Hair loss can occur for many reasons, from age to cancer treatment and hormonal imbalances to stress. However, did you know that for some people, winter is a cause for their hair falling out?
The reason behind this is the air outside is much drier, which means it tries to steal moisture from the scalp and hair. What’s more, heating systems in the house and car are also known to dry out hair and skin.
When the scalp becomes dry, this can lead to itchiness and discomfort, making it more tempting to scratch the skin. This can result in strands falling out more easily.
At the same time, if the hair is dry, it is more prone to breaking. The weaker and more brittle it is, the easier it is to come away from the follicles.
When hair loss is only seasonal, people do not have to worry too much, as their tresses are likely to strengthen again when the weather becomes warmer and there is more moisture in the air.
However, winter hair loss might just be the tipping point for some people who have been suffering with balding throughout the seasons.
If this sounds like you, there are ways to hydrate hair to reduce hair loss over the winter. For instance, you could have oil massages or deep conditioning treatments to make sure the strands are well moisturised.
Pantene also recommends washing hair in warm, not hot water, as heat can take away any moisture that is left. It also advises to stop using curlers, hairdryers, or straighteners.
“Heat styling can ruin all the hard work you did to moisturise and revive your hair. It strips your hair of its moisture and breaks chemical bonds on your strands resulting in breakage and split ends,” it states.
Eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and drinking plenty of water will also help manage hair loss.
However, in serious cases where there is a significant amount of hair loss, no matter the season, the only permanent solution is a hair transplant.