The quality and health of our hair is affected by many different factors – including the changing seasons. It can also lead to something called seasonal hair loss, which is a common condition many people are not even aware they are experiencing.
We explain more about what seasonal hair loss is, what causes it and what you can do to keep your hair looking amazing all year round.
What is seasonal hair shedding?
Seasonal hair shedding tends to start in spring, increase during the summer and peak somewhere around September each year.
While it is normal to lose anywhere between 50 and 100 hairs a day, seasonal shedding is when you notice more hairs than normal pilling up in the drain, in your hairbrush on your carpet when vacuuming.
What causes seasonal hair loss?
The direct cause of season hair shedding is not completely clear. Some research has suggested that we tend to have the least number of hair follicles in the anagen stage (growing phase) during late summer and early autumn. This means less hair is actively growing during this period.
Some other reasons for seasonal hair loss could include:
- Sun exposure: Exposing your hair to too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation to damage hair follicles. Hair strands can become more brittle and easier to shed as a result.
- Stress: Stress is never a friend to hair and the pressures of returning to work or school can increase stress levels that contribute to hair loss. The natural hair growth cycle can also be interrupted by chronic stress, leading to more hair loss.
- Diet and nutrition: Summer usually equals nice treats – which are not all hair friendly as we may be missing vital nutrients. A lock of vitamins, protein and iron over an extended period can make hair duller, more brittle and easier to break.
- Hormonal changes: The NHS states that a part of our brain called the hypothalamus may not work as usual during the autumn and winter where there is less light. The body produces more melatonin, the sleep hormone, which can affect the hair growth cycle.
How to treat seasonal hair shedding
Some of the things you could try to improve seasonal hair shedding include:
- Focus on nutrition: Nutrients play a big role in our hair health, so it’s important to have a healthy, balanced diet that includes vitamins and minerals, protein, fatty acids and water, which can all go a long way to slowing down seasonal hair loss.
- Get a good night’s sleep: The first two hours of sleep are the most important for regeneration, which also affects your hair’s health. Plus, it can reduce stress levels, whilst boosting your immune system, protect your heart and strengthen your memory.
- Manage stress levels: Stress gets to use all at times but the impact it can have on our body and hair can be devastating if not kept under control. Look for healthy ways to manage stress, whether it’s by taking up a hobby, doing exercise or something else that gives you an outlet.
- Style your hair with care: Hair extensions, tight ponytails and braids can damage your hair follicles and contribute to excessive hair loss. Also try to minimise use of heat tools and harsh hair products can leave your hair feeling brittle and prone to breakage.
Get in touch
At Kartee Salon, we are truly lucky to have amazing customers who love what we do, with some even calling us the best hair salon in Tooting (some have even called us the best hair salon in London!).
If you need help or advice about dealing with seasonal hair loss, we’re always here to help and can give you tips and insight based on what works best for you.
vYou can also find regular updates on our social channels that offer free, helpful tips and insight into common hair issues: Facebook or Instagram.
You can find us on Colliers Wood Road, SW19 and we are open Monday to Friday, 10-7.30pm (9pm on Thursdays), Saturday 9-6pm and Sunday 10-5pm. Give us a call on 020 8540 4664 or email hello@kartee.salon and we’d be more than happy to arrange a free hair consultation.
