Each season comes with unique health challenges. In fall and winter, harsh winds and cold temperatures create perfect conditions for dry skin. Springtime brings blooming flowers \u2014 lovely to look at, but one whiff can send those with allergies straight to the pharmacy.<\/p>\n
Lots of us have learned to anticipate these challenges each season. But there\u2019s one seasonal change that affects both men and women that\u2019s not often discussed \u2014 seasonal hair loss<\/a>. It\u2019s most common in the summer and fall months, and with a little attention, it\u2019s possible to minimize your seasonal shedding each year.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re wondering what you can do to help prevent hair loss, we can help. Maple<\/a>\u2019s a virtual care platform that connects you with Canadian-licensed doctors<\/a> and specialists<\/a> from your phone, tablet, or computer. You can speak to a dermatologist<\/a> within hours about any scalp concerns you may have. Dermatologists can diagnose hair conditions like hair loss<\/a> and prescribe the appropriate medication, if deemed necessary.<\/p>\n Alopecia\u00a0(hair loss)<\/a> occurs when the hair is thinning or falling out. It can be temporary or permanent and isn\u2019t restricted to one gender. Androgenetic alopecia, known in men as male pattern baldness, happens in about 50%<\/a> of Canadian men by age 70. While there are many types of hair loss, these are the most common<\/a>:<\/p>\n As mentioned above, this is also known as male or female pattern baldness. In males, the condition commonly affects the hairline and crown, whereas thinning hair in women usually happens near the crown of the head.<\/p>\n This is permanent hair loss caused by the destruction of hair follicles. It\u2019s usually a result of autoimmune disorders, infections, or chemicals, and the damage makes it difficult for hair to grow back, often resulting in indefinite areas of hair loss. Scarring alopecia may also cause pain or itching. Scarring alopecia doesn\u2019t cause symptoms most of the time but may cause pain or itching. The main treatment goal is to prevent further hair loss.<\/p>\n An autoimmune condition that causes sudden, nonscarring hair loss from the scalp or other parts of the body as the immune system attacks hair follicles. This often results in smooth, round patches of hair loss from the entire scalp or body. While there\u2019s no permanent damage to the follicle and most people see their hair regrow within one year, the condition can return.<\/p>\n This occurs when the body sheds more hair than\u00a0usual, typically during a stressful time. Hair loss is rapid, and events that can cause telogen effluvium include, but aren\u2019t limited to, pregnancy, thyroid disorders, severe infections (such as hair loss caused by COVID-19), surgery, certain medications, and deficiency disorders.<\/p>\n If a small amount of hair ends up in your brush when combing it daily, don\u2019t worry. Hair loss is a natural daily occurrence for both men and women. Losing a few strands isn\u2019t a sign you\u2019re going bald. Adults who shed a normal amount lose between 50-100<\/a> hairs from their heads each day.<\/p>\n It\u2019s part of the cycle of hair growth, which happens in phases. The stages are growth, rest, shedding, and replacement. When you shed more hair than you replace, you\u2019ll start to notice patches of thin hair. Over time, a lack of new hair growth can leave bald areas on your head or body, known as androgenic alopecia, as mentioned above.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re wondering whether or not baldness is your future, take a look at your family tree. Hereditary-patterned baldness is the most common form of baldness, caused by<\/a> genetics and hormonal changes as you age.<\/p>\n Scientists and doctors are still looking for the root cause of seasonal hair loss. While people notice more hair loss in the summer and fall seasons, we don\u2019t know exactly why it happens during those times of the year.<\/p>\n Researchers speculate<\/a> that the trend is tied to human evolution. It once made sense for us to shed body hair to keep cool in warm weather. Back then, we had a lot more of it than we do today. Similarly, in the winter months, mammals like humans grow extra thick hair or fur to protect them from the elements.<\/p>\n That could be why we don\u2019t see as much hair loss in the wintertime in the modern day. Additionally, lifestyle changes in the warmer months may cause hair loss, such as chlorine from swimming pools or too much sun exposure.<\/p>\n And while we\u2019ve been plagued with myths like getting scalp massages and cutting your hair often helps it grow, there are actually some things you can do to help prevent hair loss<\/a> \u2014 including treatments for hair loss you can do on your own. Here\u2019s a rundown of the most popular methods to help prevent and treat hair loss.<\/p>\n One of the best at-home treatments for hair loss is eating foods high in protein and consuming foods with plenty of vitamins and minerals to help you grow healthy, strong hair. Hair follicles are the tube-shaped passages in the scalp and skin that your hair grows from. They\u2019re made primarily of protein, which is also a key ingredient in producing healthy hair cells. Try introducing more eggs or fish into your diet to boost your body\u2019s protein levels.<\/p>\n Crash diets and eating disorders can also contribute to hair loss, so it\u2019s crucial for your hair \u2014 and your overall health \u2014 to consume enough calories, protein, and vitamins and minerals from food.<\/p>\n You may also have hair loss due to certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies. It\u2019s important to know which ones are safe to supplement as some, like vitamin A or selenium, has proven to contribute to hair loss when taken in excess. While more research is needed<\/a>, it\u2019s thought that a lack of vitamin D can cause hair loss since it signals pathways of growth and differentiation of hair follicles. There\u2019s a link between vitamin D and certain alopecias like androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata. Besides, having vitamin D deficiency is bad for your health overall, so taking it \u2014 especially in winter<\/a> \u2014 can only benefit you.