Autumn might be the season of changing leaves, warm and cozy knitwear, and copious amounts of hot drinks, but it’s also the season of hair loss, for both men and women. Read on for our tips to prevent this seasonal nightmare.
A 2009 study by Swedish researchers found that hair growth goes through a yearly pattern. It’s resting during the summer months (very useful as a natural protection against the sun!) and sheds in autumn. The natural life cycle of hair can’t be completely stopped, but there are some products out there that can help you influence it.
Caffeine
Caffeine is one of those ingredients that, when added to hair products, can help disrupt the natural life cycle of hair. The shampoos, conditions, liquids, and serums we stock contain a healthy dose of caffeine, which when applied onto the scalp wakes up the hair follicles at the root. Both Alpecin and Plantur 39 contain a significant dose of this stimulating drug. When the caffeine hits the hair roots it wakes them up and reactivates them, which in turn helps to reduce (seasonal) hair loss.
Iron
Another factor that can have an impact on your hair is a lack of iron. This can have multiple causes, a lack of iron in the diet being the first and foremost. Dried fruits and green leafy vegetables contain high doses of iron. For women, heavy periods and childbirth can be to blame for iron deficiency. A final cause for a lack of iron can be coeliac disease (gluten intolerance), whereby the gut doesn’t work properly and can’t absorb the mineral as it’s supposed to. Taking iron supplements will help your iron levels get back up to scratch, although if you think you might have a coeliac disease it’s best to get that checked by your GP.
Specialist solutions
There are clinically proven active ingredients out there that can help reduce hair loss and stimulate hair growth. Regaine products contain Minoxidil, which has been clinically proven to increase blood flow to the hair follicles, stimulating it from the ‘rest’ phase onto the growth phase. Nanogen hair products aim to thicken the hair, changing its appearance. The shampoos, conditioners, and serums contain hyaluronic acid, peptides, and other active ingredients which add shine and volume to the hair.
Stress
Finally, a massive contributor to hair loss is stress. Stress sends your body into a panic, making it want to protect vital organs. By doing this it forgets to send essential nutrients to your hair, skin, and nails. Although most people get stressed because of things outside their control, there are still things you can do to help yourself. Meditation, yoga, a long hot bath, and scented candles can all help you to relax. Colouring books for adults, knitting, or crocheting are also great exercises that will help you take your mind off whatever is bothering you. Lastly, make sure you stay hydrated and well-nourished. And remember: beauty comes from the inside out!
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