August may be the last month of summer, it is also National Hair Loss Awareness Month. The timing couldn’t be more appropriate considering there are an estimated 20 million American women –about one in four, dealing with thinning hair. According to the American Association of Dermatology; hereditary hair loss affects approximately 80 million men and women in the U.S. With so many Americans experiencing thinning hair and/or hair loss, we thought it fitting to explore one of the most commonly raised concerns our clients have – “Why do I seem to lose more hair during the summer?”
Is There Such a Thing as Seasonal Hair Loss?
There may be a change in the amount of hair you seem to be losing, but it is likely not for the reasons you may think or have heard. Because balding and thinning hair is so disconcerting, many people fall victim to old wives’ tales. Distinguishing the myths about hair loss in the summer months from anecdotal truths and facts can sometimes be a little difficult. While it may certainly seem as if there is plenty of anecdotal evidence, via your shower drain, brush or floor, that you are shedding more hair during the summer months, the truth is there has been no scientifically proven cause and effect here.
What is a Normal Amount of Hair Loss
By the time you are born you have on average of 100,000 - 150,000 hair follicles on your scalp. You will typically lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day. Given the amount of hair on your head, you usually are not aware of the daily loss, until your hair starts thinning. Hair goes through a growing cycleevery two to six years before it enters the resting phase, and then the hair falls out. In its place a new hair begins to grow, and the cycle starts over. On average 90% of your hair is in the growing phase, while 10% is in the resting phase.
The Cause of Summer Shedding
Telogen effluvium is the term for temporary hair loss. There are many things that can interfere with the normal cycle of hair growth during the summer months including significant weight loss from being more active, hair styles including braids, ponytails and too tight baseball caps, medication, illness, infection, or chemicals such as chlorine from pools. The good news, your hair should regrow without treatment in the months following the shedding.
Summer Hair Care
Sun damage can also have an impact on thinning hair by triggering the production of the compound superoxide, which can cause hair follicles to move from the growth part of the cycle to the shedding part. Your hair needs a certain amount of oiliness for optimal growth, which is one reason why many dermatologists recommend washing your hair no more than two to three per week. If you start to notice your scalp showing through more than in previous years, it could be genetic. Should this be the case, we recommend seeking a hair loss treatment to prevent or slow it from worsening.
Finding Answers
As part of National Hair Loss Awareness Month, we encourage you to find out more about the many options currently available for hair loss treatment for men and women. If you are concerned the amount of hair loss you’re experiencing, talking to a hair loss specialist or your medical provider is recommended.
To learn more about treating hair loss and regrowth treatment options or to consult with a Capillus specialist in your area click here or call Capillus for more information at (786) 888 6249 or Toll-Free at 1 (888) 272-9599.
