By Dr. Neena Sharma (M.D. Ayurveda)
When we see our hair falling out, we are naturally worried. Sometimes this worry is unnecessary as hair fall is a natural process. Old hair is constantly replaced by new hair, and it is normal to shed between 30 and 100 strands of hair daily on an average. However, sometimes the worry about hair fall is valid as several factors can lead to excessive shedding of hair. One such factor is the change of seasons. Currently, we are at the peak of Winter, and one of the commonest problems we face is excessive hair fall.
Causes of Winter Hair Fall
Some of the common causes behind hair fall in Winter are:
- Dryness – Our scalp becomes drier in Winter. We also tend to drink less water. The resulting dryness can make hair dry and brittle. So, there is fall of entire strands as well as breakage.
- Fungal infections – Winter is the season when many fungal infections thrive, especially on the scalp. You can suffer from fungal infections that cause itching, redness, dandruff, dryness, and excess hair fall.
- UV light – Before it is shed, hair goes into the “resting” phase and is later pushed out when new hair grows, causing hair fall. Ultraviolet (UV) light, especially in Autumn and Fall, can force more hair strands into the resting phase.
How to Deal with Winter Hair Fall
Winter hair fall might be worrisome, but you can take several steps to reduce this problem. Here are a few things you can do during Winter:
- Use oil – Since dryness of the scalp is one of the biggest reasons behind winter hair fall, you can use a high quality Ayurvedic oil to tackle it. Ingredients like Brahmi, Bhringraja, and Manjistha make hair stronger and hydrate the scalp. For example, you can use Neem Ayu’s Anti Hair fall Oil.
- Shampoo carefully – You might be tempted to avoid shampooing for fear of drying out your scalp. However, shampooing is needed to maintain hygiene, especially to avoid fungal infections. What you can do is use an Ayurvedic shampoo like Neem Ayu’s Anti Hair Fall Shampoo that is zero-paraben and sulphate-free and rich in hair-friendly Ayurvedic herbs.
- Consume traditional Winter foods – Certain food products like sesame seeds, jaggery and ghee help you fight Winter hair loss by improving haemoglobin and hair strength. Interestingly, you might have noticed that the sweets we make for winter consumption are rich in these ingredients.
And here are a few things that you can do throughout the year to build up your hair’s strength:
- Good nutrition – Consuming nutrient-rich foods builds up your overall health, including scalp and hair health. You can also take supplements rich in Ayurvedic ingredients that prevent hair fall and strengthen hair and scalp, like Neem Ayu Anti Hair Fall Capsule.
- Hydration – Although it is more relevant in Winter, you can build a habit of drinking adequate quantities of water throughout the year. Having this positive habit at all times will ensure that you do not suffer from too much dryness in Winter.
- Cover head – When you go outside in the sun, you can cover your head to protect it from damage, dust, pollution, and UV rays. Less exposure to UV rays will lead to fewer strands going into the resting phase and falling in Winter.
The best way to reduce Winter hair loss is to adopt a holistic approach. If you care for your scalp and hair through all the seasons, you will find that your hair is healthier and stronger even in Winter.
(image by azerbaijan stockers on Freepik)
