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Autumn hair loss: myth or reality?

Woman looking at a handful of her hair due to hair loss syndrome

🍁 Autumn hair loss:
myth or reality?

Every year, it's the same thing: the leaves fall... and so does your hair. This seasonal hair loss gives the impression that you're losing more than usual. You find more hair in the brush, on the pillow or in the shower. But is it an urban legend? Is it normal? And above all: what can you do about it?

We'll explain everything to you (without stress) and give you our best advice for getting through this period with complete peace of mind!

🍂 A true seasonal fall, proven by science

Contrary to popular belief, autumn hair loss is not a myth. 

Studies have highlighted a seasonal pattern in the hair cycle, with two key periods in the year:

  • Autumn, just after summer, is the most marked period;

  • Spring is a lighter version.

 

A 2009 study of 823 women over six years confirmed that seasonal hair loss is real. So there's nothing unusual about seeing a little more hair on your brush between September and November!

Kunz M, Seifert B, Trüeb RM. Seasonality of hair shedding in healthy women complaining of hair loss. Dermatology. 2009;219(2):105-10.

🔁 Why do we lose more hair in autumn?

To understand this, we need to go back to the natural life cycle of hair, which takes place in three main phases:

  1. The anagen phase: this is the growth phase, which can last several years.

  2. The catagen phase: a fairly short transition phase.

  3. The telogen phase: hair enters a "resting" phase for about 3 months, before falling out naturally. This is the end of the cycle, also known as the exogenous phase.

➡️ In autumn, many hairs reach the end of their telogen phase, resulting in increased hair loss for a few weeks.

☀️ Does summer play a role in this fall?

Yes, and not just a little! Here's why summer can influence autumn hair loss:

  • Increased UV exposure weakens keratin and makes hair fiber more brittle.

     

  • Heat and humidity upset the balance of the scalp.

     

  • Hormonal secretion varies as the days lengthen and shorten (melatonin).

     

  • Prolonged vitamin D deficiency (necessary for hair growth) as soon as the days get shorter.

     

  • The stress of back-to-school and changes in pace also contribute to this decline.

     

🧠 As a result, many hairs gradually fall into a resting (telogen) phase, only to fall out again, usually between September and November.

❗ Don't panic: it's temporary

The good news? It's a temporary phenomenon, usually lasting 4 to 6 weeks.
And best of all, the hair grows back naturally.
If hair loss persists, you may need to seek medical advice.

But to support your hair during this fragile period, a few simple gestures can really help!

💆‍♀️ Our tips for caring for your hair in autumn

Here are a few things you can do to limit breakage, support regrowth and keep your hair in tip-top shape during this period of transition:

    • ✅ Use a mild shampoo, without sulfates or harsh ingredients

       

    • 💧 Moisturize and nourish your ends, especially if they are dry after the summer.

       

    • 🤲 Massage your scalp to stimulate microcirculation

       

    • 🚫 Avoid tight hairstyles and brushing wet hair (it's more fragile).

       

    • 🔥 Limit the use of heat (hair dryer, straightener...)

       

    • 🥦 Eat a balanced diet rich in :

       

      • Proteins (eggs, fish, legumes)

         

      • Zinc, iron and B vitamins (oilseeds, lentils, wholegrain cereals)

         

    • 💊 If necessary, supplement with a targeted food supplement.

       

  • 😴 Get enough sleep: it's good for your skin, hair... and morale!

🌿 Our natural solutions to support you

At Pharmasmile, we believe in gentle, effective care to get you through this stress-free period. Here's our special "autumn hair" selection:

🧴 Aloe vera shampoo
Enriched with aloe vera, wheat proteins and argan oil, it gently cleanses, moisturizes and soothes the scalp.

💊 Nails & Hair Dietary Supplement
Formulated with zinc, biotin, and plant extracts, it helps maintain normal hair and nails.

🌰 Castor vegetable oil 
Ideal for oil baths or localized treatments, it nourishes, coats, and strengthens hair.

💬 In a nutshell?

✔️ Autumn hair loss is natural and temporary
 ✔️ Simple gestures can limit hair loss and support regrowth
 ✔️ You're not alone: many people go through the same thing every year

Take care of yourself, listen to your body... and your hair will soon thank you!

🛍️Retrouvez our products exclusively in pharmacies and discover our selection of products on Pharmasmile.fr

Useful sources: https: //pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19407435/

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