It can be slightly alarming, seeing more hair than usual clogging up the plughole after a shower. If this is happening to you and its winter time, you may be wondering if the cold weather is the cause? Increased hair loss in winter does actually occur for some people.
The exact cause of seasonal hair loss is unknown, but experts report that it affects more women than men, usually during the months of September to November. Scientists suggest one reason is; that we grow more hair during the summer months to protect our scalp from the sun and then the shedding phase comes around as the winter months start.Table of Contentsshow
Is Your Hair Loss Seasonal?
We all lose up to 150 hairs a day and will notice some hair fall in the shower and while brushing. But if you’re noticing increased hair loss in winter, you could be experiencing seasonal hair loss. It’s important to remember this is totally normal and most people will experience a slight increase in hair loss that is barely visible.
A good way to check whether you have seasonal hair loss or actual hair thinning or pattern baldness is to look at your parting. Excessive thinning may cause your parting to become slightly wider than normal. And if you can get your hair into a ponytail, you may notice a drop in density.
Another area to check is the temples and crown of the head. If the hair is receding or thinning in these areas, this could point to hereditary pattern baldness or hair loss from stress.
How to Regrow Your Hair Faster and Stronger
While hair loss in winter is natural and you cannot actually prevent it, you can keep what you have left healthy and encourage new hair to grow faster, stronger and shinier.
The winter can be brutal on the hair with the cold weather causing hair to dry out and be more prone to breakage. Here are some top tips to regrow your hair faster and stronger in the cold months.
Eat Foods Rich in Protein and Biotin
Eating a healthy diet will keep you strong inside and out. Your hair needs vitamins and nutrients to grow strong and maintain its health. Hair grows from the root of the follicle, which is made up of protein. Eat foods rich in protein and biotin (part of the B complex) for faster hair growth. Include these foods in your diet;
- Eggs, particularly the yokes which contain biotin
- Pecans, almonds, walnuts, peanuts
- Cheese and milk
- Cooked liver, chicken and pork
- Sardines and salmon
- Avocado
Be Kind to Your Scalp
Healthy hair begins at the root, so taking care of your scalp is essential to keep your hair strong and regrow new, shiny hair. When you shampoo your hair, take an extra few minutes to massage the scalp. This increases circulation to the follicles, encouraging new growth.
Another idea is to use a deep nourishing treatment for the scalp like the Aveda Invati Advanced Scalp Revitaliser £43.50. This product helps to reduce thinning and thicken up the hair you have. At the more budget friendly end, Nioxin offers the Nioxin System 6 Scalp and Hair Treatment £18.91, which thickens hair and freshens the scalp.
Hair Growth Supplements
Hair supplements like Viviscal, don’t actually stop your hair from shedding, but they do promote new growth and nourish the hair you have. It’s a clinically proven hair growth supplement with 10 published clinical studies. Check out some real Viviscal hair growth reviews here.
Use the Correct Hair Brush
The wrong hair brush for your hair type can do more damage than good. If you over brush or use a heavy-handed brush, you may experience excessive hair shedding and breakage. For curly, thick hair, use a detangler brush that gets rid of those stubborn knots fast, without tearing strands.
Use Rosemary Oil
Experts say that rosemary oil improves cellular regeneration thus helping to improve hair thickness and re-growth. It’s even thought to be as beneficial as minoxidil, which is a go-to treatment to re-grow hair. Try mixing a few drops of rosemary oil with coconut oil or olive oil. Massage it into the scalp and allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes before washing.
Shorten the Hot Showers
I know it’s winter and those long hot showers are the best part of the day. But actually, excessive exposure to hot water actually strips your hair of moisture, which can weaken strands leading to breakage. Try turning the temperature down slightly to warm, not scorching.
A warm temperature helps the follicles to open, allowing the scalp to get squeaky clean. If you can stand it, finish off your shower with a blast of cold water which closes the follicles again, reducing hair loss and increasing shine.
Hair Loss in Winter – Final Thoughts…
Seasonal hair loss and particularly hair loss in winter is totally normal due to the hair grow and shed cycle. It shouldn’t be a cause for concern, unless you notice bald patches forming or excessive thinning.
If you notice defined areas of hair shedding, it’s advised to talk to a hair loss specialist. They can talk you through the possible causes and treatments available.
For seasonal hair loss, aim to follow the tips above to keep what you have healthy and encourage new growth.
Have you suffered from hair loss in winter or other seasons?
Did you find any re-growth methods that worked for you?
Let me know in the comments…
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