How to Prevent Hair Shedding in Autumn/Winter?
It’s normal to shed between 50 and 100 hairs a day. When the body sheds significantly more hairs every day, a person has excessive hair shedding. The medical term for this condition is Telogen effluvium.
This Autumn leaves may not be the only thing you see falling. The shorter and colder days which follow the long summer can have a similar effect on your hair.
While the reasons for hair shedding in the Autumn/Winter months are not the same as for trees shedding their leaves, seeing an increasing number of hairs in your sink or on your shower floor is usually a perfectly normal result of the change of seasons.
That said, there are some steps you can take during winter that can keep shedding to a minimum as you head into the festive season.
Why Does Hair Shed in Autumn/Winter?
Between summer and autumn, hair follicles might experience stress and naturally enter a resting phase called Telogen.
This causes the roots of your hair to go dormant and fall out at a higher rate than usual for a period of about four to six weeks. This kind of seasonal hair loss is a form of Telogen effluvium, or stress-related hair loss that occurs after events that shock the follicles into an inactive state.
Fortunately, autumn hair loss is usually a temporary phenomenon, with hair growing back naturally after the stress subsides and follicles return to their regular growth cycle.
How to Fight Autumnal Hair Shedding
Though most autumn hair loss resolves itself on its own, it can still be alarming for those already dealing with hair loss issues. Additionally, increased hair shedding may be an indication of an underlying medical issue or androgenic alopecia rather than simply the change of seasons.
If trees are the only things you want to see shedding this fall, try these simple tips to limit your autumn hair loss:
- Massage your scalp – A healthy scalp is the foundation of a healthy head of hair. Cooler temperatures may reduce blood flow to your scalp and contribute to hair loss. Stimulate your sebaceous oil glands and increase blood circulation to your scalp by massaging it every day.
- Condition your hair – Dryer weather can make your hair brittle and more prone to breakage or split ends. Weekly deep conditioning treatments can help strengthen your follicles and keep them moisturized heading into the dry winter.
- Watch out for stress – The approaching holiday season can increase stress levels which in turn can lead directly to increased shedding. To avoid stress-induced hair loss, or Telogen effluvium (TE), find effective ways to combat stress, whether that means exercising regularly, setting aside short periods for meditation, quiet time, or reading, or turning off your gadgets – whatever works for you.
Autumn is A Great Time to Schedule an Appointment for a Hair Loss Evaluation
Hair loss can be a problem no matter what season, and sometimes, that hair loss may be caused by factors other than the changing weather. If you are experiencing hair loss that may be more than a seasonal phenomenon and are ready to do something about it, please contact the Regrow Hair Centre.
Our skilled hair specialists will be able to diagnose and recommend a suitable treatment tailored to your personal needs.
To sign up for a personalized evaluation and treatment plan, contact us online at www.regrowhaircentre.com or call our office directly at 0800 246 1606
Written by Khuram Abbas Raja for The Regrow Hair Centre.
