Everything you need to know about what causes this type of hair loss and how to encourage healthy regrowth.
Summary
Seasonal hair loss is common. Also called transient alopecia, it can last about 4 to 6 weeks but can be 2 to 4 times more prominent in some while the increase in shedding goes unnoticed in others. The average amount of hair loss is between 50 and 100 hairs per day. The moment you exceed this average is when you should start to act on it.
In humans, there’s a phase of hair growth called the “anagen phase”, which lasts 2 to 5 years. Then comes a period of rest called the “telogen phase”, lasting an average of 3 months when the hair falls out and is then pushed back by the new ones. Then a new anagen phase begins. Transient alopecia can be a reaction to something or due to seasonality. Which side are you on?
When it’s a reaction
A particular or significant event can cause transient alopecia. A new diet, a psychological or even physical shock, can cause abnormal hair loss. A disease or the treatments it involves are also a common reason. A scalp that’s overworked is necessarily more sensitive: so pay particular attention not to use harsh products that attack your scalp. Don’t panic, even if you’re noticing abnormal hair loss, it’s not alarming if it’s not accompanied by patches, fatigue, or fever.
When temperatures drop…
Autumn is the most notorious season for hair loss, with the most critical period being October. Why? Because the average peak of hair growth is in July when we’re most exposed to the sun. Keep in mind that strands of hair that are already dead take several weeks to even 3 or 4 months to shed. Autumn is the end of that cycle. Our scalp also undergoes changes in temperature and light that affect our hormones. When the weather is the coldest, the humidity levels also drop and the scalp becomes drier. Winter is also synonymous with stress and fatigue, which influence the rhythm and speed of hair renewal.
…and when they go up
Spring is the second most significant period for seasonal hair loss. The days are getting longer. That’s good news for getting to enjoy beers on the terrace, but less than ideal for your hair. When the days are longer, the production of melatonin decreases. This hormone plays a major role in the health of your hair, and a decrease of it weakens your strands.
Once summer returns, we see an acceleration of growth. Sun exposure increases the secretion of hormones that regulate hair growth, much like it does in plants. Make sure you take the time to protect and nourish your hair against sun damage. Chlorine, sand, and salt are also enemies of a healthy scalp.
How to counter the fall?
The number one gesture to adopt is the use of a good shampoo in order to cleanse and fortify the scalp and the hair. A mild shampoo is a great ally to keep on hand. It’s gentle so it won’t irritate your scalp, which means you can wash your hair as often as you want. To get more volume and resistance, choose a conditioner that contains a key ingredient that’s known to slow hair loss and even accelerate hair growth: castor oil. (Our fortifying conditioner contains it and will bring you softness as a bonus).
Massage your head for a few minutes. Massages activate microcirculation and stimulate your hair bulbs, which promotes growth.
Adopt a diet rich in protein and B vitamins: the latter contributes to the renewal of hair follicles. Opt for whole grains, white meat, vegetables or brewer's yeast. Of course, as always, don't skimp on fruits and vegetables. A good iron supply is also necessary because it contributes to the good oxygenation of the hair bulb. Indulge yourself with a good seafood dish or eat scrambled eggs for breakfast.
If you don’t want to worry about your diet, turn to dietary supplements. Hair can fall out due to a deficiency in minerals such as iron, mentioned above. Start taking your supplements just before these difficult periods to help to stop hair loss and provide the body with what it needs.
A serum to fortify the hair
Another solution is applying an anti-hair loss serum. Horace’s is a natural formula that makes it possible to slow down hair loss and make your strands stronger and thicker without leaving a greasy feeling. The natural formula works thanks to a cocktail of ingredients like maca extract, peptides, watercress, nasturtium extracts, and glycerin which prevents hair loss, promotes regrowth and strengthens your mane.
A roller to help the serum
If you want to double the effectiveness of our anti-hair loss serum, use a hair roller (also known as a dermaroller) before. They use stainless steel microneedles that stimulate the surface of the scalp when rolled across it, which promotes hair growth. The microneedles are just 0.2mm long, making them painless and actually pretty relaxing to use. The roller actually helps your scalp better absorb the active ingredients in the serum, which gives you more, denser hair. It makes sense!
Things to avoid
First of all, prefer a shampoo with lukewarm water as well as drying at non-scorching temperatures. Above all, avoid going out with wet hair, as wet hair isn’t so adept at extreme temperature differences.
When it comes to your diet, avoid saturated fatty acids. To put it more clearly: minimise animal products such as butter, cream or cheese as well as already cooked, fried or breaded products. We know it's not going to be easy.
Banish silicone and sulfate products from your bathroom. These ingredients are the enemies of a healthy scalp. They clog its pores and attack it.
Hair loss can be countered or stopped with natural care and a good diet. However, these habits act on the succession and not on the hair in the telogen phase. If the signs persist for more than 3 months or if your hair becomes sparse, consult a specialist without further delay. The seasons may have nothing to do with it.