Anyone who’s ever taken a hard look at their shower drain will tell you the same thing: hair loss is a part of life. And it’s perfectly normal. Anabel Kingsley, a hair and scalp, estimates that a healthy person might lose up to 100 hairs per day. That’s because our hair is in a constant cycle of shedding and regrowth. And that cycle can be informed by the time of year. So, with winter underway, let’s explore seasonal hair loss, and what you can do about it.
Why Seasonal Hair Loss Is So Complex
When it comes to hair loss, it’s almost impossible to find one single culprit. That’s because there are so many forces contributing to your hair loss at the same time. Further complicating matters, research into seasonal hair loss is an emerging field, so the experts haven’t quite reached a consensus yet. Some think winter accelerates your hair loss, while others think it’s the summer. With that in mind, here’s a little bit of insight into two types of seasonal hair loss.
Winter Hair-Loss
The sun doesn’t shine nearly as much during the winter months. This means you’re getting far less sunlight, and unfortunately, missing out on a lot of the Vitamin D that comes with it. As Healthline points out, Vitamin D can stimulate hair growth, which means winter deprives you of one of hair growth’s key ingredients.
Summer Hair-Loss
Dr. Jodi LoGerfo, a hair loss specialist, speculates that warmer months might contribute to hair loss. She explains that during human evolution, hair was probably an important source of warmth, similar to fur. So, you might end up shedding a bit of hair during the summer when the protection of your hair is less necessary to keep it warm.
What You Can Do About Seasonal Hair Loss
Again, there’s no silver bullet when it comes to hair loss, as there might be a couple of contributing factors. But if you do find yourself losing slightly more hair during the winter, here are a few things you can try:
Treat Dryness
As Harper’s explains, dry hair is essentially weaker hair, and more likely to fall out. So, think about treating some of the underlying causes of dryness. Consider letting your hair air-dry instead of using a blow dryer. Think about wearing a hat to protect your hair against the elements. And look into getting a humidifier in your home. These are all ways that you can help lock in your hair’s natural moisture and decrease the chances of it falling out.
Change Your Diet
WebMD put out an informative piece explaining how diet relates to hair loss. They point out that too much Vitamin A and selenium can both contribute to hair loss. They also explain that too little protein and Vitamin D can contribute to hair loss as well. So, if your hair loss leaves you scratching your head, take a look at what you’re putting on your plate.
Try New Products
You’ll see a lot of hair regrowth treatments, like Women’s Rogaine and Hers. And these can both get results. But if your hair loss is mild, you might consider looking into a volumizing shampoo, plumping treatment, or scalp camouflage. You also might look into a conditioner or oil that locks in your hair’s moisture. It all depends on the nature and extent of your hair loss, but some women have found these products to be great resources.
Make a Stylistic Choice
If you’ve only seen a mild fluctuation in your hair growth, that probably won’t justify a full lifestyle change. Instead, think about a less intrusive solution that’s purely stylistic. For example, you might want to try out a hairstyle that plays to your strengths, don a stylish hat, or an Add-on or Topper from The Wig Dr. Sometimes a temporary problem calls for a more temporary fix.
When It’s Time to Talk to a Doctor
This isn’t always the case, but hair loss can be a sign of something more serious. Insider.com, a global news and lifestyle publication, points out a few warning signs that should get your attention. Are you losing your eyelashes or eyebrows? Are you always fatigued? Are you experiencing aches and pains? How about brittle nails? Are you taking a new medication? Have you developed a rash or irregularity on your skin? If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, or your hair loss is sudden or extreme, be sure to consult your doctor right away.
Whether it’s the winter, the summer, or sometime in between, you’ll experience a bit of hair loss throughout the year. And if it starts to bother you, rest assured, there’s a lot that you can do about it. Think about tweaking your diet, moisturizing, or making a few stylistic choices. Because whether you’re strengthening your natural hair, or grabbing a wig from The Wig Dr., beauty is always well within your reach.
Book an appointment with the Wig Dr. for a Hair Loss Analysis
If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of hair loss please book an appointment with us for a complete hair loss analysis. You can book directly online at https://www.wigdr.com/book-appointment or contact us at info@wigdr.com for further information.
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