Androgenetic alopecia is caused by an increased sensitivity in certain areas of the scalp to local hormones. Autumnal hair loss, however, results from the natural alteration of the hair growth cycle. During this season, the hair cycle undergoes a synchronization process. At this time, hair enters the anagen phase, where it anchors itself to the scalp. This is followed by a transition to the telogen phase, which is when hair falls out. Over time, this process regularizes, and most of the hair returns to the anagen phase. In this article, you’ll learn more about the relationship between autumn and hair loss.
Why Do Hair Fall More During Autumn?
Just like the leaves of trees or the fur of animals, human hair also tends to fall more with the arrival of autumn. This is a part of the natural renewal cycle of hair, which regenerates after a few months, typically without the need for special treatments or anti-hair loss products.
There are certain times of the year when the shedding process becomes more noticeable. While some animal species shed all their fur at once, for humans, this shedding is gradual and often peaks during seasonal changes. Of the 100,000 hairs on our scalp, approximately 12-15% are always in a replacement phase. It takes about four years for our entire head of hair to renew itself.
Is Hair Loss More Pronounced in Autumn?
Indeed, the onset of autumn can trigger an increase in hair shedding, commonly known as seasonal telogen effluvium. This type of alopecia is particularly frequent in women, though men can also experience it.
Telogen effluvium refers to the final stage of the hair growth cycle. Each of the thousands of hair follicles on the scalp goes through three phases: growth, rest, and shedding. Dermatologists explain that telogen effluvium occurs during the shedding phase, where hair that was previously resting in the telogen phase falls out to make room for new hair entering the anagen phase. This process is entirely normal and occurs throughout the year, not just during autumn.
The Stages of Hair Loss in Autumn
As mentioned earlier, hair tends to shed due to the renewal cycle. Now, let’s dive deeper into the different stages of hair loss:
Anagen phase: This is the hair’s growth phase and is the longest stage in the hair cycle. The majority of our hair remains in this phase, which lasts about three years. During this time, the hair follicle is actively nourishing the hair with keratin and nutrients for optimal growth.
Catagen phase: This phase lasts around three weeks. At this point, the follicle stops supplying nutrients, and hair growth comes to a halt.
Telogen phase: The telogen phase spans approximately three months. The hair eventually dies and detaches from its root, making space for new hair in the anagen phase.
Factors that Exacerbate Hair Loss in Autumn
Several factors can amplify the telogen effluvium process, leading to increased hair shedding during autumn.
One notable factor is the seasonal change in daylight. As days become shorter and sun exposure decreases, the body produces less melatonin, a hormone responsible for regulating hair growth. This reduction in melatonin causes more hair follicles to enter the telogen phase, resulting in more shedding.
Here is a list of some of the most common causes of hair loss:
Excessive sebum production: When the scalp produces too much sebum, it can clog hair follicles and impede the growth cycle. This leads to thinner, more fragile hair that is more likely to fall out.
Stress: Both physical and emotional stress, as well as anxiety, can trigger or exacerbate hair loss.
Aggressive hair care: Excessive brushing, harsh shampoos, or other aggressive treatments can mechanically damage hair, leading to thinning and bald patches.
Medical treatments: Surgeries and medications, such as chemotherapy, can cause temporary or permanent hair loss. In these cases, it is important to consult a doctor to discuss alternative treatments or medications.
Skin conditions: Diseases like lupus, lichen planopilaris, or fungal infections can also contribute to hair loss.
Hormonal changes: Periods of hormonal fluctuations, such as menopause or postpartum, can trigger episodes of alopecia.
When Should You Worry About Hair Loss in Autumn?
It’s natural for seasonal hair shedding to cause concern, particularly for women and men alike. A specialist can help determine whether the hair loss is temporary or permanent. Often, as the body adjusts to seasonal changes and stressors, the hair growth cycle will return to normal.
However, if you notice significant baldness or an unusually high amount of hair loss, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist to identify any underlying causes of alopecia.
Maintaining healthy hair is crucial. This includes adopting a balanced diet, using appropriate hair care products, and managing stress levels.
Recommendations for Preventing Autumn Hair Loss
Although autumn is a time when hair loss is common, certain practices can help minimize the shedding:
Stimulate the scalp: Regular scalp massages can promote microcirculation, which helps nourish the hair follicles and promote hair growth.
Take supplements: Incorporate vitamins and minerals like zinc, copper, iron, B vitamins, vitamin D, and folic acid into your routine to strengthen hair.
Eat a nutrient-rich diet: Focus on a diet full of fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Include foods like carrots, pumpkins, peaches, kiwis, strawberries, oranges, Swiss chard, cabbage, broccoli, bell peppers, nuts, seafood, legumes, eggs, lean meats (rabbit, chicken, turkey), and whole grains.
Manage stress: Stress can exacerbate hair loss and other skin conditions, so engaging in relaxing activities like yoga and meditation can be beneficial.
Although it is impossible to completely prevent hair loss, anti-hair loss shampoos and vitamin supplements can improve hair health and reduce severe shedding in autumn. Additionally, sunlight exposure can help your body synthesize vitamin D, which supports calcium absorption and acts as a vasodilator, helping oxygen and nutrients reach hair follicles, promoting growth.
If you’re experiencing severe hair loss, rest assured that hair transplantation is an effective solution. Novesthetica offers advanced hair transplant techniques that restore lost hair, providing lifetime guaranteed results at unbeatable prices.