Will I lose more hair this Winter?
Everyone loses a small amount of hair each day, but you may notice that it worsens during certain times of the year. Seasonal hair loss is a very real thing, leading to more excessive shedding during different times of the year.
Many people find they shed more hair during the winter season. So, why is this and will you definitely lose more hair this winter.
Understanding seasonal hair loss
Seasonal hair loss is a temporary form of hair loss and thinning, caused by the changing seasons. There have been a number of studies which have shown seasonal hair loss exists and it tends to occur most in autumn.
When you start noticing more hair coming out on your brush in the lead up to winter, it is most likely caused by a change in season. According to research, the hair tends to be thickest in the spring. Then, it starts to shed more in summer, peaking during autumn.
While it isn’t possible to prevent seasonal hair loss completely, there are things you can do to minimise it. Understanding its causes is key to treating the problem. So what exactly is the reason behind seasonal hair loss?
Could it be down to a Vitamin D deficiency?
There are a number of theories as to why the hair sheds more in the winter season. The first is that the dry air causes the scalp to lose a lot of its moisture. This leads to a dry scalp, which makes the hair more prone to breakage.
Another theory is that it is down to a lack of Vitamin D. We get most of our Vitamin D levels from the sun. As natural sunlight is hard to come by in winter, it reduces our Vitamin D levels, potentially leading to a deficiency. Vitamin D is one of the crucial macronutrients required by the hair to keep it healthy. It helps to produce new hair follicles. Therefore, if it is in short supply, you may not grow as much new hair as you would during the summer.
These are just some of the potential causes of winter related hair loss.
Ways to prevent losing more hair this winter
If you are concerned about losing more hair this winter, there are a few things you can do to prevent it. Topping up your Vitamin D levels is a good idea, especially if you aren’t getting out as much during the day.
You should also aim to ramp up your hair care routine. Avoid having hot showers and use leave in conditioners once a week to keep its moisture levels topped up. These are the top prevention tips you can follow, but they don’t guarantee you won’t shed more than usual.
Overall, seasonal hair loss is a thing and it can cause you to start seeing excessive shedding in winter. However, if you are experiencing hair loss, it is best to seek a diagnosis from a specialist. There are a lot of different causes of hair loss and it is crucial to identify the exact cause before starting treatment.
Book a consultation with a hair expert at Hair Loss For Women, or call us on 07884 808552 to check whether seasonality is the only cause of your hair loss.
