How Much Hair Fall Is Normal in Summer

Hair loss in the summer is very common and is a real problem, and you are not alone if you are experiencing it too.

Losing your hair in little amounts is normal as hair has to fall out to make place for new and healthy hair. According to the researchers, about 100,000 hair follicles are present in the scalp, with the potential for growth and regrowth in their life span. (1)

The rate that hair sheds is 100–150 hair per day, as indicated by the Journal of Clinical Medicine. (2) Another research done in 2016 stated that 70–100 telogen hair per day is the normal range of hair loss, and it should not exceed 100, which could become a problem if it continues for long periods. (3)

During the summer, the normal hair fall range is 50–150 per day for women and 100 per day for men. (4)(2) If it falls more than 150 per day in the summer, then it’s a cause for concern.

Expected Average Estimate for Daily Hair Loss

The normal estimated daily hair loss is as follows:

• Normal hair fall range for women: 50–150 per day (2)(5)
• Normal hair fall range for men: 50–100 per day (4)(6)
• Normal hair fall range during hair wash: Less than 100 (7)
• Normal hair fall range in summer: 50–100 per day
• Normal hair fall range in winter: 60 per day (8)
• Normal hair fall range on a nonshampoo hair day: 100 per day (9)

According to the studies of the College of Medicine University of Babylon, Hilla, Iraq, and the American Academy of Dermatology, around 50–100 strands of hair loss is expected every day in most individuals (4) although the number of hairs lost per day is different every day.

This daily hair loss is the natural type (physiologic) of hair loss and involves hairs that are finished with their shedding (telogen) phase. Except for people having long hair, this hair loss generally remains unnoticed. (1)

Does Hair Fall More During Summertime?

When the summers are warm, people may experience more hair fall than usual.

According to a research study conducted between the years 2004 and 2016, hair loss occurred more frequently during the summer and autumn as compared to the other seasons. (10)(1)(11)

Why Is Hair Fall More During Summer?

A lot of people experience hair loss during the summer. The most prevalent reasons are:

• Exposure to the sun
• Heat
• Dehydration (12)
• Exposure to chlorinated water (13)

Some researchers have also suggested that daylight levels and temperature cause the observable patterns of seasonal hair loss. Hair loss is significantly correlated with seasonality. (10) Thus, you may experience frequent hair loss in the summer.

How to Manage Hair Loss During Summer

Here are some suggestions to incorporate into summer in your hair care routine this summer to manage hair loss:

1. Avoid sun exposure

Sun exposure is not good for your hair. It causes hair pigment degradation and hair protein loss. (14) Therefore, shield your hair from the sun by using hair products with SPF or by wearing hats or scarves.

A lot of hair care products such as shampoo have sun-protecting filters to shield your hair from sun damage. (15)

2. Use clean water

Chlorinated water or saltwater can dry out your hair and cause damage. (13)

Therefore, it is advised to either use a hair oil or a leave-in conditioner or wet your hair before going on a swim in the ocean or pool.

3. Get regular haircuts

Cutting your hair at regular intervals removes damaged hair and split ends and gives your hair a fuller, healthier look.

4. Avoid heat styling equipment

Steer clear from the usage of heat styling equipment in the summer it can dry out your hair and cause damage. (16) It is advised to use a heat-protecting gel or spray when styling your hair.

5. Have a protective hairstyle

A few examples of protective hairstyles are braids and buns as they provide a shield from the heat. (17)

6. Have a good diet plan

A diet well balanced with minerals and vitamins can promote healthy and strong hair growth. Follow a diet rich in vitamin D, protein, and iron. (18)

What Are the Concerning Indications of Hair Fall?

You need to be concerned about your hair if you experience hair thinning. It indicates either your doshas are imbalanced or your hair is entering the oxygen phase too soon.

Other abnormal hair loss or hair fall indicators are:

• Your hair is receding gradually on the forehead.
• You notice patchy or circular bald spots on the scalp, eyebrows, or beard.
• Your hair loosens up and falls out in clumps.
• Patches of scaling appear over the scalp due to skin diseases such as psoriasis and ringworm.
• The hair follicles swell up, which leads to eventual hair loss.

How Long Does Hair Loss Last?

The duration of hair loss depends on the cause.

• During telogen effluvium, hair loss occurs for many weeks to months but also grows back over the next several months.
• Hair loss can also be a side effect of certain medications. The hair usually goes back to normal after stopping the medication.
• If you are experiencing hair loss due to excessive use of hairdressing tools, the hair fall usually comes to an end when you stop and adopt natural styling.
• Traction alopecia resulting from pulling your hair back in tight braids may last for many years.
• A tinea scalp infection caused by a fungus must be treated for 6–12 weeks. The regrowth of hair may be slow. It is crucial to get early treatment for this condition to prevent possible permanent hair loss.
• Both female-pattern and male-pattern baldness may get worse as you age. (19)

Final Word

The leading factor for hair damage during the summer is air and temperature and this makes hair loss during this season a very common phenomenon.

As stated by the researchers, the summer season is the most common time for frequent hair fall in all seasons. If your hair fall exceeds the normal range of 50–100 strands per day, consult a doctor.

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