Seasonal changes can have various effects on our bodies, sometimes including hair loss.
The change of seasons brings various environmental changes to your hair.
Phil Day, Chief Pharmacist at Pharmacy2U, shares four ways seasonal changes can cause hair loss and how to deal with them.
vitamin D deficiency
During the cold season, many people suffer from vitamin D deficiency due to lack of sunlight, which can weaken hair follicles.
“Vitamin D plays an important role in supporting hair follicle health and growth. Typically, during the winter, people spend less time outdoors, which reduces vitamin D levels in the body.” Phil says. “This deficiency can weaken hair follicles and cause hair loss.”
To alleviate this, experts recommend incorporating vitamin D-rich foods into your diet or talking to your health care professional about supplements to help maintain optimal levels during the colder months.
lack of sunlight
Lack of sunlight not only causes vitamin D deficiency, but it can also affect your sleep and worsen hair loss.
“Less daylight hours in the winter mean less exposure to natural sunlight, which can disrupt these cycles and worsen hair loss,” says Phil. . “To combat this, try spending more time outdoors during the day or using light therapy to mimic the effects of natural sunlight.”
cold climate
Cold temperatures can slow blood flow to your body, including your scalp.
“Cold temperatures can reduce blood circulation to the scalp, which can slow the delivery of important nutrients to your hair follicles,” explains the pharmacist. “Wearing a hat during cold weather can protect your scalp from the drop in temperature, and gently massaging your scalp can stimulate blood flow and promote healthier hair growth.”
indoor dry heat
Low temperatures are bad for your hair, but central heating can also damage your hair.
“As people stay indoors to escape the cold, the dry heat from central heating systems can strip the scalp and hair of moisture,” warns Phil. “This dryness can cause scalp irritation and lead to hair loss.”
To reduce these effects, experts advise not only moisturizing with hair care products, but also using a humidifier to prevent scalp dryness.