Understanding Seasonal Shedding

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EDUCATION & LEARNING

Understanding Seasonal Shedding

As we swap summer dresses for cozy fall sweaters, our hair goes through a seasonal shift of its own. Around this time of year, you may notice a few extra strands in your brush or shower drain—this is known as seasonal shedding. Surprisingly, we share it with our furry friends - dogs and cats. But what exactly causes seasonal shedding, and what can you do about it? Let’s dive in and find out!

What is Seasonal Shedding?

Seasonal shedding occurs in September. The duration of this happening varies between individuals, where it may last a few weeks for some and a couple of months for others. While it's unclear the exact reason why the hair does this, there are a few factors that play a role in seasonal shedding:

Hair Cycle. Like all life, hair grows in a multi-part cycle, moving through growth, transition, rest, and shedding. The anagen phase, also known as the growth phase, is where the hair grows for several years. Then, it enters the catagen or transitional phase for a couple weeks before heading to the telogen or resting phase where the hair stops growing. The exogen phase is where it detaches from the scalp and a new follicle takes its place. While the average human tends to lose 100 to 200 hairs per day in this phase, we tend to lose more in the fall.

Hormonal Fluctuations. Another potential cause for seasonal shedding is hormonal fluctuations. As your body adjusts to the new season, its natural rhythms and hormone levels may shift. Our bodies tend to produce more melatonin (the sleep hormone) and trigger the aforementioned telogen phase in hair.

Diet. With the weather changes, our bodies tend to crave different foods and treats. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, it’s important to maintain your nutritional needs as any deficiencies can potentially lead to hair loss.

Seasonal Stress. Seasonal stressors, such as illness, returning to school or work, postpartum, and other life changes, can cause telogen effluvium. While this may last a few weeks to several months, it’s not permanent hair loss and will regrow at the end of the hair cycle. However, always seek a medical professional’s opinion for any questions or strategies to prevent hair loss.

Less Sun Protection. Another possibility is that the scalp requires less protection from the sun in autumn. Some scientists theorized that hair growth increases in the summer time because our scalps require more coverage from the sun’s powerful rays. However, with the changing seasons and we stay more indoors, we do not need this extra hair and the body sheds it.

How Does Seasonal Shedding Compare to Other Hair Loss Disorders?

Hair loss disorders can be a combination of factors, such as genetics, aging, medical conditions, and stress. Hair loss can manifest in different ways, such as thinning, receding hairlines, or total baldness. Seasonal shedding, however, is temporary, and the hair naturally returns. If you’re experiencing hair loss, it’s crucial to understand the underlying causes of it in order to find the appropriate solutions.

What Can I Do To Help Prevent Seasonal Shedding?

Maintain a Healthy Diet. Eating a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can help reduce shedding. Therefore, choose foods rich in protein and antioxidants to keep your hair looking its best. Also, incorporating foods rich in vitamin B5, omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, iron, zinc, and selenium can also encourage hair growth.

Clean Your Scalp Regularly. A clean, healthy scalp supports stronger hair and may help reduce seasonal shedding. Gently wash your head with a good shampoo and use conditioner to help moisturize the hair, especially during the drier months. Carefully comb your hair and use a good detangling spray for stubborn knots to prevent breakage.

Gently Style Your Hair. If you style your hair, avoid using excessive heat and tight hairstyles. Excessive heat can weaken hair and cause frizz while tighter hairdos put tension on the scalp, creating breakage and more shedding.

Ask Your Health Care Professional. If you are concerned about losing your hair or seeing more clumps of hair on your brush than usual, please consult a medical professional. They can identify what’s causing you to lose your hair and prescribe medicine, topical ointments, and treatments to help restore hair growth.

Temporary Solutions for Seasonal Hair Loss

Hair loss can be a difficult thing to deal with, but there are options out there that can help. Alternative hair solutions, like wigs, hair pieces, and hair toppers, offer a way to change your look without long-term commitment.

Hairpieces and hair toppers are a great option for concealing any areas of thinning or hair loss. They can also be used to add length, volume, and color without having to make any permanent decisions. Wigs are also a great solution for anyone looking to give themselves a brand new hairdo. They come in all lengths and styles, making it easy to find one that suits you best.

Final Thoughts

Seasonal shedding is a natural process that many people experience as the seasons shift. By understanding the hair cycle, recognizing contributing factors, and taking simple steps to support scalp and hair health, you can minimize the effects and feel more confident during this transition.