Do you know? There are two kinds of people during monsoons, the ones that love the smell of the mud when it rains, the ones who love eating hot fritters and chai. On the other end are those who experience seasonal hair fall. Who knows? They might even refer to the monsoon as the hair Allseason.
If you are the latter, you are in the right place. In this blog, we will talk about seasonal hair fall, why hair fall occurs and measures you can take to avoid it.
What is seasonal hair fall?
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), an individual loses about 50-100 hair strands on a daily basis and this is completely normal, however, during monsoons, individuals report losing over 250 hair strands daily. Hair loss that transcends the normal value can be classified as seasonal hair loss.
A research study by the World Trichology Society states that the occurrence of hair fall increases by 30% during humid weather conditions. If you experience more than usual hair loss during the monsoon, please note that it is completely normal and can be reversed.
What really happens during monsoons for you to lose hair?
Hair fall in the monsoon occurs due to the excessive moisture content in the environment, the hair retains this moisture and appears dry, frizzy, and brittle. It is stripped of its natural moisture, so the scalp also appears dry. This weakens the hair follicles, leading to hair breakage. The increased humidity also clogs the hair follicles and makes our hair greasy.
Let’s deep dive into the hair growth cycle and understand this better:
Hair grows in three distinct stages. The first one is the ANAGEN Phase. During this stage, the hair follicles are active. The cells spread rapidly from the hair follicles to the scalp resulting in visible hair growth. After this, the hair stops growing and enters the shrink stage. This stage is known as the CATAGEN (‘regression’) phase. Once the hair follicles shrink, hair growth decreases. Further, the hair enters the TELOGEN phase. In this stage, the hair follicles become inactive. Hair growth halts but the hair remains attached to the hair follicle and eventually falls out. During this stage, one might experience hair fall as new hair is not replaced with old hair that breaks. (1)
As the weather changes during monsoon, it causes a disruption in the hair growth cycle, wherein the anagen phase shortens (growth phase) and the telogen phase elongates (hair growth goes on a vacation).
It is also important to note that due to the increased moisture content in the environment, your scalp is easily susceptible to conditions such as dandruff, which further irritates the scalp and makes the hair prone to breakage.
Another reason being, during heavy rainfall, the hair comes in contact with rain drops, due to the unbalanced pH of the raindrops interacting with the pH of your scalp, your scalp loses its natural oil.
OTHER CAUSES THAT MAY ACCELERATE HAIR LOSS DURING MONSOON:
Genetic susceptibility to hair loss (If your maternal or paternal side of the family has hair loss)
PCOS, Anemia, Thyroid
Hormonal imbalance in men (increased levels of DHT)
Extreme usage of helmet
Extreme usage of heat styling
Smoking and alcoholism
DO’S AND DONT’S TO AVOID HAIR LOSS DURING MONSOON
Experiencing hair loss can be disturbing, but with the right measures, you can easily manage it.
1. DO’S
Ensure hair cleansing/ washing right after your scalp encounters rainwater
Ensure conditioning post hair cleansing to minimize dry hair strands that eventually lead to breakage
Avoid using a sharp bristled comb, use a hairbrush instead
Apply a hair mask
Use a head gear while going out to minimise contact with rainwater
Try oiling your hair before shampooing as it helps moisturize the scalp.
If you have dandruff, then invest in anti-dandruff shampoo.
Cover your hair with a satin cap overnight; it helps you maintain your hair’s moisture.
2. DONT’S
Avoid excess heat styling as it can further damage the hair strands and hair may appear brittle
Don’t rub your towel harshly against wet hair- the friction caused due to excessive rubbing can result in frizz, it also strips the hair of its natural moisture.
Don’t expose your hair to the sun/rain for a prolonged period.
Don’t allow your hair to stay entangled for an extended amount of time; instead, comb it regularly.
Don’t use hair accessories like rubber bands, headbands, clips, and hair pins that cling too tightly to your hair since the pressure generated by the rubber bands can damage your hair and cause scalp discomfort.
TREAT SEASONAL HAIR LOSS FROM THE INSIDE:
Hair fall usually occurs due to lack of nutrients in the body. Think of it as a plant that needs the right nutrition and environment to grow in. Here are a few things you can incorporate in your diet to nourish your hair from the inside out.
EAT YOUR HEALTHY FAT:
Pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, walnuts are your holy grail. Pumpkin helps block DHT (hair fall causing hormone) naturally , while flax seeds and walnuts are rich in healthy fats. (2)
EAT YOUR PROTEIN:
Your hair needs protein to thrive. Eat your eggs, chicken, soya, lentils, legumes to ensure your body gets an adequate amount of protein for hair to grow.
SAY NO TO SUGAR AND JUNK FOOD
Consuming sugar in excess can trigger blood sugar levels and cause hormonal imbalance, this can affect your hair follicles and they may shrink further. Avoid junk as it does no good, it is prepared poorly and does not provide the nutrients that your body needs.
STAY HYDRATED
Have you ever seen a plant grow without water? It’s the same with your hair and your body. A dehydrated body often calls for dehydrated hair that looks frizzy and limp. If you want voluminous hair, focus on your water consumption. You can also sip herbal teas throughout the day or have fruit-infused water (lemon, mint leaves).
TAKE AWAY
While seasonal hair loss is common and normal and can be easily managed, it is important to visit a professional in case it persists even after taking careful measures. Hair loss also occurs due to underlying conditions and it is important to get it treated from its root.
Moreover, focus on your diet, carry a healthy lifestyle, stay active and take care of your hair, don’t invest in expensive shampoos, invest in a routine that helps you reverse your hair fall.
FAQS
1. Does seasonal hair loss grow back?
Yes, seasonal hair loss does grow back. Provided you are eating healthy, limiting sugar, sleeping for 8-9 hours, and monitoring your stress levels.
2. What is the fastest way to stop hair loss?
It is important to note that when hair loss occurs it is due underlying causes, the most prominent ones being hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiency and genetic susceptibility. Provided all of these factors are taken care of you can manage your hair loss. Remember, hair loss occurs gradually so it cannot be ‘stopped’ but you can certainly manage it with the right trips and tricks.
3. How to stop hair fall due to climate change?
Hair fall during climate change occurs due to varied factors such as, overexposure to rainwater, poor scalp health or hygiene, certain vitamin deficiencies, and so on. Hence, it is important to be prepared in advance. Here are a few tips you can follow:
1. Wash your hair every alternate day with a mild cleanser, free of sulphates and parabens
2. Wear head gear that protects your scalp from rainwater
3. Eat a balanced meal- prioritize protein in your diet (eggs, sprouts, lentils, paneer, legumes are some good sources of protein found in your kitchen)
4. Take care of your stress levels- meditate, journal, indulge in exercise or brisk walking.
4. How can I stop frequent hair loss?
If you are frequently experiencing hair loss, it could indicate a deeper issue. Women experience frequent hair loss due to underlying conditions such as PCOS, thyroid, hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiencies and so on, it is important to get these factors checked. Furthermore, focus on a balanced diet, exercise, and supplementation. If hair loss still persists, visit a doctor.