Particularly in summer towards autumn, but also in spring, many women experience increased hair loss, known as seasonal hair loss. Apart from hair loss, hair becomes thinner, more brittle and often feels like straw with age. This can have various reasons. Fortunately, there is care from the inside and outside. In addition to the weather, there is hormonally and genetically caused hair loss.
How much hair can fall out daily?
Every person loses on average approx. 100 hairs per day – this is perfectly normal and no cause for concern, because for most people they grow back. Disruptions and changes in the hormonal balance lead to hair thinning. If your hair is shedding or you are struggling with straw-like hair, then read more here about the reasons and find out which hair tips are suitable for you.
Hair loss in men
The hair becomes thinner around the crown, and the hairline begins to recede. Especially in men, the typical "widow's peaks" then appear, which can develop into a receding hairline. For most people, the loss of hair is a typical accompanying symptom of aging; many men are affected by hair loss as early as the age of 20.
Hair loss in women
In women, increased hair loss can be typical due to hormonal changes, e.g. during pregnancy and menopause. If increased hair loss occurs, however, it is primarily important to find the causes. Because, in addition to genetically caused hair loss, triggers for this can also be illnesses, medication (e.g. the pill), hormonal fluctuations, stress or malnutrition. The most frequent reason for female hair loss is androgenetic alopecia. 20 to 30 percent of all women suffer from this hereditary form. In about 10 percent, the genetic predisposition is so strongly pronounced that the hair visibly thins as early as the age of 20 to 30.
Why wintertime is a strain on the hair
Seasonal hair problems occur frequently, especially in the winter months. The freezing cold, strong wind, and rain or snow are a severe test for our skin and our hair. The extreme temperature difference between the cool weather outside and the overheated rooms inside can become a real ordeal for our hair.
An unbalanced diet, smoking, and dirt particles in the environment also contribute to the skin, including the sensitive scalp, eventually feeling tight. Our hair is by no means happy about the change of seasons: it falls out like leaves from the trees. Our hair structure, in particular, suffers greatly from cold, wind, and rain. It becomes particularly unpleasant when damaged hair begins to dry out, become statically charged, and turn brittle.
Why hair also needs good care in summer
Summer also means a strain on the hair. Sun, heat, chlorinated water, and seawater take their toll on hair. The result: straw-like hair. That is why gentle care and specific treatment are important. For often, concrete care mistakes are behind the loss of hair. Now you need a different hair care routine. Your hair is particularly sensitive. Blow-drying too hot, straightening, bleaching, toning, and dyeing damage the hair. Even hair ties are not recommended right now.
What does pampering care from the outside look like?
Treat yourself and your most beautiful accessory gently - and treat yourself to a pampering break with a nourishing hair treatment at least once a week. Nutrient-rich hair masks that contain valuable oils and make your hair shine are particularly well-suited. It is best to let the treatment soak in for at least 20 minutes in a warm environment, e.g. in the bathtub. Your hair will thank you with intense shine and new fullness.
Hair particularly likes avocado, vinegar, and almond oil. You can make the hair masks for this yourself. Here you can read in the online catalog of #lebennurbesser (p.64/Topic Beauty) how a homemade apple cider vinegar rinse is made. The perfect care from the outside necessarily includes supplementary support from the inside. Because only healthy hair is also resilient.
Hair loss due to vitamin deficiency?
True beauty comes from within. Especially in women, a lack of important nutrients is often behind seasonally induced hair loss. In the case of diffuse hair loss, when the hair thins over the entire scalp and not just in one specific area, this can have many causes in women.
Mineral deficiencies such as a lack of zinc, low iron stores, thyroid dysfunction, or infectious diseases often cause hair to dwindle. Perhaps you are taking medication, have been on crash diets, or are eating too little protein. If the reason is a vitamin deficiency and you eat a targeted diet, your hair can become thicker again in two to three months.
Iron
In women, iron deficiency is the most common reason for hair loss. A national study found that more than three-quarters of all women between 14 and 50 years of age do not consume enough iron. Hair growth can react very sensitively to restrictions in the availability of iron: while one only speaks of anemia, i.e. iron deficiency, at an iron content in the blood of below 20 µg per liter, hair loss as a result of an iron level that is too low is already detected at below 40 µg per liter of iron in the blood. If there is a tendency towards iron deficiency, a balanced, iron-rich diet is particularly important.
Iron is found in these:
- red meat
- nuts
- lentils
- beetroot
If you have an iron deficiency, a food supplement with a high iron content of at least 14 mg daily is advisable. Taken regularly, this can ensure better hair growth after approximately 8 to 10 weeks. The simultaneous intake of vitamin C is important here, because vitamin C supports the absorption of iron in the intestine.
Iron + Vitamin C
Combination for Energy + Defense
Zinc
Zinc plays an essential role in the metabolism of L-cysteine. L-cysteine is the most important amino acid for building hair keratin. Zinc deficiency is a widespread deficiency symptom and, as found in a national consumption study, occurs in 17% - 44% of the population. A deficiency of this trace element can lead to thinner hair, which also appears colorless and brittle. Nails are also affected by zinc deficiency; this becomes visible through white spots. If zinc deficiency manifests itself, it is associated with hair loss. Experts then recommend an additional zinc intake of at least 10 mg of the vital substance, ideally combined with the intake of biotin and B vitamins.
This contains zinc:
- liver and meat
- pumpkin seeds
- hard cheese (especially Emmental)
- nuts
- oatmeal
Biotin
Biotin or vitamin H is involved in numerous metabolic processes such as the important amino acid metabolism. A deficiency in biotin can also lead to increased hair loss, but also to skin flaking and dry skin, muscle pain, states of exhaustion, and fatigue. As a water-soluble vitamin, it particularly supports the L-cysteine metabolism, which is central to hair structure.
Biotin is found in these:
- Veal kidney
-Egg
- wheat
- soybeans
- walnuts
Conclusion
In the cold months, hair must be especially well cared for. Pay attention to care from the outside and the inside. In your diet, you should increasingly consider foods with iron, zinc, biotin, and amino acids. This strengthens your hair from the inside.
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