Hair Fall In Winter – A Comprehensive Guide

As the seasons change, our body’s response to the weather changes too. Hair fall in winter is one of the most common problems today. But why does our ...

Is it normal for hair to fall in the winter?

Yes, it is normal for hair to fall in the winter. There are several reasons why this happens, but the most common of them all is the lack of moisture. The cold, dry weather makes the scalp and hair dry, weakening them and resulting in hair fall in winter.

Does winter hair loss grow back?

Typically, it does. Hair fall in winter shouldn’t last beyond the colder months. As the weather grows warmer, the hair grows back.

How much hair fall is normal in winter?

The American Academy of Dermatologists says that losing up to 100 strands a day is normal. For those of us who have longer hair, the hair loss will likely be more noticeable than those who don’t. But it’s safe to say that if you’re losing clumps of hair, it is not winter hair fall, and you best consult a dermatologist.

Hair fall in winter: Why does it happen?

1. Dry and cold air

2. Hat and scarf friction

3. Lesser sunlight exposure

4. Poor nutrition

There are several reasons why hair falls in winter. Among them are:

1. Dry and cold air

The moisture in the air drops during winter. As a result, the air tends to get colder and drier. This, in turn, affects your hair and scalp, making them both dry. To make matters more complex, cold temperatures can constrict blood vessels. This means your hair follicles receive less blood. Dry scalp and blood-deprived follicles weaken the hair and make them prone to damage and breakage.

2. Hat and scarf friction

Hats may not be very popular in India, but scarves come out during winter. When the fabric rubs against your already dry and breakage-prone hair, it can damage the cuticles making the hair even more fragile.

3. Lesser sunlight exposure

Vitamin D deficiency has emerged as one of the significant concerns even in tropical nations like India as people tend to spend more time indoors in air-conditioned offices than outside. During winter, vitamin D deficiency gets more pronounced, with the body being exposed to the sun even less. Vitamin D is crucial for hair growth, and its deficiency can result in hair fall.

4. Poor nutrition

Winter also marks the festive season. This means rich festive foods and fewer healthy meals. This change in diet can lead to a deficiency in vitamins and minerals that are necessary for healthy hair, further contributing to winter hair loss.

How to control winter hair fall

1. Adapt your hair care routine for the winters

2. Book regular scalp massages

3. Stay hydrated

4. Balanced Diet

5. Consume supplements

6. Avoid tight hairstyles

7. Limit heat styling

Having learned some of the reasons behind hair fall in winter, we also know how to control it, right? But here are some tried-and-tested tips to control hair fall in winter:

1. Adapt your hair care routine for the winters

As winter arrives, your hair care routine should also adapt to the dropping temperatures. For starters, make sure to use a mild, moisturising shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair hydrated. Reduce the number of times you wash your hair because frequent shampooing can strip away natural oils. And when you do, avoid scalding hot water for hair washing because it will dry out your hair and scalp.

2. Book regular scalp massages

Scalp massages stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles. This promotes hair growth and reduces hair fall. Gently massage your scalp in circular motions for a few minutes before shampooing with natural oils like coconut oil or jojoba oil for added benefits. You can book your appointment for a scalp massage here.

3. Stay hydrated

This holds true all year round for many other health reasons than just hair fall. But it is especially relevant during winter when we tend to drink less water. Make sure to consume your quota of 5-6 litres of water daily to keep your hair and scalp hydrated, which can reduce the risk of hair fall.

4. Balanced Diet

Protein, iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamins A and D are essential nutrients for hair health. Make sure to consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains during this time of the year to meet your nutritional needs

5. Consume supplements

Truth is, given our lifestyle, it’s not always possible to get all the necessary nutrients from our diet alone. If this is the case with you, consult your physician about taking supplements to compensate for deficiencies and promote healthy hair growth.

6. Avoid tight hairstyles

We totally get the allure of a tightly wound braid or a bun. But these hairstyles can stress the hair and scalp, leading to breakage and hair fall. Opt for looser hairstyles that minimise tension on your hair.

7. Limit heat styling

It is best to avoid hot styling tools during the winter. If you’ve washed your hair, try to let it dry naturally and opt for gentle, heat-free styling methods. If you absolutely have to use hot styling tools, apply a heat protectant before using them.

Hair fall in winter is more common than you know. But by following these tips, you can keep your hair strong and healthy during the colder months.