Photo Credit: by Tuğba ÖZTÜRK, Pexels.com
Hair shedding is a natural part of the hair cycle, but it often worsens during certain times of the year, usually in the fall and spring. Known as seasonal hair loss, this type of shedding can be unsettling as more hair accumulates on hairbrushes, pillows, and shower drains.
Fortunately, there are solutions to combat this phenomenon and maintain hair health throughout the year. Recently, tech millionaire Bryan Johnson, a pioneer in the worlds of anti-aging and wellness, shared his strategies to tackle balding. He recently posted on X, “Genetically, I should be bald. I started to lose my hair and go gray in my late 20s. Now, at 47, I’ve got a full head of hair, and ~70% of my gray is gone.”
One of his recommendations was Rogaine (Minoxidil) as a leading solution. This over-the-counter drug is a top product because no prescription is required, and it’s a treatment solution for both men and women. Women may not suffer from male pattern baldness, but they are not excluded from shedding and other hair loss issues.
You may also need to plan ahead for shedding seasons because managing hair loss isn’t a one-time fix. Planning treatments ahead of time, making lifestyle changes, and following other hair loss tips and tricks (including good scalp care, proper nutrition, and even mindfulness practices) can help minimize the impact of shedding season and preserve hair thickness and health.
This article explores how Minoxidil and other methods can help curb seasonal hair loss, as well as practical tips for year-round hair health.
Why Does Seasonal Hair Loss Occur?
Did you know, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, that “it’s normal to shed between 50 and 100 hairs a day”?
It’s when the body sheds significantly more hairs than that every day that a person has excessive hair shedding (or telogen effluvium, in medical terminology). Another common cause of hair loss is called androgenetic alopecia, which affects up to 50% of men and women, according to the National Council on Aging.
As Health explains it, “Hereditary hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia, is hair loss caused by genetics or hormonal imbalances that affect androgen hormones (typically testosterone). Anyone can experience hereditary hair loss, but it typically affects males and is more commonly called male pattern baldness. In males, hair starts thinning near the top of the head and forms a receding hairline (creating an M shape). Eventually, you can go completely bald. In females, the hair becomes thin all over without a receding hairline.”
Still, these are different from seasonal hair loss, which is often linked to hormonal fluctuations and environmental changes and typically peaks in the fall.
During summer, hair follicles are in an active phase, providing more protection against UV rays. But when the seasons change, the hair naturally enters a shedding phase to make room for new growth. This process is normal, but excessive shedding can be frustrating.
Factors like stress, dietary shifts, and even indoor heating can also aggravate seasonal hair loss. Recognizing the causes and timing can help you plan proactive steps to support your hair through these cycles.
By preparing in advance and committing to a consistent routine, you can tackle seasonal shedding head-on (pun intended!) and embrace healthier, more resilient hair year-round.
Rogaine: A Year-Round Solution for Seasonal Shedding
A popular over-the-counter solution for both seasonal and genetic hair loss, Rogaine (also known by the generic name Minoxidil) is highly effective for slowing hair thinning and promoting regrowth.
The National Council on Aging actually recommends it as the best hair loss medication: “Experts we spoke with say the top hair loss medication is minoxidil because it’s affordable and well researched, but you will need patience to see results. Minoxidil comes in oral and topical formulas and is sometimes combined with other medications like finasteride and spironolactone.”
One of the major pros is that there’s relatively easy access to this medication.
Similarly, Health reports, “Some researchers have generally found oral minoxidil to be helpful. … 65% of the individuals [with androgenetic alopecia, or AGA] had scalp hair growth, and 27% experienced a decrease in how much their hair shed.”
Available in topical forms for both men and women, Minoxidil helps stimulate hair follicles and extends the growth phase, which is especially beneficial during times of increased seasonal shedding.
Wondering exactly how it works? Minoxidil widens blood vessels and boosts blood flow to the scalp, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles. It prolongs the follicle’s growth cycle, producing stronger, thicker hair.
While Minoxidil is commonly used for genetic hair loss, regular application during peak shedding seasons can support resilience and reduce visible thinning of the hair.
Use the below tips for year-round use of Minoxidil:
1. Apply Consistently: Seasonal shedding requires a steady approach. Apply Minoxidil daily to maintain optimal results, whether hair loss is seasonal or persistent.
