As the calendar changes from summer to autumn, the air gets cooler, the sun sets earlier, and leaves gently fall from the trees. But those leaves may not be the only things coming loose from their perches in autumn. The shorter and cooler days which follow the long summer can also cause an increase in hair shedding.
While the reasons for autumnal hair shedding in the fall are not the same as for trees shedding their leaves, they are both perfectly normal results of the change of seasons. But normal as it may be, no one wants to see more hair on their shower floor or stuck in their hairbrush. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take that can keep fall shedding to a minimum as you head into the holiday season.
What Causes Autumn Hair Shedding?
Between summer and fall, hair follicles can experience elevated stress levels and naturally enter a resting phase called Telogen. During this phase, the roots of your hair go dormant and fall out at a higher rate for about four to six weeks. This type of seasonal hair loss is a form of telogen effluvium, or stress-related hair loss that happens after events that shock the follicles into an inactive state.
The good news is that autumnal hair loss is usually a temporary phenomenon. After the stress subsides, hair should grow back naturally, and follicles should return to their regular growth cycle.
How to Fight Fall Hair Shedding
Though most hair loss in the fall resolves itself on its own, it can still be an alarming and unwelcome new issue for those already dealing with hair loss. Additionally, increased hair shedding may be an indication of something other than a change of seasons, such as an underlying medical issue medical problem or androgenic alopecia.
If leaves are the only things you want to see falling by the wayside this autumn, try these simple tips to limit your seasonal hair loss:
- Massage your scalp. A healthy head of hair starts with a healthy scalp. Cooler temperatures can reduce blood flow to the scalp and contribute to hair loss. You can stimulate your sebaceous oil glands and increase blood circulation to your scalp by massaging it every day.
- Use conditioner. Dryer weather can make your hair more brittle and prone to split-ends or breakage. Weekly deep conditioning treatments can help strengthen your follicles and keep them moisturized heading into the dry winter.
- Watch those stress levels. Stress is a big culprit when it comes to increased hair shedding, and the upcoming holiday season can be an extremely stressful time for many people. To avoid telogen effluvium (TE), or stress-related hair loss, find effective ways to reduce stress. That could be mean exercising regularly, setting aside short periods for meditation or reading, or simply turning off your screens and gadgets for a spell – whatever works for you.
Fall is A Great Time to Schedule a Hair Loss Evaluation at The Miami Hair Institute
Hair loss can be a problem no matter what season. 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 Miami Hair Institute. 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.