Leaves may not be the only things you see falling in autumn. The shorter and colder days which follow the long summer can have a similar effect on your hair. While the reasons for hair shedding in the fall are not the same as for trees shedding their leaves, seeing an increasing number of hairs in your sink or on your shower floor is usually a perfectly normal result of the change of seasons. That said, there are some steps you can take during autumn that can keep shedding to a minimum as you head into the holiday season.
Why Does Hair Shed in the Fall?
Between summer and autumn, hair follicles might experience stress and naturally enter a resting phase called Telogen. This causes the roots of your hair go dormant and fall out at a higher rate than usual for a period of about four to six weeks. This kind of seasonal hair loss is a form of telogen effluvium, or stress-related hair loss that occurs after events that shock the follicles into an inactive state.
Fortunately, autumn hair loss is usually a temporary phenomenon, with hair growing back naturally after the stress subsides and follicles return to their regular growth cycle.
How to Fight Autumnal Hair Shedding
Though most autumn hair loss resolves itself on its own, it can still be alarming for those already dealing with hair loss issues. Additionally, increased hair shedding may be an indication of an underlying medical issue medical issue or androgenic alopecia rather than simply the change of seasons.
If trees are the only things you want to see shedding this fall, try these simple tips to limit your autumn hair loss:
- Massage your scalp. A healthy scalp is the foundation of a healthy head of hair. Cooler temperatures may reduce blood flow to your scalp and contribute to hair loss. Stimulate your sebaceous oil glands and increase blood circulation to your scalp by massaging it every day.
- Condition your hair. Dryer weather can make your hair brittle and more prone to breakage or split-ends. Weekly deep conditioning treatments can help strengthen your follicles and keep them moisturized heading into the dry winter.
- Watch out for stress. The approaching holiday season can increase stress levels which in turn can lead directly to increased shedding. To avoid stress-induced hair loss, or telogen effluvium (TE), find effective ways to combat stress, whether that means exercising regularly, setting aside short periods for meditation, quiet time, or reading, or turning off your gadgets – whatever works for you.
Autumn is A Great Time to Schedule an Appointment for a Hair Loss Evaluation
Hair loss can be a problem no matter what season, and sometimes, that hair loss may be caused by factors other than the changing weather. If you are experiencing hair loss that may be more than a seasonal phenomenon and are ready to do something about it, please contact the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami. Our skilled physicians diagnose and treat hair loss cases through advanced hair restoration surgery techniques and alternative non-invasive treatments.
To receive a personalized evaluation and treatment plan, contact us online or call our office directly at 305-925-0222.