Seasonal Hair Loss: Tips to Prevent in Every Season

It’s common to notice differences in your hair with the changing seasons, but simple care can help resolve this

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Have you ever had the feeling that your hair is getting thinner or falling out more than usual at certain times of the year? Well, if so, you’re not alone; you may be experiencing seasonal hair loss, a relatively common phenomenon, especially during seasonal transitions — when summer transitions to autumn or winter shifts into spring.

In general, this occurs because temperature changes stress the scalp, affecting hair cycles and causing follicles to enter a shedding phase. In summary, our hair goes through four main cycles: anagen (the growth phase), catagen (the transition phase where hair begins to loosen), telogen (the resting phase), and exogen (when the hair falls out). Typically, seasonal hair loss isn’t a cause for concern, as hair usually grows back within a few months.

Essentially, it’s similar to what happens with the skin; we need to adjust our skincare routine a bit to adapt to the changing seasons, like incorporating skincare devices that enhance your routine without the need for additional products. Therefore, just as our skin might need extra care, our hair also deserves special attention during this period.

But why does the scalp get irritated?

First, it’s important to note that hair plays a significant role in regulating body temperature. In winter, it helps retain heat, while in summer, it decreases in density to dissipate heat. These adaptations are influenced by changes in hormonal production, such as variations in testosterone and estrogen levels, which affect the hair growth cycle.

The exposure to sunlight during different seasons also has a considerable impact. Sunlight affects the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep cycle and influences hair growth. Reduced sunlight exposure during winter months can indirectly affect the hair growth cycle by reducing melatonin production. Lack of vitamin D can also lead to hair growth and health problems.

Moreover, dry air in winter can dry out the scalp, causing irritation that may be worsened by increased oxidative stress, resulting from exposure to extreme environmental changes. In summary, scalp irritation during seasonal changes is the outcome of a complex interaction between hormonal factors, sunlight exposure, weather conditions, and oxidative stress.

Do all people experience seasonal hair loss?

No, not everyone experiences seasonal hair loss in the same way. Some may not notice changes, others may notice mild to moderate shedding, and there are those who experience more significant loss. This may depend on factors such as genetics, scalp health and lifestyle. If the loss is excessive or persistent, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist for a more detailed evaluation.

How to prevent it?

Take Care of Scalp Health:

• Deep Conditioning Treatments: Using masks once a week can help to replenish moisture lost due to environmental factors like dry air and temperature changes. Promoting a healthy environment for hair growth and reduce the risk of breakage and damage.
• Oil Treatments: Oils like green tea oil, castor oil, and geranium oil are known for their ability to stimulate hair growth and improve scalp health. These treatments provide essential nutrients to the scalp, enhancing circulation and strengthening hair follicles.
• Clarifying Shampoo: Regular use of a clarifying shampoo helps to remove dirt, oil, and product buildup from the scalp and hair follicles. This ensures that the scalp remains clean and free from any blockages that could inhibit hair growth.

Maintain a Balanced Diet:

• Key Nutrients: Consume foods rich in key nutrients for hair growth, such as vitamin D3, ferritin, iron, zinc, B12, and folate. Vitamin D3, for example, helps to regulate hair follicle cycling, while iron and zinc are vital for hair growth and repair. B12 and folate contribute to the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles.
• Including Anti-inflammatory Foods: Anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, fatty fish, and nuts, can help reduce inflammation in the body, including the scalp. This can alleviate scalp irritation and create a more conducive environment for hair growth.

Careful Handling of Tools and Hairstyles:

• Avoiding Excessive Heat Styling: Heat styling tools like dryers and straighteners can damage the hair shaft and ultimately, increased hair loss. During seasonal changes, when the scalp may already be more prone to dryness and irritation, excessive heat can exacerbate these issues.
• Avoiding Tight Hairstyles: Tight hairstyles, such as ponytails, braids, or buns, can put excessive tension on the scalp and hair follicles. This tension can lead to a condition known as traction alopecia, where the hair is gradually pulled out from the roots. During seasonal changes, when the scalp may already be more sensitive, tight hairstyles can further aggravate the scalp and contribute to hair loss.

Finally, it’s worth remembering that seasonal hair loss is completely normal and nothing to worry about — after all, it’s seasonal. However, if hair loss is excessive or persists for a long period of time, it may be a sign of an underlying problem, such as nutritional deficiencies, stress, health issues, or hormonal imbalances. In these cases, it’s important to consult a doctor or dermatologist for proper evaluation and treatment.