With the end of the year just around the corner, many Britons will be gearing up to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
However, for as many as 3.5 million adults across the UK, the cooler months signify the beginning of an unpleasant experience – hair loss.
New research from Faith In Nature has found that around 6.29 percent of Britons claim they experience hair loss when the weather cools.
Furthermore, 1 in 10 (10 percent) claim their hair is more brittle in the winter months.
With this in mind, hair loss and hair care expert Nosheen Choudhry has explained why so many people suffer from seasonal hair loss across the UK and what people can do to minimise the effects of seasonal hair loss.
What causes seasonal hair loss in the autumn and winter?
The average person loses around 100 hair strands each day, however, some people can lose more hair in the autumn and winter due to colder weather and harsher conditions.
What many people don’t realise is our hair goes through a shedding cycle known as “seasonal shedding” which Nosheen claims is “completely normal”.
She explained: “Many people will experience increased hair shedding during this time, which occurs in late autumn and winter.
“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.”
Another common form of hair loss is telogen effluvium which can result in up to 50 percent of scalp hair loss.
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.”
There are many ways to minimise the effects of hair loss including dietary changes, upgrading your hairbrush and managing stress.
However, one solution that has been suggested by Faith In Nature and Nosheen is hair oil.
Hair oils, like rosemary oil, have gone viral on social media platforms in recent months, however, several studies also claim the natural solution could have several health benefits including supporting brain function and hair growth.
Nosheen claimed the solution “helps to promote new growth”. She recommended oiling hair at least once or twice a week.
Worldwide searches for “rosemary oil” have surged by 331 percent over the past five years, according to findings by beauty and wellness marketplace Fresha.
Board-certified dermatologist, Dr Ramya Garlapati, said rosemary oil has been clinically proven to increase hair loss.
She told Prevention.com that the natural solution “stimulates hair growth by blocking the effects of DHT”.
