With the arrival of the winter, it is common to see more hair falling out. The main reason is that the climate becomes drier, and so the hair ends up suffering, too. Hair loss in the winter is a very normal reaction of the body. No one is at risk of going bald because winter has come. Even so, there are treatments to alleviate this type of inconvenient reaction.
To close the package of possible causes for so much hair loss during the winter, another factor for increased hair loss is the hot bath. Hot baths during the freezing period, nobody excuses. The hot shower during the winter ends up helping to dry the hair and to cause damages. On a smaller scale, these damages are totally reversible with the change of some habits in the next season.
Regardless of whether or not you have hair problems, it is normal to see an increase in hair loss in the winter.
The change in hair care routine due to the low temperature is also responsible for the increase in hair loss in winter. This is because, with the cold, people tend to wash their hair less and, and when they do it, they use very hot water, which can damage the hair.
Main Causes Of Hair Loss During The Winter
It is probably a phenomenon linked to the evolution of the human race, with different theories and explanations for the fact. One of these theories would be that there is a delay in the hair growth cycle in the summer. According to this theory, the organism would tend to prolong the growth phase of the hair in that season, reducing the fall.
The lesser hair loss, in this case, would be associated with the need for better protection of the scalp against solar radiation. However, this physiological mechanism of hair retention in the summer ends up requiring further compensation. Thus, the most significant hair loss in winter and autumn would, in fact, be a consequence of this retention observed in summer.
Hair Drying Out
The winter months tend to be colder and drier, with less rain and less humidity.
This, in itself, justifies a greater dryness of the skin and hair. Also, other habits and factors can help to further aggravate the condition.
This is the case, for example, of using hot water when you wash your hair during this period. The increase in water temperature enhances the removal of fats by shampoos and soaps. The problem is that the excessive removal of lipids from the hair also decreases its ability to retain moisture, contributing to dryness.
Also, the use of a dryer at higher temperatures can further aggravate the condition. In turn, dry hair becomes more prone to breakage, thus contributing to the perception of more significant hair loss in winter.
Inflammation of the scalp
In addition to damaging hair strands, excessive removal of fats by hot water can also cause damage to the scalp. That’s because the scalp skin has a thin protective layer of lipids on its surface. The removal of this skin barrier exposes the scalp to the action of microorganisms and irritating agents, generating local inflammation. In turn, dermatitis resulting from the process can contribute to the increase in hair loss.
Dermatitis most often associated with winter hair loss is seborrheic dermatitis. This condition, which is usually manifested by dandruff, itching, or pain in the scalp, has among its aggravating factors the proliferation of fungi. Fungi multiply best in stuffy, hot, and humid environments. Thus, the more frequent use of a hat could also contribute to worsening dermatitis.
Also, many people tend to wash their hair less frequently during this period. The habit, however, favors seborrhea and greater hair loss in winter.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is also known as cholecalciferol or “vitamin from the Sun.” This is because its activation occurs on the skin through exposure to sunlight. In winter, the length of the day decreases, as the ultraviolet radiation becomes weaker. Also, during the winter, people wear more clothes and spend less time outdoors. Thus, a decrease in Vitamin D is expected to occur in the period.
In the body, Vitamin D plays a crucial role in regulating calcium and phosphorus levels, keeping bones and teeth healthy. Scientific studies have also suggested other health benefits of Vitamin D. In relation to hair, Vitamin D seems to be associated with the regulation of the capillary cycle and, therefore, with hair loss. There is also evidence of the relation between Vitamin D and the evolution of baldness and alopecia areata.
How To Prevent Hair Loss During The Winter?
To prevent hair from becoming thin and brittle in winter, trichologists gives tips on how to face the season with healthy hair.
Trichologists advise you to control the water temperature, the use of accessories, and the periodicity of washing the hair on cold days.
When we talk about beauty routine, it is necessary to think that special hair care varies according to the seasons. This is because some habits we have when the temperature is lower can damage the hair, causing dryness and hair loss, for example.
However, if the problem appears more frequently and the hair falls out in larger quantities than the one predicted for the cold months, the dermatologist is the person to apply the best treatment, using specific shampoos and, in some cases, even medications.
But in most cases, a simple change in eating habits and a little less warm water can help to alleviate the problem – if the stress is also at “controlled” levels during this time.
Avoid washing your hair with very hot water
Washing your hair with hot water can damage your hair a lot. The water at high temperature removes the natural oil from the scalp causing a rebound effect with even higher sebum production. At this time of year, worsening seborrheic dermatitis is common, which generates inflammation that contributes to the fall.
It can be difficult, especially when it is very cold, but the best is to opt for warm water, giving one last rinse with cold water, to close the cuticles of the hair.
Wash your hair more often
It is just getting colder and the laziness of washing your hair hits, but that is not a good habit. During the winter, it is common for people to wash their hair less, but this ends up leading to an accumulation of clogging the follicles and causing them to fall. So don’t wait too long to clean your hair. The tip is to wash with a specific shampoo for your hair type at least two to three times a week.
Avoid wearing hats
The hat can even keep you warm, but it can also cause moisture on your scalp. “In some cases, this moisture can give rise to fungal bacteria, which can cause damage to the hair.
So, if you still want to use accessories to cover your head, try not to use it for too long. Letting the scalp breathe is one of the most important precautions when it comes to preventing hair loss.
Use of dryers
At that time of the year, we also tend to use more dryers. Excessive use of these devices leads to thermal damage to the hair shaft known as “Bubble hair.” In such cases, the high temperature vaporizes the water from the hair strands, expanding natural air spaces in its internal structure, forming a sponge-like aspect. Thus, the most fragile hair becomes brittle, making the hair loss worse.
It is important to remember that this effect is more common with dryers, which reach 175C, but devices that reach lower temperatures but with prolonged exposure like the flat iron can also cause these hair damages.
Avoid dry shampoo
In this season, the greater use of dry shampoos is common, which generates residues on the scalp, preventing good oxygenation of the skin in this region. It is essential to avoid the use of these products and to perform hair detox treatments to ensure greater hygiene and health of the scalp and hair.
Eat well
Having a balanced diet has benefits for the hair, as well as for the entire body. For healthy development, hair needs Iron, Zinc, among other vitamins, present in fruits, meats, cereals, and vegetables.
Forget about self-medication
The use of some medications can also cause hair loss, such as contraceptives, antidepressants, chemotherapies, and medicines for hypertension. Hair health is one more reason not to self-medicate. So the importance of looking for a dermatologist whenever the problem appears.
