The end of summer and the commencement of fall bring seasonal hair shedding. Watching your hair on your brush or the bathroom floor can cause panic. You might wonder whether this is normal or you should be concerned.
The average hair shedding range is about 100 hairs daily; this can increase after shampooing or other hair care practices. (1)
You may notice increased hair fall during certain times of the year, especially during the fall. It is called seasonal shedding, which you may experience in August/September.
Continue reading to know more.
Article Contents
Seasonal Hair Loss Based on Research
During March, the anagen phase follicles peak at over 90% and fall to a trough in September. (2)
Hair shedding peaks around August or September when anagen has the least follicles. This time, hair loss is about 60 per day, more than double that in winter.
Beard growth is low in January and February; the growth increases from March to July and peaks at about 60% above winter levels.
The thigh hair growth rate has a similar pattern but with less pronounced distinctions. There is no seasonal fluctuation in toe or fingernail growth. (2)
There is maximal telogen proportion at the end of summer and the advent of autumn. The climate (sunshine hours) is not a factor in the periodicity of telogen percentage or hair fall. (3)
Reasons for Hair Fall in Summer
The following reasons lead to hair fall in summer.
1. Sun exposure
Hair loss can expose the scalp to sun damage. (4) During summer, the temperature may vary from 24.9 °C to 33.6 °C. The highest recorded at 1500H was 33.6 °C. (5)
Excessive sun exposure leads to hair shaft structural impairment. In photochemical impairment, hair proteins and hair pigments degrade. Hair proteins degrade at a wavelength of 254-400 nm.
UVB radiation causes hair protein loss, and UVA changes hair color. (6)
2. Excess sweating
During summer, sodium concentration is lower, and sweat rates are higher. (7) Excessive sweating (due to humid climate or exercise) can cause hair loss. (8)
The roles of the follicular bulge region and sebaceous glands are crucial, as they are responsible for hair follicle destruction. (9) Increased sweat can build up on your scalp and clog the follicles, leading to hair fall.
3. Chlorine in the swimming pool
During summer, people go for a swim to beat the heat, where they are exposed to chlorinated pool water. Pool swimmers often complain about damaged hair.
The strong oxidizing power of chlorinated pool water can lead to hair damage. (10)
4. Dandruff
The scalp is unique as it has many sebaceous and sweat glands, thick terminal hair, and high relative humidity, leading to a thriving colony of microbes. (11)
Not keeping the scalp clean causes dandruff, which in turn leads to irritated and itchy scalp, causing hair loss.
Anti-Hair Fall Home Remedies This Summer
Follow these anti-hair fall remedies at home this summer.
1. Apply aloe vera to your scalp and hair
Aloe vera has antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic properties. These properties prevent dandruff, (12) hair loss, lice, and split ends. (13)
2. Apply onion juice to the scalp
The richness of sulfur in onions makes them an ideal ingredient for stimulating hair growth by regenerating the hair follicles. (14)
A study on onion juice reported that 87% of the patients treated with onion juice for 8 weeks experienced hair regrowth compared to the 13% who used water. (15)
3. Apply glycerin
Glycerin provides softness, smoothness, and suppleness to your hair. It is used as a conditioning agent in shampoos. (16)
Glycerin enhances the moisture content of the hair roots and strengthens the hair shafts. (17)
Glycerin contains water that prevents hair thinning and hydrates the hair follicles. It penetrates deep into your hair and scalp to moisturize them. (17)
Summer Hair Care Tips to Keep Hair Fall at Bay
Follow these tips to prevent hair fall in the summer season:
- Avoid getting your scalp damp to prevent dandruff.
- Use a wide-toothed comb.
- Don’t tie wet hair; wait for it to dry.
- Avoid chemical shampoos.
- Use conditioner after every hair wash.
- Make simple hairstyles.
- Don’t share your comb.
- Maintain a regular sleep cycle.
General Queries
Does hair fall increase in the rainy season?
