The beauty of our hair is an essential part of our self-esteem and appearance. However, many of us have noticed an increase in hair loss as autumn approaches. Why does this happen? Is it a coincidence, or are there medical reasons for this seasonal trend? As an aesthetic doctor, I will explain the reasons for hair loss in autumn, the phases of hair growth, how to take care of your hair, and the solutions offered by aesthetic medicine to prevent hair loss and restore beautiful hair.
Some key figures:
Our hair normally consists of 100,000 to 150,000 hairs that are renewed in a cycle of three phases, each independent of the others. The length of a hair cycle is genetically programmed and varies from two to six years. Each hair follicle has a genetically programmed number of cycles that are limited in time. Every day, we lose an average of 30 to 150 hairs, which are replaced by new ones.
The phases of hair growth
To understand why we lose our hair in autumn, it is essential to know the phases of hair growth. Hair goes through a constant cycle of growth, rest and shedding, which is divided into three main phases:
1. Anagen phase: this is the active growth phase of hair, which generally lasts from several months to 7 years. The average growth rate of a hair is 0.3 mm/day. This rate varies depending on the location on the scalp. For example, hair grows faster at the top of the head than at the temples. Hair length is therefore determined by all these growth factors.
2. Catagen phase: this is the resting phase. During this phase, hair growth stops and the dermal papilla begins to shrink. The average duration of this phase is 3 weeks, but in some people it can last up to several months.
3. Telogen phase: this is the shedding phase, which lasts about 3 months. Hair does not grow during this period, but remains attached to the scalp. About 10 to 15% of your hair is in the telogen phase at any given time.
Normal hair loss is the result of hair transitioning from the anagen phase to the telogen phase, followed by the shedding of telogen hairs to make way for new hair in the anagen phase. However, certain factors can disrupt this natural cycle, leading to excessive hair loss.
Why do we lose our hair in autumn?
Seasonal hair loss, particularly in autumn, is a common phenomenon. Several factors may explain this trend:
1. Seasonal change: The transition from summer to autumn can be a shock to your hair. Temperature fluctuations, reduced humidity and exposure to summer elements such as UV rays, sea salt and chlorine from swimming pools can weaken your hair, making it more prone to breakage and hair loss.
2. Stress: The start of the school year, returning to work after the summer holidays, or even the anticipation of the festive season can be sources of stress. Chronic stress can negatively affect the health of your hair and lead to excessive hair loss.
3. Nutrition: Your diet can be affected by the change of season. An unbalanced diet or a deficiency in essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals can weaken your hair.
4. The hair growth cycle: The hair growth cycle is influenced by hormonal and genetic factors. In some people, hair loss may be more pronounced at certain times of the year due to these factors.
How to nourish and care for your hair
Now that you understand why hair loss may be more common in autumn, it is essential to learn how to care for your hair to minimise shedding. Here are some tips for nourishing and maintaining your hair throughout the year:
1. Eat a balanced diet: ensure you consume foods rich in protein, iron, zinc, B vitamins, and essential fatty acids. These nutrients are essential for healthy hair.
2. Stay properly hydrated: drink enough water to keep your scalp and hair hydrated. Adequate hydration promotes healthy hair growth.
3. Avoid thermal shock: protect your hair from the cold by wearing hats or scarves. Also, avoid excessive use of hair dryers and straightening irons, as excessive heat can damage your hair.
4. Avoid harsh products: limit your use of hair products containing harsh ingredients, such as sulphates and parabens. Do not use harsh chemicals. They can damage your hair and make it more prone to breakage.
5. Use suitable products: opt for gentle, natural products. Choose high-quality hair products that are suitable for your hair type. Shampoos and conditioners formulated to strengthen hair can be particularly helpful.
6. Massage your scalp: Massaging your scalp stimulates blood circulation, promoting hair growth. You can use coconut oil or argan oil to gently massage your scalp.
Aesthetic medicine solutions to combat hair loss
If, despite your efforts to take care of your hair, you continue to suffer from hair loss in autumn, there are aesthetic medicine solutions that can help you regain thick, healthy hair. Here are some of the solutions available:
Jet Peel for the scalp
The Jet Peel treatment is an advanced and versatile solution for treating hair loss and improving hair health. Through its various stages, including peeling, infusion of active ingredients such as B vitamins (B3 or niacinamide, B7 or biotin, B5), LED therapy and scalp massage, this procedure offers a comprehensive approach to revitalising your hair. In aesthetic medicine, Jet Peel treatment has become an increasingly popular option for treating hair loss. This procedure combines several steps to revitalise and strengthen the hair, offering a comprehensive solution for those suffering from hair problems. Here is an overview of the different stages of Jet Peel treatment:
1. Exfoliation: The process begins with gentle exfoliation of the scalp using a special exfoliating solution. This exfoliation removes dead skin cells, impurities and hair product residue. It prepares the scalp to effectively absorb the active ingredients that will be applied afterwards.
2. Infusion of active ingredients: once the scalp is clean and prepared, active ingredients specially formulated to strengthen the hair are infused. These products may contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other ingredients essential for healthy hair. The infusion is performed using the Jet Peel system, which uses micro-droplet technology to deliver the active ingredients directly into the scalp.
3. LED treatment: after the active ingredients have been infused, LEDs are used to stimulate blood circulation in the scalp. The red light from the LEDs promotes cell regeneration and hair growth by increasing the availability of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. This step is painless and relaxing.
4. Scalp massage: The Jet Peel treatment ends with a gentle scalp massage. This massage further stimulates blood circulation and allows the active ingredients to be better distributed throughout the scalp. It also promotes deep relaxation, reducing stress, which can be a contributing factor to hair loss.
The benefits of Jet Peel treatment for hair
The Jet Peel treatment offers several benefits for those seeking to improve the health of their hair:
1. Stimulation of hair growth: the infusion of active ingredients and the application of LED light promote the regeneration of hair follicles, which can lead to healthier and thicker hair growth.
2. Improved hair texture and quality: Jet Peel treatment can improve the texture and quality of existing hair, making it stronger, shinier and less prone to breakage.
3. Reduction in hair loss: by strengthening the hair and stimulating blood circulation, this procedure can help reduce excessive hair loss.
4. Non-invasive and painless treatment: Jet Peel treatment is a non-invasive and painless option, requiring no surgery or recovery period.
5. Improved scalp health: exfoliating and massaging the scalp improves its overall health, which can have a positive impact on hair health.
LED phototherapy
LED phototherapy is a painless technique that uses light to stimulate hair growth. LED devices emit low-intensity light that penetrates the scalp and stimulates hair cells.
Microneedling combined with scalp skin boosters
It is a non-surgical procedure that involves injecting nutrients, vitamins and minerals directly into the scalp. This stimulates hair growth by improving blood circulation and providing the necessary nutrients to the hair follicles.
A medical consultation
Your cosmetic doctor may also prescribe a blood test to check for vitamin or mineral deficiencies, such as iron deficiency, or thyroid dysfunction.
Hair loss in autumn is a common problem, but there are solutions and ways to prevent it. Understanding the phases of hair growth, eating a balanced diet, taking care of your hair and consulting a cosmetic doctor are important steps in maintaining healthy, abundant hair.
Taking care of your hair requires patience and attention, but the results are worth it. By avoiding practices that can damage your hair and adopting a proper hair care routine, you can preserve your hair’s beauty and keep it healthy and shiny.
