Are you finding yourself leaving a trail of hair in the shower drain, on your pillow, or in your brush? You’re not going crazy. Many Australian men can actually experience an increase in hair loss during different seasons of the year (which is known as seasonal hair loss), leading them to hunt for a hair loss solution for men that will keep their hair protected.
While it can feel alarming, it’s no cause for concern. Seasonal hair loss can be a part of your body’s natural rhythms. What’s important here is to know what’s normal, and when this seasonal hair loss could be a sign of ongoing hair loss. Here’s what to look for to know whether you need to take action to protect your hair for the long term.
Why seasonal hair loss happens
Our hair grows in cycles: growth, rest, and shedding. When the environment changes (through temperature shifts, daylight savings, differences in humidity levels), more of your hair can enter the shedding phase at the same time, resulting in seasonal hair loss.
There’s no single culprit for seasonal hair loss, but the process can be influenced by:
- Increased sun exposure - if you’re spending more time in the sun during the warmer months, increases in UV exposure rates can affect follicles and scalp health, resulting in shedding later in the year.
- Hormonal changes - when melatonin changes in response to daylight length, this can also impact the hair growth cycle.
- Nutrient levels - if your diet experiences a significant change from season to season, variants to the levels of vitamin D, iron and protein can all contribute to seasonal hair loss (since they’re vital for strong hair growth!).
- Stress and lifestyle changes - if one season in particular brings more stress or fatigue, this can accelerate shedding.
How to tell if you’re experiencing seasonal hair loss or something more
It’s normal to lose about 50-100 hair strands a day - but when it comes to seasonal shedding, that number can often increase significantly. For many men, it can be hard to know the difference between seasonal hair loss and progressive hair loss. By understanding how to recognise the signs of one compared to the other, you can arm yourself with the knowledge you need to seek professional support to find a hair loss solution for men if it continues.
Signs of seasonal hair loss include:
- Increased hair loss that takes place 1-2 times a year
- Even shedding across the scalp, rather than concentrated in one particular area
- Hair regrowth within 2-3 months of the increased shedding
- Hair loss that can be linked to seasonal change, stress, or illness
By contrast, progressive hair loss symptoms include:
- Hair loss that gradually worsens and increases over time
- Hair loss in particular regions, like thinning at the crown or hairline
- Slower regrowth of lost hair, or no regrowth at all
- Hair loss that’s connected to genetic or hormonal factors
If you’re not sure whether you’re experiencing seasonal hair loss or progressive hair loss, talking to a specialist can help you give your hair the support and protection it needs. At Transitions Hair, we work closely with our clients to support their hair loss with innovative hair loss solutions and treatments. If you’re moving from seasonal hair loss into progressive hair loss, there’s no better place to find support.
What you can do about seasonal hair loss
While it may feel like there’s no fighting back against seasonal hair loss, there are a number of steps you can take to reduce its impact.
Firstly, it’s important to be nourishing your body from the inside out. By prioritising a diet that’s rich in all of the goodness that supports healthy hair growth (like iron, zinc, and vitamin D), you can support healthy hair regrowth that lasts across the seasons.
Next, it’s time to give your shower an audit. Are there harsh shampoos that you’re subjecting your hair to on a regular basis? Lean into sulfate-free formulas that keep your scalp clean to encourage healthy follicle turnover. If you can also reduce the impact of any heat styling, this can help to protect your hair through the shedding season.
It’s also important to do what you can to reduce your stress levels. Since chronic stress can push hair into the shedding phase prematurely, combating rising stress is one way you can support not just healthy hair growth, but your overall peace and wellbeing.
When to seek help
Conclusion
Seasonal hair loss is nothing to be afraid of, but when it can disguise ongoing and progressive hair loss, it’s time to find professional support. By paying close attention to how your hair behaves throughout each season, you can get to know your hair’s rhythm and know when you’re experiencing progressive hair loss, not just a change that’s a result from the weather.
If you’re unsure whether your current hair loss is seasonal or something more, a free consultation with the Transitions Hair team can give you not just answers, but also peace of mind. Find the expert support you need to enjoy each season with confidence and clarity.
