The Good Men Project

Is Seasonal Hair Loss in Men A Real Thing?


There are a lot of rumors and misnomers on the internet about season hair loss in men. Believe it or not, it is real, and it’s probably more common than you think. Many men experience new hair shedding in certain seasons of the year. Males experience a variety of types of hair issues, from male-pattern baldness to hormonal imbalances.

One reason men experience seasonal hair loss is that they are humans, which also makes them mammals. As mammals, our bodies are still very much in tune with the seasons, after centuries of adapting to them.

Guys who experience thinning hair may wonder why their hair seems thicker and fuller during certain times of the year, while other times their hair feels thin or brittle.

How Seasons Affect Hair Growth for Men

Spring hair loss can be alarming if you’re not usually a man who has to be concerned with hair thinning. When you lose hair during seasonal changes, it’s usually temporary and a regular part of the hair growth cycle. It usually affects people who have hereditary hair loss in their families.

Is it normal to lose some hair every day? Absolutely! Healthy hair follicles typically shed between 50 to 100 strands per day, although some fortunate people seem to experience much less. At any rate, everyone drops hair. The amount of hair can sometimes be a concern, and you may worry if it’s under your control.

You may worry you’re experiencing excessive hair shedding when you find a clump of hair in the drain – but remember, shedding up to 100 strands is normal. If you’re susceptible to seasonal shedding, you probably end up closer to the 100 strands a day, but that’s still not a big deal.

Things to Know About Seasonal Hair Loss

Living with seasonal hair loss is just like living with any other perfection. You learn how to style your hair in a way that works when your hair is too thin. You learn the calendar that will make it easier to plan for good hair days. There’s not much you can do about it except encourage new hair to grow in and take care of yourself so the new hair is thick and strong.

Most men have more symptoms of hair shedding and other issues between September and November because the hair follicles enter their resting (telogen) phase mid-summer. This causes more hair than normal to fall out. The follicles will stay in this phase for several months, but the hair will begin to regrow in winter when Mother Nature thinks you need it most.

Some guys will also discover they experience hair thinning in the springtime, but it’s usually still within the margin of 50-100 strands of hair a day. As the seasons change, your body will naturally replace them.

When Hair Shedding is Abnormal/Excessive

What if you’re not experiencing normal thinning, but something that feels more sinister? Sometimes when hair falls out, it doesn’t fit normal patterns. If you are losing hair in clumps, or worried about a hair part that is getting larger and larger, it may be time to take a look at your lifestyle.

Some males lose hair because of a hormonal imbalance caused by excess testosterone caused by weight training supplements or other performance-boosting drugs. If you have recently started a new supplement, shake or other body building product, this could be the culprit.

Stress is a significant cause of losing hair, too. If you’ve made a major move, had a bad breakup, or experienced a loss then this could be the reason your hair is falling out. In some cases, men experience hair shedding after a major trauma such as a car wreck or surgery. In these cases, sometimes all of the hair falls out. Although it will regrow back in it own time, the condition is temporary.

If you haven’t been to see your doctor for a checkup, you may want to make an appointment. Thyroid disorders and other, more serious diseases can cause hair, skin and nail problems. Your doctor can test your hormones and do other tests to make sure you’re in good health.

Other people are lacking the right vitamins, such as iron, biotin or Vitamin C and it causes the hair to break or fall out. Believe it or not, many people – even those who work out all the time – are not getting enough raw nutrients in their day. Try to get a plant source of vitamins on a daily basis. Vitamins for hair loss control are also essential if you want your hair to grow back healthy and strong. They can help you restore nutritional balance.

Other Things to Try When Your Hair’s Getting Thin

If you don’t exercise much, then it’s time to get moving. Cardio exercise helps get your circulation going, which in turn promotes healing and health throughout your body. After you work out, make sure to shower and use shampoo, gently massaging your head as you apply it. Use your fingertips to rub the shampoo into your scalp in small circles. When you’re ready, rinse with lukewarm water and let your hair air dry.

If you’re taking a good vitamin and taking care of your hair, you might get frustrated when your hair seems to remain thin. Using good hair products is essential. Try thickening oils made from olive oil or coconut oil.

If you’re worried about keeping a full head of hair, avoid hair products with a lot of chemicals (which is a LOT of them) and head for the sea salt hair spray or a pure organic gel instead. (If that doesn’t work, then you can always try one of those prescription-strength hair growing products. But try these tips first.) Get enough protein, but don’t try any new testosterone-altering gym supplements.

And again, always take care of yourself and make sure you’re getting the vitamins and minerals you need in your daily life. Why look good if you don’t feel good? The two go hand in hand. Try not to worry about your hair every season — they frequently change, anyway!

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Photo: Getty Images

Editor’s note: This article is presented for informational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness. If you have any health concern, see a licensed healthcare professional in person.
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