Have you noticed that your hair tends to start falling out more at certain times of the year? This seasonal phenomenon affects both men and women – and you’ll find it most frequent in the spring and fall. Called seasonal effluvium, this hair loss, while reversible and only temporary, is a reminder that your hair needs constant care to stay healthy. Here are some tips and advice on how to take care of your hair during the spring season.
Spring Hair Loss: A Question of Timing
Hair has its own growth cycle, which is divided into three phases: the growth phase (anagen – from two to five years), the transition phase during which hair no longer grows (catagen – about one month) and the resting and expulsion phase (telogen – about three months). In spring – and fall – our hair synchronizes its cycle, as do many other mammals; called the seasonal effluvium (or telogen effluvium) in humans, this pattern will be referred to as a moult for animals.
How Long Does Hair Loss Last in the Spring?
Although increased hair loss in spring is quite common, there are factors that can cause seasonal thinning to be more noticeable in some people. In most cases, the return to normal, i.e. the desynchronization of the different phases of hair growth, will be observed after a few weeks. The follicles will return to their usual phase; the expulsion of a hair will make way for a new one. If, however, you notice that your hair does not seem to be growing back, consult a professional in order to be guided towards the best solution for you.
Seasonal Effluvium: Is It Possible to Minimize Its Impact?
Often affecting more women than men, spring hair loss can be minimized by simple habits and lifestyle choices. For example, it is important to protect one’s hair throughout the winter; the winter cold reduces blood vessels (vasoconstriction), thus contributing to possible increased hair loss in the spring. Of course, it is important to protect your hair from the sun in the summer in order to avoid the dreaded telogen effluvium in the fall.
Spring Hair Loss: Other Useful Tips and Tricks for Healthy Hair
Taking care of your hair… a habit you should keep all year long! Here are some tips for healthy hair:
– WATER: these five little letters seem very simple, but the fact remains that hydrating sufficiently (a minimum of 2 liters per day) is probably the best remedy to keep your hair shiny and healthy.
– Healthy lifestyle: getting a good night’s sleep, managing stress and being active for better blood circulation will help your whole body look its best and your hair will be just as full of vitality.
– Balanced diet: forget restrictive diets (or “bikini” diets); significant weight loss can cause hair loss. Also, a lack of vitamins and nutrients will throw your system off balance, as it needs its daily intake to function properly. Think about a healthy and balanced diet.
When Should You Be Concerned?
There are multiple factors that lead to increased hair loss – remember that it is normal to lose up to 100 hairs per day – and by consulting a PAI Medical Group professional as soon as you notice unusual hair loss, you will be counseled and guided to the right solution for your specific needs.