The Science of Seasonal Shedding
First, let's establish that seasonal hair shedding is a real, documented phenomenon. Humans, like other mammals, can experience cyclical changes in hair growth and loss. Losing between 50 and 100 strands of hair a day is considered normal. However, during
certain times of the year, this can increase. Research points to a pattern where a larger number of hairs enter the resting (telogen) phase, leading to noticeable shedding a few months later. For many in the Northern Hemisphere, this peak often falls in late summer or early autumn, which aligns perfectly with India's monsoon season.
Understanding Your Hair's Growth Cycle
To understand why this happens, you need to know about your hair's three main phases. The 'anagen' phase is the active growth stage, lasting several years. The 'catagen' phase is a short transitional period. Finally, the 'telogen' phase is a resting period of two to three months, after which the hair sheds to make way for a new one. Seasonal shedding, medically known as telogen effluvium, occurs when a trigger causes a higher-than-usual percentage of your hair to shift into the telogen phase all at once. The headline's 'two hundred strands' represents this peak shedding, where the daily loss can double or even triple for a temporary period.
The Monsoon-Humidity Connection
July in most of India means one thing: humidity. High humidity has a direct impact on your scalp and hair. The excess moisture in the air can make your hair absorb water, swell, and become more porous and weaker, leading to breakage. More importantly, the damp, warm environment is a perfect breeding ground for fungal and bacterial growth on the scalp. This can lead to issues like dandruff, itchiness, and inflammation of the hair follicles, all of which can disrupt the healthy hair growth cycle and contribute to increased shedding.
Don't Forget About Vitamin D
The monsoon brings overcast skies, reducing our exposure to direct sunlight. This is significant because sunlight is our primary source of Vitamin D, a crucial nutrient for creating new hair follicles. Studies have linked Vitamin D deficiency to hair loss, including telogen effluvium. While a few weeks of cloudy weather won't deplete your stores entirely, a prolonged monsoon season can contribute to lower levels, potentially exacerbating the seasonal shedding that is already underway.
How to Manage Seasonal Hair Fall
While you can't change the season, you can take steps to support your hair. Focus on scalp hygiene by washing your hair regularly with a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo to prevent product buildup and fungal issues. Avoid tying wet hair tightly, as this can weaken the roots and cause breakage. Ensure your diet is rich in essential nutrients like iron, protein, biotin, and zinc—all building blocks for healthy hair. A balanced diet with leafy greens, eggs, nuts, and seeds can make a significant difference. Lastly, manage stress, as high cortisol levels are a known trigger for telogen effluvium.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Seasonal shedding should be temporary, usually lasting a few weeks to a couple of months. If you notice the shedding is severe, continuous, or leading to visible bald patches, it's time to consult a dermatologist or trichologist. Hair loss can be a symptom of underlying health issues such as thyroid problems, hormonal imbalances, or significant nutritional deficiencies. A professional can conduct the right tests to diagnose the root cause and recommend a targeted treatment plan.
