It is well known that during winter hair becomes more brittle and many people experience hair loss during this period. It is important to understand why this happens in order to find a solution to this seasonal hair loss. Some of the causes of winter hair fall include dry scalp, hair breakage, poor circulation of blood and hair shedding cycle. Knowing these causes and applying prevention measures, you will be able to reduce hair loss and maintain your hair in excellent condition. This article will seek to explain why hair fall is more common during winter and how you can prevent it so that your hair remains healthy during this season.

Causes of Winter Hair Fall

Dry Scalp and Lack of Moisture

The main reason why hair fall is rife during the winter is that the skin of the head becomes dry. Cold weather outside and heating inside reduces the level of humidity in the air and causes dryness, flakiness of the scalp. The human scalp when dry triggers itchiness and inflammation, which in turn affect the hair roots and thus lead to more hair shedding. Also, the amount of sebum produced on the scalp is reduced in cold weather making the scalp very dry. Washing hair with hot water or using harsh shampoos tends to remove the natural oils on the scalp making it even drier and contributing to hair fall. Proper hydration of the scalp is very important in order to avoid hair loss that is common during winter.

Increased Hair Breakage

Cold and dry weather is typical for winter, and these conditions negatively affect the hair making it more vulnerable to breakage. The absence of moisture in the air makes hair strands to dry and become brittle since they lose moisture. Hats and scarves while being essential in cold weather to keep the head warm, they also cause hair loss. In contact with these accessories, hair tends to rub and break at the roots; this is more so if the hair is damaged, dry, and brittle. Furthermore, fluctuations between cold climates and heated indoors affect the hair shaft and its elasticity, which also contributes to the hair breaking easily. This can be arrested by covering the hair with caps or scarfs and using products that are rich in moisture.

Reduced Blood Circulation

Cold weather can slow down the flow of blood to the head area which in turn slows down hair growth. Blood flow is crucial for hair follicles to receive oxygen and nutrition so that hair can grow healthy. During winter, the blood vessels constrict in an attempt by the body to conserve heat hence its constriction. This decreases the blood supply to the hair follicles, which in turn causes the hair follicles to weaken and hair to fall out. It is recommended to massage the scalp frequently so that the hair roots get the necessary amount of blood supply to support the growth of healthy hair. It is also useful to include movements that enhance the circulation of blood throughout the body for the sake of the scalp.

Seasonal Shedding Cycle

Hair is a part of the body that always grows and also sheds and some people may experience a shedding period during winter. It is a natural occurrence that happens to the body especially during the changing of the seasons. Hair may also begin the telogen or resting phase in the later months of the year, which is why hair loss is more common during the fall and winter. This is a normal process but may be more apparent in some people leading to hair loss that is noticeable. Knowing that this is a process that occurs during a particular season can go a long way in easing such worries. But it is very important to keep up with a good hair care regimen during this period to avoid excessive hair loss and to promote hair regrowth.

Effective Hair Loss Prevention Strategies for Winter

Maintain Scalp Hydration

It is important to maintain the scalp moist and avoid dryness during the winter season because this is the time when people experience hair fall. The initial thing that one should do is to purchase a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner for the hair since the hair is dry. Do not use hot water when washing your hair because it will remove the natural oil from the scalp. But it is advised to use warm water and then rinse the hair with cold water to seal the moisture into the hair. It is recommended to add a weekly deep conditioning treatment or hair mask to give the hair more moisture. Coconut oil, argon oil, olive oil and other natural oils can be applied on the scalp and massaged so as to moisturize the scalp. Also, it is recommended to use a humidifier at home to increase the level of humidity, so your scalp will not dry out.

Gentle Hair Care Routine

A mild hair care regimen should be adopted to reduce hair loss during the cold season. Do not wash hair too often as this will cause hair to get dry because natural oils are washed away. Ideally, it is recommended to wash your hair twice to thrice a week depending on the texture of your hair. While drying your hair, do not rub it with a towel but instead, roll it in a towel and squeeze it out. Avoid using heated appliances, but if you have to use them, then ensure you use a heat protecting spray on your hair.

Protective Hairstyles and Accessories

Some protective hairstyles and accessories that can be used in winter to minimize hair breakages include; Some of the hairstyles that can protect your hair from environmental factors and minimize rubbing from hats and scarves include; braid ups, buns, and twists. In as much as wearing hats is fun, ensure that the interior part of the hat is made of silk or satin to reduce rubbing of the hair and thereby causing breakage. If you use wool or cotton hats, it is advisable to wear a silk or satin scarf beneath the hat. Also, do not wear hairstyles that exert pressure on the hair, for example, ponytails or braids that apply pressure on the hair roots as this will result to breakage.

Improve Blood Circulation to the Scalp

It is important to ensure that blood flow to the head part of the body, specifically the scalp, is good for the growth of hair. Scalp massages should be done frequently so as to encourage the flow of blood and thereby increase the supply of nutrients to the hair roots. You can gently rub your scalp with your fingertips in circular motions for about 5 minutes every day. Add some of the oils such as peppermint, rosemary or lavender that have a stimulating effect to the massage. Any form of exercise that elevates the rate of heartbeat, such as yoga, brisk walking or any other form of exercise is also good for the blood circulation in the body including the scalp and hair.

Conclusion

Thus, it is possible to prevent winter hair fall by following the necessary measures based on the causes of the problem. The common measures that should be employed to avoid hair loss include: moisturizing the scalp, avoiding harsh hair products and treatments, wearing protective hairstyles, increasing blood flow to the head, and taking proper nutrition and water intake. Thus, incorporating these practices into your hair care regimen, you will be able to protect your hair and keep it healthy and strong during winter. Do not let the cold weather ruin your hair; continue with the hair care regimes to have a healthier and fuller hair.