Yes, hair fall increases in the rainy season due to possible contact with acid rain, moisture in the air, and other rainy season factors. The hair fall rate can go up to 250 hairs a day.
How to stop hair fall in the monsoon season?
There are multiple options you can do to reduce the amount of hair fall in the monsoon season, such as using organic and natural hair care products and wearing a scarf or hat to cover your head.
How often should you wash your hair in the monsoon?
Hair washing frequency depends on your hair type. For dry hair, the frequency is twice a week; for oily hair, it’s three times a week.
Which season is best for hair growth?
In March, the anagen phase follicles peak at over 90% and fall to a trough in September. Therefore, March may be suitable for hair growth. (2)
The maximal proportion of the telogen phase is at the end of summer or the beginning of autumn. The climate is not the factor in the periodicity of telogen percentage or hair fall. (3)
How to take care of your hair at home during summer?
At-home hair care includes using hair masks made with aloe vera, yogurt, or eggs weekly to condition your hair. Also, having a good hair care routine during summer can give you nourished and healthy hair.
How to treat sweaty hair in the summer?
Rinse your hair gently with rose water every 2–3 days to treat sweaty hair. It removes excess oil and cools down the scalp, and its rosy fragrance removes scalp odor.
Final Word
The UV rays and heat are the topmost triggers for hair damage. When stepping out in the sun, remember to cover your head with a hat or scarf or apply sunscreen to your hair.
Additionally, you can wear heat-protectant hair creams or serums to keep the damage away.
References
- NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513312/.
- FJ; RVAE. Seasonal changes in human hair growth. The British journal of dermatology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2003996/.
- JF; CMLGHSG. Periodicity in the growth and shedding of hair. The British journal of dermatology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8745886/.
- van Zuuren EJ, Fedorowicz Z, Schoones J. Interventions for female pattern hair loss. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. May 26, 2016. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6457957/.
- Kim NY, Moon SH, Kim SJ, et al. Summer season temperature-humidity index threshold for infrared thermography in Hanwoo (BOS Taurus Coreanae) heifers. Asian-Australasian journal of animal sciences. October 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7463074/.
- Sebetić K;Sjerobabski Masnec I;Cavka V;Biljan D;Krolo I; UV damage of the hair. Collegium antropologicum. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19138021/.
- NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545207/.
- 8.T; KKITH. Changes in the sebaceous gland in patients with male pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia). Journal of cosmetic dermatology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26147300/.
- (PDF) hair color damages caused by exposure to … – researchgate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236109930.
- Turner GA, Hoptroff M, Harding CR. Stratum corneum dysfunction in Dandruff. International journal of cosmetic science. August 2012. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3494381/.
- Hashemi SA, Madani SA, Abediankenari S. The review on properties of aloe vera in healing of cutaneous wounds. BioMed research international. 2015. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4452276/.
- Zaid AN, Jaradat NA, Eid AM, Al Zabadi H, Alkaiyat A, Darwish SA. Ethnopharmacological survey of home remedies used for treatment of hair and scalp and their methods of preparation in the West Bank-Palestine. BMC complementary and alternative medicine. July 5, 2017. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5499037/.
- Onion juice: An effective home remedy for combating … – researchgate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273758703.
- Hosking A-M, Juhasz M, Atanaskova Mesinkovska N. Complementary and alternative treatments for alopecia: A comprehensive review. Skin appendage disorders. February 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6388561/.
- Nakamura T;Yamamura H;Park K;Pereira C;Uchida Y;Horie N;Kim M;Itami S; Naturally occurring hair growth peptide: Water-soluble chicken egg yolk peptides stimulate hair growth through induction of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor production. Journal of medicinal food. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29583066/.
- (PDF) glycol and glycerin: Pivotal role in herbal … – researchgate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324942324.
- Rattanakaemakorn P, Suchonwanit P. Scalp pruritus: Review of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and Management. BioMed research international. January 15, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6350598/.