Seasonal hair fall – Is it a matter of concern?

Throughout the year, weather changes affect our lives and generate physiological shifts. While we face sizzling heat in the summers, the temperature dips in the latter months of rainfall and winter. Our bodies are always in sync with our regional and seasonal ecosystem shifts. One such common change is noticed with respect to the growth of hair. 

Several studies have indicated slow growth of hair in certain seasons, with increased hair fall as well. Fortunately, these changes are short-lived and self-correcting. In most cases, women are more affected than men. Some women may be more predisposed to seasonal hair fall if they suffer from nutritional deficiencies, stress, or illnesses.

Studies supporting seasonal hair cycle change:

•  A 12-year study revealed that an increase in hair loss searches mirrored the months in which seasonal hair shedding is more.
• Another six-year Swiss study showed that women experience more hair fall from the summer season through the season of fall. 

Hair grows in a cyclical pattern with three prominent phases:

• Anagen (Growth phase) lasts for up to 2-6 years
• Catagen (Intermediate phase) lasts for a few weeks or months
• Telogen (Resting phase) lasts for about 100 days.

At any given point the hair strands are in one of these three phases.

Cyclical hair growth activity throughout the scalp occurs in a random mosaic pattern so that on average, the amount of new scalp hair formation matches the amount that is shed, thereby maintaining a constant amount of hair.

WHY IS MY HAIR SHEDDING MORE THAN USUAL?

Hair is made of keratin, which is a type of protein. While hair strands are technically lifeless, the follicles are centers of abundant biochemical activity that regulate the hair growth cycle. 

When summer fades and we transition into the fall season, hairs enter the Telogen (shedding) Phase. 

WHAT CAUSES SEASONAL HAIR SHEDDING?

Several variable factors contribute to seasonal hair loss such as:

Summer Heat

• The heat of summer marks the onset of seasonal hair shedding. 
• Scientists conclude that summer shedding is an evolutionary response. 
• Our hair cycles are synced to the weather each season brings. 
• During summertime, our hairs are shed due to the stifling heat. 

Monsoon woes

• Most people face not only the wrath of excessive rainfall but also that of hair fall.
• Monsoon triggers change in the scalp oil and moisture balance
• This causes changes in the structure and texture of hair making it rough and frizzy
• If the scalp health is not maintained by regular oiling and keeping the area clean, then dandruff and scalp itchiness may increase
• Also, frequently wetting the hair in rainwater which may be polluted with air toxins can cause damage to the hair strands
• All these changes can significantly trigger hair fall known as telogen effluvium in which there is sudden excessive shedding of the hair.

Winter worries:

• During the winter season, you may notice more breakage, dryness, and hair shedding.
• This may be due to dryness of the scalp and thinning hair patterns
• There may also be a link between Vitamin D deficiency and hair loss.
• A 2018 study examined the key role vitamins play in hair loss. Researchers found that Vitamin D regulates the growth of the hair follicle cells that produce keratin.
• During the winter, people are more prone to be indoors and hence miss out on the precious vitamin D from the morning sun.

• HOW LONG DOES SEASONAL SHEDDING LAST?
• Seasonal hair shedding generally lasts 2-3 months. It begins in summer, increases in fall, and can linger around through winter. 
• Maximal numbers of telogen hair have been found in the summer, whereas the lowest rates of telogen hairs are seen in the winter. 
• Another study proved that maximal hair shedding occurs in August and September.
• During wintertime, the least number of hairs are in the telogen phase as growth slowly begins again. 
• Most of the hair enters the anagen phase in winter, the period where hair is actively growing.
• And while the growth is a welcome sight, it’s important to remember that seasonal shedding recurs in cyclical patterns at intervals every year.

HOW TO FIGHT SEASONAL HAIR LOSS

• Seasonal hair loss can appear suddenly, even if you have never been affected before.
• You can help slow it down by adopting or changing some simple, daily habits. 

1. Establish a regular hair care regime

• Start by paying attention to the hair care regime you follow. 
• It is important to maintain a weekly regular routine for applying oil to the scalp and washing off with a mild shampoo suitable for your scalp type. 
• Use an appropriate shampoo and conditioner which is suitable for you and do not change these often.

1. Avoid unnecessary hair treatments

• Take a break from extensive hair coloring, dying, or styling 
• Wear your hair down or loose rather than in tight ponytail hairstyles, which can cause the hair fiber to stretch and become weak.

1. Modify your diet according to seasonal demands

• Most importantly, pay close attention to your diet with a greater intake of vegetables and fruits
• Vitamins and minerals play a fundamental role in maintaining a healthy normal hair cycle, especially with replenishing the hair bulb’s matrix cells, which divide rapidly. 
• Most important among these are B-complex vitamins, Vitamin D, iron, biotin, zinc
• During changes in season, dietary supplements containing B vitamins, Vitamin D, sulfur amino acids, zinc, iron, and selenium can be an effective complementary treatment against seasonal hair loss.
• Other than vitamins, consume a diet rich in proteins and fatty acids as these play a key role as well. Protein-rich foods help in the faster growth of hair.

1. Minimize your stress

• Stress management techniques like mindfulness or psychotherapy can help you keep calm in tough situations, and reduce the consequences of stress-related hair fall

1. Medications

• Seasonal hair fall is self-correcting however if it progresses to a chronic condition it can be a matter of concern.
• It is better to see your physician who can prescribe some topical medications to stop the hair loss.

Thus, seasonal hair loss mimics the changes in nature and is often self-limiting. Some simple hair care tips can help you manage hair loss and keep your hair looking beautiful always.