2. Follow Product Instructions: Use the recommended amount and ensure the scalp is dry for best absorption. Avoid increasing the dosage during seasonal shedding, as this may cause irritation without enhancing results.
3. Plan Ahead: Begin using Minoxidil before seasonal shedding peaks. For fall shedding, start treatment in late summer to prepare the hair follicles in advance.
Additional Tips to Counter Seasonal Hair Loss
Seasonal shedding may be inevitable, but you can make some lifestyle adjustments to mitigate the impact. If you make a few of the targeted changes below, you can create a stronger foundation for hair growth and maintain scalp health:
1. Nutrient Support with Vitamin D and Iron: Sunlight exposure in summer often boosts vitamin D levels, which supports hair growth. However, fall and winter can reduce this natural source, making it beneficial to supplement or incorporate vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish, fortified dairy, and mushrooms. Iron, which is vital for hair strength, can also drop seasonally, so eating iron-rich foods like spinach, lean meats, and lentils can support your hair's health.
2. A Balanced Diet for Resilient Hair: Protein, biotin, zinc, and other hair-friendly nutrients support strong, flexible hair. Incorporate lean proteins, eggs, nuts, and whole grains into your diet for well-rounded nutrition that fosters hair health.
3. Sleep and Stress Management: Poor sleep and elevated stress levels increase cortisol, which can exacerbate hair shedding. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of restful sleep and consider stress-relief practices such as meditation or yoga to minimize hair loss from hormonal imbalances.
4. Scalp Health: Seasonal weather changes can make the scalp dry or oily, affecting hair follicles. Use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and avoid harsh treatments to maintain a clean, balanced scalp. Massaging the scalp regularly can stimulate blood flow and improve the scalp environment for stronger hair.
5. Limit Hot Tools: Styling with heat and the overuse of hair dryers, flat irons, and chemical treatments weakens hair and increases breakage. Embrace gentle styling techniques, particularly during peak shedding seasons, to avoid adding stress to hair follicles. For example, women could roll their hair in soft curlers overnight instead of using a curling iron.
Hair loss can also occur after a particularly stressful or traumatic event. According to Medical News Today, “Two to three months after a person experiences a traumatic or stressful event, they can develop telogen effluvium — a type of hair loss in which the follicles remain stuck in the inactive, hair-shedding stage.”
Focusing on self care and taking care of your mental health can also be an important step in preventing excess hair loss, believe it or not.
Alternative Treatments for Seasonal Hair Loss
If Minoxidil alone isn’t enough, or if you’re looking to layer treatments, several other options may complement the effects. These alternatives can be especially beneficial during peak shedding periods.
One is a special shampoo. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ketoconazole shampoo is an option for those dealing with dandruff or irritated scalps. By reducing inflammation, it creates a healthier scalp environment, supporting follicle health during seasonal changes.
Another more invasive treatment option is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. PRP involves injecting a concentration of a patient’s own platelets into the scalp to stimulate growth. This is a more advanced option for those with significant seasonal shedding or other types of hair loss.
NDTV reports more of anti-aging advocate Bryan Johnson’s strategy: “The key to his transformation has been the strategic use of vitamins and nutrients, particularly protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, which have played a crucial role in restoring his hair. In addition to nutrition, he has developed a personalized topical formula tailored to his genetics that includes melatonin, caffeine, and Vitamin D3. He has also incorporated red light therapy into his daily routine, even wearing a specialized hat to administer this treatment throughout the day. Another critical component of Johnson’s regimen is oral minoxidil, a topical hair-loss drug.”
As you can see, nutritional supplements can also make a difference. Supplements with biotin, zinc, and other hair-supportive vitamins can support resilience and potentially reduce the intensity of seasonal shedding. Talk to your doctor about what may be right for you.
Bryan Johnson’s Anti-Aging Approach to Seasonal Shedding
Bryan Johnson’s focus on anti-aging isn’t limited to just reversing aging but also emphasizes maintaining cellular health to prevent age-related concerns, including hair loss. His regimen, which incorporates Minoxidil alongside many other holistic health practices, showcases a proactive approach to managing seasonal and genetic hair loss.
By focusing on both internal and external factors, Johnson’s philosophy provides a strong blueprint for addressing seasonal balding. In addition to Minoxidil, a balanced lifestyle with nutrient support, adequate sleep, and stress reduction promotes the kind of environment that minimizes shedding and encourages hair strength.
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