Spring is here – flowers and trees are beginning to bloom, but your hair might be starting to fall. Is this normal seasonal hair shedding or a sign that points to more significant problems?
As the winter comes to an end and the spring months fast approach, so too does seasonal hair shedding. Seeing more hairs than usual on your hairbrush, on the bathroom floor, or in the shower can leave the average man or woman in a bit of a panic. Is this kind of hair loss typical? Should you be concerned?
We shed an average of 80 to 100 hairs every day. This is considered normal, healthy hair shedding. These hairs that are shed are not lost. Instead, they are going through a cycle of growth, transition, and then rest, when hairs release and are shed, before the process repeats. During certain times of the year, you may notice an increase in shedding, especially in the late fall months. This common phenomenon is known as seasonal shedding.
The exact cause of seasonal shedding is unclear, but studies show that seasonal loss affects more women than men and occurs most often during the spring months, like April and May, and sometimes in the fall, September and October.
If you have been properly maintaining your hair and scalp, seasonal shedding usually is not a cause for concern. With time, shedding should stabilize back to normal daily levels, and average hair growth will continue. However, if you have not been correctly caring for your hair and scalp’s specific needs, you could be experiencing symptoms similar to seasonal shedding, which can lead to long-term hair loss.