Some consumers may be worried about their hair falling out as we head into Spring. But it’s nothing to worry about.
Dr Hugh Rushton, an expert with healthy living and aging site Goldster and Professor of Trichological Studies at The Rushton Clinic in Harley Street, London, explains as humans we actually do shed in both Spring and Autumn, almost like our pets do.
As the days start to get longer and the temperatures begins to rise, many of us may start to experience a peculiar, and sometimes worrying phenomenon known as seasonal hair shedding. Although humans don’t shed a winter coat like some animals do, you may be surprised to learn that some of us do experience seasonal hair shedding, which tends to occur around the Spring and Autumn equinoxes.
Seasonal hair shedding is a common yet poorly understood phenomenon that affects some people more than others. “For some people, they only experience it in the spring; for others, it’s only in the autumn, while some, unfortunately, may be affected by both.
So why does this seasonal hair shedding occur? According to Professor Rushton, it’s because a larger than normal percentage of growing hair (hair in the anagen phase) shifts to the resting phase of the hair cycle (telogen phase) and is subsequently shed around 3 months later. Because more hair than usual goes into the resting phase simultaneously, the shedding tends to occur all within a short time frame, making it far more noticeable and often leading people to believe they have a hair loss problem or are experiencing unnatural levels of hair loss.
Interestingly, the actual shift from the active growth phase to the resting phase usually coincides with the winter and summer solstice, but it’s not until 3 months later that we see the shedding occur, which just happens to coincide with the spring or autumn equinox.
While the exact cause of seasonal hair shedding is unknown, scientists believe it may be related to the shift in light levels experienced at each of the solstices. “The hair follicle has a number of photoreceptors such as CRY1, CRY2, OPN3 and OPN4, which could play a part in seasonal growth cycle shifts when stimulated by the changes in light levels as the days start to get longer or shorter, causing some hairs to move to the next phase of the hair cycle,” explains Professor Rushton.
It’s important to note that seasonal hair shedding should only last for a maximum of 2-3 weeks and crucially all that shed hair will grow back! If persistent increased hair shedding occurs, it’s likely to be due to a reason other than seasonal hair fall, and in such cases, it can be helpful to seek the advice of a Trichologist or hair loss specialist who can help identify the cause of the increased hair shedding and suggest appropriate ways to treat the condition.
So, if you’re experiencing seasonal hair shedding, don’t panic! It’s a completely normal phenomenon that affects many people. However, if you’re concerned about the amount of hair you’re shedding, it’s always a good idea to seek professional advice to rule out any underlying health conditions or other causes of hair loss.