From upgrading your hairbrush to turning down the shower – how to stop your winter hair loss | The Sun
WE all loose a good amount of hair daily, when washing, brushing or styling our locks or just going about our lives.
It's totally normal to shed about 100 strands throughout the day – but a hair loss expert has warned that colder weather could add to that number.
Natural body and hair care brand Faith in Nature found that one in 16 Brits said they experience hair loss during the colder months of the year.
Meanwhile, one in 10 shared that their hair felt more brittle.
Hair loss expert Nosheen Choudry teamed up with the brand to explain why this might be happening.
Aside from the colder weather and harsher conditions causing you to lose a few more strands than usual, Nosheen said your locks can go through a cycle known as 'seasonal shedding' during autumn and winter.
Read more on hair loss
Want thicker hair? The 13 growth-boosting foods that won't break the bank
The 3 different conditions that cause your hair to fall out – and when to worry
“Many people will experience increased hair shedding during this time, which occurs late autumn and winter," the hair loss expert explained.
“Hair shedding will occur due to the dry air during the cold weather, as this can strip the moisture out of your scalp and hair, which can also cause dandruff.
“You may also experience a change in the texture of your hair as it will be drier, causing hair breakage, which leads to shedding.”
She added that a condition called telogen effluvium could also be behind your increased hair loss.
Most read in Health
HIGH HOPES
‘Game-changing’ jab ‘turns off’ high blood pressure and could end daily pills
TOTAL RECALL
Tesco issues urgent ‘do not eat’ warning for popular ready meal
TRAGIC END
Critically ill Indi dies after life support switched off despite parent’s battle
SUPER FRUIT
Eating popular fruit could help prevent dementia, study finds
Nosheen said: “Telogen effluvium is a condition that typically develops after an acute event, such as major surgery, pregnancy, a vitamin deficiency, anaemia, rapid weight loss, or a severe illness.”
It can come on quickly and you could lose up to 50 per cent of the hair on your scalp.
Though you might feel alone or embarrassed when experiencing hair loss, Nosheen emphasised that it's incredibly normal and common.
“Many men and women suffer from scalp and hair issues during the winter time," she explained.
“There can be so many external causes, but it is important that you stick to a good hair care routine during the wintertime and remain consistent with this.”
Here are eight things you can do stop your locks from thinning this winter.
1. It starts from the inside out
Though your first instinct might be to stock up on a variety of hair care products to replenish your locks, Nosheen and experts at Faith in Nature said that what goes inside your body is actually key.
They said the best thing you can do is eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated, which will ensure you're not deficient in any nutrients.
The Sun previously revealed 13 growth-boosting foods you can add to your diet that could thicken up your locks.
If you want to play it on the safe side, you can also get a blood test with your GP to spot any deficiencies you may have and then take supplements where appropriate.
2. Turn down your shower
A hot shower during these cold winter months can be a true pleasure for many of us.
But it could be wreaking havoc on your hair, according to Nosheen.
The steaming water might be drying out your hair and scalp, exacerbating hair fall.
3. Treat your tresses with oil
Hair oils, like rosemary oil, have gone viral on social media platforms like TikTok in recent months.
Though it's wise to be wary about trends that grow popular on the app, some studies do suggest hair oiling can help with hair loss, as it can stimulate new growth.
Nosheen recommended oiling your hair at least once or twice a week.
It's worth noting that not everyone sees benefits from rosemary oil.
One TikTok user showed how the 'hair hero' caused her strands to come out in clumps.
Experts have suggested to you dilute the powerful treatment before dousing your scalp with it.
4. Upgrading your hairbrush
The experts suggested you choose a brush with natural bristles instead of a plastic one to avoid excess hair breakage.
5. Manage your stress levels
Stress can play a huge role in any unexpected hair loss.
Though it can be easier said than done, curbing your stress levels might help liven up your locks.
There are number things you can try manage your stress, including regularly exercising, speaking to friends or professionals about your feelings and carving out time for self care.
The NHS recommended a number of self-help techniques you can try.
6. Get your beauty sleep
Lack of sleep can wreck havoc on our bodies, but getting enough kip can do more than help your mood and skin.
Clocking in your recommended hours of sleep can also prevent any excess hair shedding.
The NHS recommends adults sleep between seven and nine hours nightly.
7. Strip back your products
So many of the products we use on our hair contain ingredients that aren’t actually beneficial for our hair health at all, Nosheen and Faith in Nature experts noted.
They recommended you opt for natural hair care products instead of chemicals, that use plant extracts, essential oils and other natural ingredients and will gentler on your locks.
8. Protect your hair from the outside
We rarely leave the house in autumn or winter without wrapping up in a warm coat and scarf, but the dreaded ‘hat hair’ can see many of us avoiding wrapping up our heads.
Read More on The Sun
Big Brother fans shocked as Henry and Jordan share surprise bedroom snogs
Shoppers rush to buy 'delicious' Cadbury selection box that's the cheapest around
Protecting your hair from the elements by wearing hats and wrapping up in scarves is crucial to protecting yourself from excess seasonal hair loss, the experts shared.
If your hair shedding is causing concern, leaving bald spots, or lasting for a prolonged period of time, it's best practice to consult a healthcare professional or registered trichologist or dermatologist.
Source: Read Full Article