Summer is the time when many of us head to the beach, enjoy outdoor activities, and bask in the sun. While the season brings in a lot of fun, it can also cause concerns about hair shedding.
Many people experience excessive hair fall during the summer months, leaving them worried about the health of their hair. In this article, we explore the connection between summer and hair shedding and share tips to help you keep your mane healthy all season long.
Why Does Hair Shedding Increase in Summer?
Before we dive into the causes of hair shedding in summer, it is essential to understand that losing some hair strands every day is normal. Every person loses around 50-100 hair strands every day as part of the natural hair growth cycle.
However, during the summer months, people tend to shed more hair than usual, causing concern.
The following are some common reasons for increased hair shedding in summer:.
1. Heat
During the summer months, the intense heat and humidity in many areas can significantly affect your hair. The heat can cause dehydration and dryness, making your hair prone to breakage and damage.
Sweat build-up on the scalp can also cause itching and irritation which leads to hair fall.
2. Sun Exposure
While getting some vitamin D is essential, prolonged sun exposure can damage your hair. The harmful UV rays can break down the protein in your hair, making it weak and prone to breakage.
This damage can lead to split ends, frizz, and more hair shedding than usual.
3. Chlorine and Saltwater
Swimming is a fun activity to beat the summer heat. However, the chlorine in pool water and saltwater in the ocean can harm your hair. Chlorine strips the hair of its natural oils, making it dry and brittle, causing hair fall.
Similarly, saltwater has dehydrating properties that can make your hair brittle and prone to damage.
4. Increased Inflammation
Hair follicles can become inflamed due to heat, humidity, and other factors in summer months. Inflammation can make the scalp sore, itchy, and cause hair fall. It is important to keep your scalp clean and healthy to avoid this problem.
How Can You Prevent Hair Shedding in Summer?
Now that you know why hair shedding increases in the summer months let’s take a look at some tips to keep your mane healthy:.
1. Protect Your Hair from the Sun
The best way to protect your hair from sun damage is to avoid direct exposure during peak hours. Covering your head with a hat or scarf can also protect your scalp and hair from UV rays.
2. Hydrate Your Hair
The summer heat can leave your hair dehydrated, leading to brittleness and hair fall. It is essential to keep your hair hydrated by drinking enough water and using hydrating hair products.
Choose a good quality conditioning treatment and use it once a week to nourish your hair.
3. Clean Scalp
Keep your scalp clean to avoid inflammation in hair follicles. Wash your hair regularly with a gentle shampoo and conditioner to keep it clean and healthy.
Avoid harsh chemicals and hot water that can strip the natural oils from your scalp and hair, leading to dryness and damage.
4. Protect Hair while Swimming
While swimming is a fun activity, it is essential to protect your hair from the harsh chlorine and saltwater. Wear a swimming cap to protect your hair from prolonged exposure to pool or sea water.
Rinse your hair with clean water after you swim and use a conditioner to keep it hydrated.
5. Eat a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet that includes vitamins, minerals, and proteins can keep your hair healthy and prevent hair fall. Include foods like leafy greens, eggs, nuts, and beans in your diet to strengthen your hair.
6. Seek Professional Help
If you experience excessive hair shedding and are concerned about the health of your hair, seek professional help.
A dermatologist or a hair expert can help diagnose the problem and suggest treatments and products that can prevent hair shedding and promote hair growth.