Strands of hair on your brush, the sofa, the carpet, just about everywhere. Sound familiar? In autumn and winter many of us experience significant hair loss. With the help of dermatologist and cosmetologist Nóra Erős M.D., we look at how much autumn and winter hair loss is normal, and when it might be a problem.
People have an average of 100,000 hairs on their heads. Strands of hair emerge from the underlying hair follicles and ideally grow for two to seven years before falling out. The hair follicles then rest for a time before producing new hair strands. This is known as the hair growth cycle. Under normal circumstances 60-100 strands of hair fall out every day, most noticeably when brushing or washing your hair.
The quantity of hair loss is also affected by the weather and the changing of the seasons. Hair grows faster in summer and spring, while in autumn and winter – when the temperature is colder and the weather is drier – growth slows and hair loss is more noticeable. This is a completely natural process, so there’s no need to worry. However, if hair loss extends to more than 100 strands of hair a day, it is considered pathological hair loss. There are various possible causes for this, which is why it is best to get the opinion of a medical specialist.
Possible causes:
- Hormonal changes, menopause
- Unhealthy lifestyle
- Lack of vitamins in diet
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Underlying focal inflammation
- Stress
- Age
- Certain medicines (e.g. beta blockers)
How can you help prevent it?
- Varied diet rich in fruit and vegetables
- Sufficient sleep
- Regular exercise
- Stress avoidance
- Taking multivitamin supplements and “skin, hair and nail” beauty formulas
If you are unsure whether your hair loss is a result of the changing of the seasons or indicates an underlying condition, book an appointment with your dermatologist for further advice and tests.
