The average healthy scalp naturally sheds around one hundred hairs every single day. This sounds excessive before considering our heads usually have about one thousand times more hairs at any given time. The hair growth process is cyclical, which means individual follicles go through multiple phases of development as they grow new strands and drop the old.
For autumn hair shedding, this process could seem as though you’re beginning to go bald. But do not worry, this is a key part of this natural process. It allows the follicle a period of rest for a few months before starting new growth. Each follicle carries out this cycle independently of one another, which is why daily shedding should have no impact on your hair’s thickness.
Effects of the Weather
As the heat and humidity of summertime fade away, our scalps are introduced to the cold, dry air of autumn. A slight increase in the frequency of shedding during this time is normal due to the impact excessive dryness has on both the scalp and hair. Dry air can cause itchiness and irritation of the scalp because of a lack of moisture. If you deal with dry scalp issues already, the autumn weather can exacerbate symptoms or create more problems. Dandruff is more common after summer passes for the same reason.
As for the weather’s effect on your hair, split ends and damage from lack of moisture are much more of a risk on cold, low humidity days. You may also notice a slight increase in the amount of hair shedding for the first four to six weeks of autumn. During this time, your hair follicles are experiencing a natural period of dormancy within their growth cycle.
If you notice abnormal or excessive shedding, even during this season, you could be experiencing something more serious than seasonal hair shed and should consult a doctor or specialist.
Healthy Scalp Habits
Practicing good scalp hygiene is the best way to keep away irritation and damage to your hair this season. When the air is dry, and the moisture has been stolen from your scalp, the best solution is any hair product designed to seal in moisture and replace the natural oils your scalp lacks. Hydrating hair masks or leave-in treatments are beneficial for every hair type, regardless of the season. Routine use of these products can fend off itchiness and inflammation. If you often use heated tools to style your hair, it is vital to use a heat-protective spray or coating. If your hair is already suffering from dry weather, direct heat or hot air can easily cause more damage.
It is also important to avoid habits that could worsen the impact that this season already threatens your hair with. Keep these few tips in mind and plan ahead for the cold weather.
- Wearing a hat to keep warm seems harmless, but trapping heat so close to your scalp for too long can cause issues. Sweat is also trapped by your hat and can cause inflammation.
- Scratching at your scalp is hard to resist when dealing with dryness and irritation, but it quickly leads to more hair shedding and damage to your scalp.
- If your scalp is more oily than normal this season, this does not mean that dryness isn’t the problem. The scalp may compensate for the dryness of autumn by producing way too much natural oil. Washing your hair too frequently will only prolong this issue, as you are stripping out the moisture. If you use hydrating products on your hair, your scalp will no longer need to compensate.
Above all else, remember to keep an eye out for abnormal autumn hair shedding or signs of severe damage. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, you should contact a doctor, specialist, or an experienced stylist. No matter the cause, hair loss is always easiest to treat when recognized early on. Reach out to Allusions today for a FREE hair and scalp health consultation.
