Seasonal Shedding: What You Need to Know about Seasonal Hair Loss

It's not just the weather that's in flux, as the seasons change, so does our hair. If you've noticed more hair falling out than usual, don't panic. It's likely just a case of seasonal hair shedding, but what causes this phenomenon, when should you worry, and how can you minimize its impact? 

Believe it or not, we experience some form of shedding twice a year. Studies have shown that increased hair loss does occur in the late spring and early fall. Let’s take a brief look into the hair’s complex growth cycle before we dive into the specifics of seasonal shedding. ‘Anagen’ is the growing stage, in which 85% of our hair is at one time. Hair can remain in the stage for up to 6 years. After anagen stage our hair then moves into ‘catagen’, known as the resting stage, in which 5% of our hair is in at one time and lasts three weeks. Finally, there is the ‘telogen’ stage, known as the falling out stage, in which 10% of our hair is in at one time. The anagen phase is then usually right behind new hair. Our hair continues to work in this cycle for our lifetime, except when something has interrupted the growth cycle and prematurely triggers the telogen stage.

Scientists speculate we keep more hair on our heads in the winter for warmth and as we get less sunlight—and less vitamin D— our hair follicles become temporarily dormant. When the days get longer and the weather warms up, our bodies produce more vitamin D, which signals our hair follicles to start new hair growth. This triggers old, weaker hairs to fall out and in the warmer months there is a slight shedding of up to 100 hairs a day. 

Hormonal changes can also occur during the springtime which can contribute to hair shedding. The levels of melatonin and cortisol in our bodies can fluctuate due to the changing daylight hours and increased stress from things like seasonal allergies. These hormonal changes can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to more hair loss.

The change in season may also bring changes in lifestyle and diet, like increased exercise and changes in eating patterns. These changes affect our bodies and our hair growth.

While seasonal hair shedding is a normal and natural process, there are some things you can do to help minimize it. Eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, managing stress levels, and maintaining a healthy hair care routine can all contribute to healthy hair growth and minimize hair loss.

If you feel like your hair is shedding excessively, here are something to consider: 

Did you change your medication? Did you have food poisoning? Have you been on a strict diet? Have you stopped eating protein? Do you have COVID 19 or are you recovering from COVID 19?  Are you very stressed? Are you menopausal? All of the above will affect your hair growth cycle.   

Nutrient deficiency is a common culprit of extreme hair shedding. A good diet with a balanced amount of vitamins B, D, C, zinc, L Tyrosine, antioxidants, calcium, amino acids and omega 3 will help reduce hair shedding. But before you load up on vitamins, find out what you need. Ensure you get some blood work done to rule out any underlying conditions. Speaking with a trichologist can be very helpful in determining what blood work, vitamins, or amino acids you might need. Of course, if you are suffering from COVID 19, you must seek medical attention right away. 

If you’re in the New York City area and are concerned about excessive shedding or are troubled by any other hair/scalp related issues, make an appointment with me. You deserve healthy, gorgeous hair.

All Content © 2023 Penny James Trichology Center