How to manage seasonal hair shedding

Do you feel like your hair is shedding more than usual? You’re not alone. As we approach summer everyone is looking for full, healthy-looking locks but the season can sometimes have other ideas for our hair! While there are many factors that can effect the amount of hair we shed one of those is the change in seasons.

So what is seasonal hair shedding?

We see an increase in clients effected by hair shedding through spring and summer months as our hair follicles enter a resting phase, causing our hair to fall out faster. The opposite is true of winter, which makes sense when you think that hair was originally designed to keep us warm! In winter our bodies are naturally trying to keep hold of more hair to retain body heat - we lose nearly 50% of our body heat through our scalp so not having hair isn’t going to help!

Other factors that also explain hair shedding at this time include:

Allergies: These allergens cause our immune systems to overreact, causing hair follicles to become inflamed and weakened as well as an itchy scalp.

Increased sun exposure: As we enjoy more time outside we can expose our hair to more UV rays than normal which can cause damage to our hair follicles.

But don’t panic!

Our hair sheds every day and its part of a perfectly normal hair cycle. Each hair has one of three phases of growth at any time and will eventually shed from the follicle. This means we typically lose 50-100 hairs a day, although this all very much depends on how much hair you have to begin with!

As hairdressers it’s our job to help you find the cause of any shedding and provide expert advice. Our salon teams always make time to provide a comprehensive consultation and any advice needed.

What other factors can impact hair shedding?

Healthy scalp, happy hair!

We are seeing increased focus on scalp care, which is great because this is the best way to hang on to your hair. There are a number of ways to keep your scalp healthy from a consistent wash routine to avoiding buildup with the occasional detox, using a decalcifying product such as Kerastase Premiere, which removes calcium build up and restores hair strength.

Also – enjoy a head massage! Massaging your scalp can stimulate hair follicles by increasing blood flow to the scalp and promoting hair growth. We offer calming head massages when washing your hair so use this time to kick back and relax knowing it’s doing good for your mind and your hair!

Nutrition

As we mentioned earlier, our hair follicles have a high turnover and booming metabolism. The nutrients we put into our bodies help sustain this vigorous growth so it’s important we eat a balanced, healthy diet packed with protein, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. And WATER, plenty of water – especially in the warmer months!

Sleeping beauty.

Making sure you get a full nights sleep is so important for our body; the first 2 hours are said to be the most important for regeneration. A good nights sleep is important for a host of things including a strong immune system, healthy heart and boosting memory and learning it also helps with stress levels which leads us nicely onto our next point…

Reduce stress

We all know the effects that stress can have on our bodies but did you know it also impacts our hair too? People can often experience hair loss during or after a period of stress, driven by the increased level of cortisol effecting the growth of hair follicles. Try and find healthy ways to manage areas of stress within your life – this might be exercise, a leisurely walk or a hobby or interest that allows for some ‘me’ time.

New Arrival?

You’re not alone if you have seen a thinning in your hair since the birth of your baby. Postpartum hair loss, also known as postpartum alopecia, occurs after childbirth typically due to the sudden shift on hair growth cycles. This can occur between 2-6 months after giving birth.

Styling faux pas

You may be surprised to hear that your morning style choice may be causing shedding and loss. Very tight ponytails and braids, as well as hair extensions, can cause damage to your hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Traction alopecia is the result of persistent pulling on the hair follicles so think about alternating your styles to give your locks a well earned rest!

Brushing

Alongside tight hairstyles the way that you brush your hair and what you brush it with can lead to unnecessary breakage and hair loss. Combing your hair when it’s wet extends hair to its breaking point. Take a gentle approach, brush from tip to root and consider products that help strengthen fragile or thinning hair.

Illness

You may experience an imbalance in hair growth and increased shedding during a change in your health or when suffering an illness. This type of loss is called telogen effluvium and can last 4-6 months following illness.

If you do have concerns over excessive hair shedding we would advise that you contact your GP so that they can do a thorough health check for you.

And remember, you can discuss any of these issues with your Stylist the next time you are visiting us so that we can offer advice and recommendations tailored to you.

Product Recommendations:

Here are some recommended products to help manage seasonal hair shedding:

Kérastase Genesis Range

Formulated to prevent hair fall due to breakage, this line offers effective solutions to strengthen hair and reduce shedding.

L’Oréal Aminexil Advanced Anti-Hair Loss Activator Serum:

Designed to combat hair loss and promote thicker hair growth within six weeks, this serum can be a valuable addition to your hair care routine, although it's essential to note the distinction between hair loss and shedding.

ONE UNITED Intense Smoothing Leave-In Hair Treatment:

Ideal for detangling hair and preventing breakage during styling, this conditioning spray nourishes, hydrates, and softens unruly or frizzy hair. It also doubles as a heat protection spray, offering additional benefits like enhanced manageability, smoothness, shine, and overall hair conditioning.

Incorporate these products into your routine to proactively manage seasonal hair shedding and promote healthier, stronger locks.