You might already know that your hair grows more slowly in the autumn and winter, but did you know that you also shed more hair in the colder months?
While sunlight in the summer triggers our hair growth hormones, in the colder months, the hair follicles go dormant, hair stops growing as quickly, and you’ll lose more hair than usual. If you normally have healthy growth, it won’t impact on you too much, but if you already suffer from hair loss, this is a big problem.
The good news is that there are some things you can do to slow down or stop hair shedding, and protect the health of your hair and scalp at this time of year.
Here’s how to handle autumn hair loss.
Massage your scalp regularly
Indian head massage is great for increasing circulation to your scalp and encouraging healthy hair growth. You can also do an easy DIY scalp massage routine at home.
As well as massage, there are plenty of natural scalp and hair growth remedies you can try, as well as medicated treatments from your doctor.
Deep condition your hair every week
Your number one priority is keeping your hair and scalp hydrated in the autumn and winter months. A healthy, moisturised scalp is the foundation of healthy hair, so using a deep conditioning treatment will really help protect your hair and encourage new growth.
There are other products I’d definitely recommend too. Aveda’s invatiTM range for thinning hair and a healthier scalp is a total game changer. The range includes a shampoo, conditioner, masque, scalp revitalizer, and products for men, and it’s 98% naturally-derived from botanicals. Aveda’s own Ayurvedic herb blend with ginseng and certified organic turmeric is also part of the formula and is designed to invigorate the scalp.
Eat a healthy diet
It’s tempting to eat junk and stodge when it gets colder, but your hair and your general health won’t thank you. You are what you eat, and a bad diet will be reflected in your hair.
For healthy hair that grows thick and strong, you need to eat plenty of healthy fats that you’ll find in nuts and fish, proteins that you’ll find in lean meats, dairy products, and pulses, plus vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that you’ll find in fruit and veg.
Find ways to manage stress
Stress can cause hair loss and hair loss is very stressful so it’s a vicious cycle. Find ways to de-stress whether it’s watching a comedy on TV, going for a walk in nature, or chilling with a good book.
Need help or advice with haircare during lockdown?
I’ll be doing virtual appointments* over the next few weeks over Instagram or Zoom. Get in touch or check out my Facebook page to find out more.
* Please note online booking is temporarily closed because I’ve had to rearrange appointments for all clients who were booked in before the lockdown. Please email me or DM to book an appointment.