Fall is a time full of new purposes and activities.The course begins and the trees lose their leaves.Another reason this era is known is forhair loss in autumn.But is this real or is it a sensation? And if it really happens, can we do something to prevent it?Or should we resign ourselves and suffer it in silence?
Hair grows in phases
The hair follicle is capable of creating hair in cycles going through different phases.During a normal hair cycle, hair grows, rests and falls, in order to make room for new hair.This makesfall hair loss is normal, as long as it occurs within limits.It is important to note thateach hair on the body works independently, they do not all grow the same or at the same time.
Thanks to this independence between the different hair follicles, we do not get bald when shedding hair, since each one will go into a resting or falling phase at a different time.
In normal situations, more than 90% of the hair follicles of the scalp are in the growth phase. It is in special situations when the functioning of the hair follicles can be synchronized, entering a greater volume of hair in the fall phase and producing what is known as telogen effluvium.And if,Fall hair loss is one of these special “situations”.
Seasonal telogen effluvium
Whenhair follicles are synchronized and many hair fall outWe observe how in each wash and each hairstyle a greater amount of hair falls.This can cause us to see a decrease in the general density of the hair, but we should not see bald areas since that would be suggestive of alopecia, a more serious situation that requires medical evaluation.
It is very important to understand thattelogen effluvium is an alteration of the hair growth cycle, but the root remains healthywaiting for us to take care of it to grow back normally.
Everyone talks about the fall fall, but does it really exist?
Many mammals shed their hair at specific times of the year.The humansalthough we do not shed our hair,we are experiencing an increase in hair loss in autumn and not only popular knowledge says, but science too.
Ateam of Swiss dermatologists, did a study to assess it in which they took photographs of the hair of patients in different seasons of the year for 6 years.It was typical to see how the density in autumn decreased.This was becausethere were more hairs in the fall phase than at other times of the year, as many hair follicles had been synchronized to fall at the same time.
What Causes Fall Hair Loss Timing?
It appears to be a combination of different effects on the hair follicle of the change of season.
The main cause is light. In summer we are in a time when the luminosity increases in general.This causes the hair follicles to go into a prolonged resting phase.
When this luminosity begins to decrease, the follicle is reactivated and begins to release many hairs in a more synchronized way in order to start new cycles.For this reason we observe a striking hair loss in autumn.What's more,changes in diet, lifestyle and even the decrease in sleeping hours during the summer affect the hair cycles, increasing this hair loss in autumn.Another important factor is the solar radiation that has affected the hair follicles for several months, generating many free radicals that try to damage the hair root.
So once it starts to fall ...Should we resign ourselves?
Not much less.The seasonal fall cannot be avoided 100%, as it has a physiological component, but we can help it to be less drastic and, above all, to recover much sooner.
Let's look at the most important actions to help reduce hair loss in the fall.
- Ensure a correct protein intake. Remember that hair is made up of proteins, so we require large amounts to re-form those that were damaged. Supplements rich in plant-based peptides will help ensure proper keratin and collagen production. Among them, amino acids such as cystine, methionine and lysine will be of great importance since they are the building blocks of hair, and for it to grow we need them in high concentration.
- Control the presence of free radicalsthat oxidize the hair follicle.All the excesses of summer, including the ultraviolet radiation that reached through the scalp, have created a harmful environment for the hair follicle, which does not disappear easily.Therefore, in addition to returning to a healthier lifestyle with sports and less toxic, we must help you by taking aantioxidant-rich diet that includes foods such as grapes, green tea, cocoa, or broccoli.If we want a more powerful effect, it is the perfect time to take antioxidant supplements such as astaxanthin or vitamin E.
- Promote a return to normal hair growth cycles. We must restart a sleep routine that helps restore this cyclicality.A disturbed sleep leads to alterations in cortisol that could generate free radicals. TheashwagandhaIt is one of the most powerful natural adaptogens to regulate cortisol levels in the blood and in the hair follicle, thus helping to control fall hair loss.
- Ensure a full supply of vitamins and minerals. The hair follicle is going to be working intensely to regenerate the fallen hair, so we must provide everything it may require.Nutrition not only achieves growth but it will ensure that hair is formed correctly, as it influences its structure, thickness and shine. Include in the diet foods rich in minerals such as iron, zinc or selenium and in vitamins such as biotin, niacin, vitamins A, D, E and folic acid.We can try it with a varied Mediterranean diet, but if the fall is striking it is advisable to reinforce it with vitamin supplements.
Although the cares that are carried out in autumn are important to boost hair growth, it is crucial not to forget about hair in summer to prevent this phase of loss and arrive in autumn with strong, dense and healthy hair.
