The changing seasons can bring on many changes in your health, including fatigue, seasonal depression, irritability, and colds. One of the more bothersome changes is seasonal hair loss. While it is normal to shed around 100 hairs a day, the loss of more hair can feel alarming.
However, seasonal hair loss shouldn’t be cause for alarm. In this Q&A, Brian Abittan, MD, Director of Skin and Hair Rejuvenation and Director of Hair Transplantation at the Kimberly and Eric J. Waldman Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai, discusses seasonal hair loss and how to keep your hair healthy during changing weather conditions.
Brian Abittan, MD
What is seasonal hair loss? Is it a real thing?
Yes. Seasonal hair loss does appear to be a real thing. While we do not fully understand why it happens, there are multiple theories that have been suggested. One theory is that seasonal changes, possibly due to hormonal fluctuations or variation in nutrition, can cause a spike in the resting phase of hair growth, also known as the telogen phase. Shortly after, many of these hairs will shed. Additionally, seasonal stresses in patient’s lives may cause a hair shedding, called telogen effluvium.
How does seasonal hair loss differ from traditional hair loss?
Seasonal hair loss is different from other causes of hair loss. Patients can have medical hair loss disorders, like alopecia areata, which is a completely different form of hair loss. Also, patients can have a component of androgenetic alopecia, known as pattern hair loss, which generally develops over time. This, when accompanied with a seasonal hair loss or a telogen effluvium, can make the hair shedding appear to be worse. It is important to first identify the type of hair loss you are dealing with. Each specific type of hair loss can have a variety of unique treatments.
Is there a way to prevent temporary hair loss?
The best way to try to avoid seasonal hair loss is to maintain healthy, scalp and hair habits. Ensuring proper moisturizing during dryer months, using gentle grooming techniques, and maintaining a balanced nutrition are the most basic ways to help. If the seasonal hair loss becomes a consistent issue, more aggressive topical and oral medications can be considered as longer-term treatments.
Are there any lifestyle changes that help with retaining hair?
Balanced diets rich in vitamins, healthy lifestyle choices, and gentle hair practices are beneficial to hair health and growth.
Is vitamin D and biotin effective in helping to retain hair?
There is evidence that vitamin supplements, such as vitamin D and biotin, a water-soluble B vitamin, can be helpful in hair growth and maintaining healthy hair. Certainly, if someone has a vitamin deficiency, that can affect hair growth as well. More, in-depth studies are needed to fully understand the impact of vitamins on hair growth.