How to remedy seasonal hair loss

Seasonal hair loss (aka transient alopecia) is to be expected. It typically lasts 4 to 6 weeks but can be 2 to 4 times more noticeable in some while it goes unnoticed in others. Average hair loss is between 50 and 100 hairs per day. Exceeding this average is when you’d have a cause for concern.

In humans, one of the phases of hair growth is called the anagen phase. This phase lasts 2 to 5 years. Then comes a rest period, aka the telogen phase, lasting an average of 3 months. This is when hair loss happens as the strands become pushed out by the new incoming ones. After that cycle, a new anagen phase begins.

Transient alopecia can be reactive or seasonal. Which side are you on?

When it’s reactive

A specific significant event can cause transient alopecia. Anything from a new diet or a psychological or even physical shock can cause abnormal hair loss. Suffering a disease or going through its treatments is also conclusive reason.

Keep an mind that an overworked scalp is naturally more sensitive. With that said, be sure to avoid any harsh products that attack your delicate scalp.

Don’t panic. Even if you notice abnormal hair loss, it’s not alarming if it’s not accompanied by hair loss in patches, or if you experience chronic fatigue or a fever.

When temperatures drop...

Fall is the most notorious season for hair loss, with the most critical period being October. Why? Because we experience a peak of hair growth in July, to help protect ourselves from the sun.

Dead hair takes several weeks to shed, sometimes up to 3 or 4 months. Autumn is the end of the cycle that started in July. Our scalp also undergoes changes in temperature and light that affect our hormones. When it’s cold, the humidity levels drop, leaving our scalps dry. Winter is also synonymous with stress and fatigue, which influences 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. Good news for grabbing drinks on the terrace, but less than ideal for your hair. When the days are longer, your body’s production of melatonin decreases. This hormone unfortunately plays a major role in hair health.

Once summer returns, you might notice an acceleration of hair growth. Sun exposure increases the secretion of hormones that regulate hair growth, same as plants. However, you should consider protecting yourself and nourishing your hair since the sun damages the skin and hair. Chlorine, sand, and salt are also enemies of a healthy scalp.

How to counter the fall?

The #1 gesture to adopt is using a good shampoo that gently cleanses and fortifies the scalp and the hair. A Shampoo for Normal to Oily Hair is a great ally to good hair. It’s easier on your scalp, so you can wash it more frequently. To gain volume and stronger strands, choose a conditioner that contains an ingredient known to slow down hair loss and even accelerate hair growth: castor oil. Our Strengthening Conditioner includes it and will offer you major hair softness as a bonus.

Massage your head for a few minutes. Massages activate microcirculation and stimulate the hair bulb, which promotes growth.

Adopt a diet rich in protein and B vitamins: the latter contributes to the renewal of hair follicle cells. Opt for whole grains, white meat, legumes, or brewer's yeast. Of course, as always, don't skimp on fruits and veggies. Getting a good dose of iron in your diet is also much needed to contribute to a healthy flow of oxygen to your hair bulbs, so indulge in a good seafood dish or eat scrambled eggs for breakfast.

If you don’t want to worry about your diet, turn to mineral rich dietary supplements since hair loss can be caused by a deficiency in minerals like iron. Start your treatment just before difficult periods to help stop hair loss and nourish your body at the same time.

Use a serum to fortify your hair

Another solution is using an Anti-Hair Loss Serum. Horace’s, for example, is natural, helps slow down hair loss and works to make your strands stronger and thicker in the process. All without leaving a greasy feeling. It’s infused with a cocktail of powerhouse ingredients like maca extract, peptides, watercress, nasturtium extracts, and glycerin which prevent hair loss, promote regrowth, and strengthen your mane.

Things to avoid

First of all, opt to shampoo your hair with lukewarm water as well as avoiding drying it with scorching heat-based styling tools. Above all, avoid going out with wet hair, especially in the winter, as it’s not adept at too extreme temperature differences.

When it comes to diet, avoid saturated fatty acids. In other words: minimise animal products such as butter, cream and cheese and food that’s already cooked, fried or breaded. We know it's not going to be easy.

Banish silicone and sulfate products from your bathroom, which are the enemies of a healthy scalp. They clog its pores and attack it.

Hair loss can be minimized with a natural haircare routine and a good diet. But keep in mind that these hair treatments work during the regrowth preiod and not when hair is in the telogen phase. If hair loss persists 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.