Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/health-wellness
Hair loss is a natural process,
and the average person sheds between 50 to 100 hair strands per day
One primary factor contributing
to increased hair shedding in winter is dryness in the air.
Hair loss is a common concern
that often intensifies during the winter months. As a dermatologist, I
frequently meet patients who report increased shedding in the colder season,
and many wonder whether this phenomenon is genuinely linked to winter.
While it is not entirely
inaccurate to say that hair loss appears to be more pronounced during this
time, the reasons behind it are multifactorial. First, it is essential to
understand the typical cycle of hair growth. Each hair follicle undergoes a
growth phase (anagen), a resting phase (telogen), and a shedding phase
(exogen). Hair loss is a natural process, and the average person sheds between
50 to 100 hair strands per day. However, during certain seasons, more strands
may enter the shedding phase simultaneously, leading to what appears to be
excessive hair loss.
Dry air: One
primary factor contributing to increased hair shedding in winter is dryness in
the air. Cold temperatures, along with lower humidity, can lead to drier skin
and scalp. This dryness can result in scalp irritation, dandruff and a
disrupted hair growth cycle. The scalp’s natural oils, which are essential for
keeping the hair healthy, may be stripped away more easily due to reduced sebum
production in colder weather.
Heating devices: Additionally,
harsh indoor heating systems further exacerbate dryness, making the scalp more
prone to flakiness and inflammation, which can, in turn, contribute to
increased hair fall.
Headgear: During
the colder months, people tend to wear hats, scarves, and other head coverings
more frequently. While these can protect from the elements, prolonged friction
or tightness from these accessories may lead to a condition called traction
alopecia, where hair is pulled from the roots, causing gradual thinning.
Fewer washes: Additionally,
people may wash their hair less frequently, allowing the scalp to accumulate
oil, sweat, and product build-up, which can clog follicles and disrupt hair
growth.
Diet: During
the winter, many people tend to consume fewer fresh fruits and vegetables,
which could result in a drop in the intake of essential vitamins and nutrients
vital for hair growth. Deficiencies in vitamins like D, E, and B-complex, along
with minerals such as zinc and iron, are linked to hair thinning.
Low Vitamin D: Shorter
days and decreased sunlight exposure can lead to a reduction in vitamin D
levels, which have been associated with hair loss conditions like telogen
effluvium, where a larger percentage of hair follicles prematurely enter the
shedding phase.