<\/p>\n A lack of vitamin B, specifically biotin, riboflavin, folate, and vitamin B12, can also contribute to hair loss. If you\u2019re not getting enough through food, it\u2019s good to take supplements. Keep in mind though that taking these vitamins doesn\u2019t mean your hair will start magically growing. It means that if you\u2019re deficient in any of these areas, a supplement may help prevent hair loss.<\/p>\n As for iron deficiency causing hair loss, the jury\u2019s still out on that one. This has been debated back and forth<\/a> for years, and even though there\u2019s no conclusive evidence, in some controlled studies, using an iron supplement has proven to have positive outcomes for hair loss. Consider boosting your vitamin C intake if you suffer from hair loss associated with iron deficiency.<\/p>\n Stress-related hair loss can take a few forms. Some people gravitate towards pulling their hair to self-soothe, which is a condition called trichotillomania \u2014 different to traction alopecia, which is also caused by pulling of hair, but as a result of styling it too tightly.<\/p>\n Stress also causes the body to release a hormone called cortisol, which in turn causes a surge in another hormone, testosterone. A certain subtype of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone lives in your skin and hair. When there\u2019s too much of it, overstimulation causes hair loss. Stress management techniques like mindfulness or psychotherapy<\/a> can help you keep calm in tough situations and mitigate the consequences of constant stress.<\/p>\n Additionally, cortisol causes an accelerated breakdown and reduced synthesis of hyaluronan and proteoglycans \u2014 proteins that influence cell behaviour \u2014 which can also contribute to hair loss. Harsh chemicals from hair dyes and heat from blow dryers aren\u2019t good for your hair. In high-shed seasons like summer and fall, go easy on any intensive styling if you\u2019re noticing hair loss. Permanent hair dye contains ammonia, which weakens the hair shaft<\/a>.<\/p>\n Heat styling depletes your hair\u2019s natural proteins, leaving your hair dry and prone to snapping off. Natural dyes and air drying your hair are two less harmful alternatives.<\/p>\n And while it has been said that certain shampoo ingredients cause hair loss, there\u2019s no research to back that up. Sulphates, formaldehyde, parabens, and more have all been dubbed culprits, and while they can damage your hair, they don\u2019t necessarily cause hair to fall out.<\/p>\n Dermatologists may recommend topical and oral prescription medications that can help hair regrow. In men, minoxidil (Loniten)<\/a> and finasteride (Propecia)<\/a> for hair loss have proven effective<\/a>, and for women, a top choice is minoxidil. So if you\u2019ve been wondering if there\u2019s a prescription for hair loss, there are options. While medication is unlikely to restore your full head of hair, it can promote new growth that may not have otherwise occurred.<\/p>\n Intralesional corticosteroids<\/a> have a high success rate for those with alopecia areata. These steroid injections for hair loss are injected into bald patches to help stimulate hair growth. The injections are most useful for patchy, stable hair loss, but the results vary. A dermatologist or medical professional would need to assess your scalp and hair to determine if you\u2019re a good candidate for this procedure.<\/p>\n This is the most intense option to regain your hair, but the success rates are pretty good. A hair transplant is a surgical procedure to help regrow hair. This technique involves healthy hair follicles moving from another part of the body to the balding area. Transplants have better outcomes than medications, and although the hair will still thin over time, it does provide growth in the interim.<\/p>\n A dermatologist will look at your medical history, scalp, and how much your hair is shedding. Sometimes they may even request bloodwork. If the dermatologist determines what you\u2019re experiencing is hair shedding, they likely won\u2019t recommend treatment since this is often temporary.<\/p>\n But if you have hair loss, treatment is more likely to be in order. And, the earlier hair loss is discovered, the better your chance of success.<\/p>\n As we discover more about the origins of seasonal hair loss<\/a>, taking stock of when you notice increased shedding is a great preventative measure. If you know when to predict hair loss, you can have a plan in place for those months. Whether it\u2019s diet changes or a low-heat hairstyle, you\u2019ll know the time of year when you need to change your routine to maintain lush locks.<\/p>\nWhat\u2019s hair loss?<\/h3>\n
\nFemale pattern baldness occurs in 40%<\/a> of women by age 50. And while there\u2019s nothing to be embarrassed about, many Canadians fear developing confidence issues<\/a> if they experienced this \u2014 59.1% of women and 40.9% of men said baldness would affect their overall confidence.<\/p>\nAndrogenetic alopecia<\/h3>\n
Cicatricial alopecia (scarring alopecia)<\/h3>\n
Alopecia areata<\/h3>\n
Telogen effluvium<\/h3>\n
How much hair loss is normal?<\/h3>\n
What\u2019s seasonal hair loss, and why does it happen?<\/h3>\n
Eat hair-friendly foods<\/h3>\n
Up your vitamin intake<\/h3>\n
Minimize your stress<\/h3>\n
\nStress management techniques like mindfulness or talk therapy<\/a> can help you keep calm in tough situations and mitigate the consequences of constant stress.<\/p>\nTake a break from colouring and heat styling<\/h3>\n
Medication<\/h3>\n
Steroid injections<\/h3>\n
Hair transplants<\/h3>\n
When do dermatologists recommend treatment for hair loss?<\/h3>\n
How a dermatologist on Maple can help<\/h3>\n