Humans tend to shed between 50 to 100 hairs everyday - a direct result of hair growth phases. A typical strand of hair has a life cycle of between 24 and 72 months(2 -6 years) during which time it will grow normally. However, around 10% of a persons hair may be in a "resting" phase, known as Telogen, at which point, the hair can fall out.
Research suggests that women experience slightly higher rates of Telogen during the month of July, which would have the affected hairs falling out around 100 days later, in mid October or November - hence Seasonal Hair Loss.In the Spring and Summer, sun rays increase the secretion of hormones that regulate the hairs growth, similar to how plants grow. Accelerated growth during the hottest months, then gradual slowing, and then a greater loss for hair that has reached the end of it's life cycle.It typically lasts between 4 to 6 weeks and the majority of people never really notice it. In others however, it can result in a hair loss that is 3 to 4 times greater than the rest of year - which is understandably distressing.
This article is written most specifically for women, but my research has shown that many men suffer form Seasonal Hair Loss as well. Sadly - most doctors are at a loss and many have never heard of Seasonal Hair Loss.
Should it be treated? It all depends on the state of your hair. If your hair was already losing it's density prior to the seasons changing then you should strongly consider a support program.
My go to combo has been Revita Shampoo by www.dslaboratories.com/revita/about.php
combined with Viviscal Extra Strength Supplements www.viviscal.com ( I recommend Amazon for Viviscal ) The DSLaboratories products need some education so I recommend buying them from a hairstylist who has been educated on how to use and recommend them as well as having used the product on themselves or clients.
I am currently trying out a new product : Hair Tonic by O'Right www.hairoright.com - I just started using it , so the jury is still out. Several organic colorists have recommended it - so I have high hopes. The only downside is they use a synthetic fragrance in it - which for most people will be a pleasant experience. For Asthmatics - not so much. I also do not like the atomizer - I have been spraying it on a q -tip to get more controlled application and to use less product.
Some really great things to know about O'Right : They are a GMP certified Green factory . They use solar, wind and recycled water to make their manufacturing practices sustainable. They use ECOCERT ingredients. Their packaging is biodegradable and is certified non toxic. They have seeds in their packaging which grow trees and flowers! I really love the whole concept and I am hopeful that I will love the product.
HOW TO TEST IF YOUR IS HAIR SHEDDING:
Before shampooing, on hair that has not been washed for at least 3 days:
With your fingers spread, lay a flat hand directly on the skin of your scalp. Tightly close your fingers together and slide them up from the roots through the ends. Put the collected hair on a piece of paper. Repeat the action at least 5 times so as to cover the entire head ( less if you have a small head).
Fewer than 10 hairs: Normal hair loss
From 10 to 15 hairs : You are likely starting the Seasonal Hair Loss process. You can be proactive and start a vitamin regime such as Viviscal,, Maxi Hair or BioSil.
More than 15 hairs : There is hair loss taking place. Consider using Revita shampoo, RS treatment, Vitamins,scalp treatments or the entire combo.
A DISCLAIMER: First I am not a doctor or a nutritionist - this is hairstylist advice. Second - many of you do not brush your hair in between shampoos - you will have an extraordinary amount of hair shed if this is the case. You need to do a controlled assessment, therefore brush your hair twice a day at least.
More details and what you can do ..................................................................................
Androgenic Alopecia or Female Pattern Hairloss (FPH) :
Often an overall thinning - two hairs where five used to be, rather than a bald area on top of the head like men. Temporary conditions such as pregnancy, medication, diet or stress can cause hair thinning, but 70 % of women who experience this condition can attribute it to Androgenic Alopecia (FPH).
The signs and symptoms of FPH are general thinning of hair over the top of the head and moderate loss of hair on the crown or hairline. Within follicles affected by FPH, biologically active testosterone is connected by an enzyme into a much more potent hormone derivative called "Dihydrotestosterone".
It is this powerful hormone which inhibits the metabolism of the forming genetically pre-disposed hair cells, resulting in the gradual process of finer, weaker hairs, as the follicle continues to shrink. Eventually these hair follicles die - resulting in irreversible baldness( Minoxidil has been proven to reverse some of this).
Other contributing factors to FPH : a combination of age and heredity affects the hormones and causes certain hair follicles to get smaller and smaller. This prevents the hair form fulfilling its regular growth process. the hair growth cycle is reduced causing each hair to become finer and shorter with each growth cycle.
Hormonal changes: while a woman is pregnant and hormonal changes are occurring, more hair follicles enter the growth phase than normal. About 2 to 3 months after childbirth, the normal hair cycle returns and many hairs re enter the resting phase which causes excessive shedding to occur. This is usually a temporary condition, and typically hair returns to its normal growth patterns after 6 months. If it does not, the woman may be experiencing FPH which was masked by childbirth.
Diffuse Hair Loss
Most frequently seen in women, it involves an increased rate of hair fall and subsequent thinning from all over the scalp. In these cases a detailed clinical history should be taken. Diet should be checked for adequate intake of nutrients. Clinical investigations should be made for thyroid, haemoglobin, and hormonal problems. Stress may also be a contributing factor.
Telogen Effluvium
Please go to www.belgraviacentre.com/telogeneffluvium
My sources:www.centre-clauderer.com
www.belgraviacentre.com
and my own personal experience with hair loss and seasonal shed - including working with many clients over the years who have suffered various forms of hair loss.
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