often as you can.
- Visit a Trichologist – Regular check-ins with your trichologist mean that there is an extra set of eyes on your scalp. This allows an expert to see early telltale signs of shedding and provide you with the appropriate treatment options before any issues.
Before You Go
If you find that you seem to lose more hair in the late summer and early months of fall, then you may have seasonal hair shedding. Weather changes during the year naturally cause the conditions appropriate for your body to help you cleanse and rejuvenate yourself. While seasonal hair shedding is normal, that doesn't mean that there aren’t treatment options available to help reduce the symptoms. Schedule an appointment with New Look Institute today to consult with an experienced trichologist who can discuss options with you and answer any questions you may have.
