Have you ever noticed more hair shedding during certain times of the year? If so, you’re not imagining it – seasonal hair loss is a real phenomenon.

For many, it becomes especially noticeable in the summer and autumn. While it can be a little unsettling, understanding why it happens and what you can do about it can help put your mind at ease.

Here, we’ll explore what seasonal hair loss is, how long it lasts, and how you can prevent and treat it.

What is seasonal hair loss?

Seasonal hair loss refers to an increase in hair shedding that occurs during specific times of the year. Many people experience it in the late summer or early autumn, but it can also happen in the spring. This kind of hair loss is usually temporary and related to the natural hair growth cycle.

Our hair goes through three main phases. This includes the growth phase (anagen), the resting phase (telogen), and the shedding phase (exogen). At any given time, about 90% of the hair on your scalp is in the growth phase, while the remaining 10% is in the resting phase. After the resting phase, hair naturally sheds to make room for new growth.

Seasonal hair loss occurs when more hair than usual enters the resting and shedding phases simultaneously, causing a noticeable increase in the amount of hair you’re losing.

How long does seasonal hair loss last?

The good news is that seasonal hair loss is typically short-lived. Most people notice increased shedding for about 6 to 8 weeks before things start to return to normal.

If you’re concerned about how much hair you’re losing, it can be helpful to monitor it closely. A bit of extra shedding during seasonal changes is normal, but if you notice more severe hair loss, it’s worth consulting with a professional to rule out other potential causes, such as stress, hormonal imbalances, or nutritional deficiencies.

It’s also important to remember that everyone’s hair cycle is different, and some people may experience more noticeable shedding than others. In most cases, once the seasonal shedding phase is over, hair growth should resume its normal pace.

Other reasons for hair loss

If your seasonal hair loss seems excessive or persists for longer than usual, it’s always a good idea to consult with a hair loss specialist. They can help you identify whether your shedding is related to seasonal changes or if there might be other factors at play.

1. Genetics: Androgenetic alopecia is the medical term for male or female pattern baldness which is also known as hereditary alopecia as it runs in families.
2. Hormones: Many females who experience androgenetic alopecia develop it after menopause. Hormones may play a role alongside genetics. Pregnancy is another time of fluctuating hormones that can be marked with temporary hair loss.
3. Stress or illness can result in telogen effluvium which is when the healthy growth cycle is affected, causing more hair than usual to fall out at any one time.
4. Medications: Certain medications can result in hair loss. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can push large amounts of hair to fall out rapidly during the anagen phase of the hair cycle.
5. Underlying health conditions: Certain conditions such as thyroid disease can result in hair loss.
6. Alopecia areata: An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the hair follicles.
7. Traction alopecia: Hair loss due to certain hairstyles that cause trauma to the hair follicles and may result in scarring and permanent hair loss.

Book an appointment with a hair loss expert to find out if there’s an underlying condition you should be concerned about.

UK scientists may have finally found a cure for male pattern baldness in an exciting new discovery. Researchers identified a natural sugar in the body could provide the same hair loss reversal benefits as some FDA approved treatments.

So, could sugar really be the key to combatting hair loss? Here we look at what the recent study revealed, and how this sweet discovery could pave the way for new, safer treatments.

Study Finds Natural Sugar Triggers Hair Regrowth

In an unexpected breakthrough, scientists have discovered that a natural sugar called 2-deoxy-D-ribose (2dDR) could be the key to reversing hair loss. This sugar, which plays a crucial role in various biological processes in both animals and humans, was initially being studied for its potential in wound healing. During this research, scientists observed areas treated with 2dDR showed accelerated hair growth.

This accidental discovery led researchers to hypothesize that 2dDR might directly stimulate hair follicles, promoting regrowth in regions where hair had thinned or disappeared. Published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology, the study found that this sugar-based treatment could be as effective as FDA-approved solutions currently on the market.

However, unlike some existing treatments, 2dDR doesn’t appear to carry the same risk of unwanted side effects. The findings suggest that improving blood flow to hair follicles using a naturally occurring sugar might be a safe and effective way to combat hair loss.

The Potential Benefits of a Sugar-Based Approach

One of the main benefits of using a sugar-based approach is the reduced risk of side effects. Many FDA-approved treatments, such as minoxidil and finasteride, while effective, are often associated with a range of side effects. These can include everything from scalp irritation to more serious concerns like sexual dysfunction or hormonal imbalances.

In contrast, a treatment derived from a natural sugar present in the body could provide a much gentler alternative. As 2dDR is already a part of our biological makeup, the body is likely to tolerate it better than synthetic compounds. This could make the treatment not only safer, but also more appealing to those who have been hesitant to try conventional hair loss solutions due to concerns about side effects.

Exploring Current Treatments for Male Pattern Baldness

While the discovery of 2-deoxy-D-ribose’s potential in reversing hair loss is exciting, it’s important to remember that more research is needed before it can be recommended as a standard treatment. In the meantime, those experiencing male pattern baldness have several effective options available. Two of the most prescribed treatments are minoxidil and finasteride.

Minoxidil, a topical treatment, works by stimulating hair follicles and extending the growth phase of hair. Finasteride, on the other hand, is an oral medication that reduces the production of a hormone known to shrink hair follicles, thereby slowing hair loss and even promoting regrowth in some cases.

Both treatments have been FDA-approved and have shown positive results for many men dealing with male pattern baldness.

If you’re experiencing male pattern baldness and are unsure about the best course of action, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. Together, you will explore the best options for your specific needs, taking the first step toward restoring your hair and confidence.

Menopause is a major milestone in a woman’s life, bringing with it various physical and hormonal changes. While hot flushes, mood swings, and weight gain are some of the most common changes you’ll experience, many women also see a change in their hair.

Hair loss and thinning are common side effects of the menopause, and they can be particularly challenging to deal with.

In today’s blog, we’ll explore how the menopause affects your hair, whether you can prevent menopause related hair loss and thinning, and the treatments available to manage these changes.

How does the menopause change the hair?

During menopause, the body undergoes a significant shift in hormone levels, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, which play crucial roles in hair growth. As these hormone levels decline, the hair growth cycle is disrupted.

Oestrogen helps keep hair in the growing phase (anagen) longer, so reduced levels can shorten this phase, leading to more hair shedding and slower growth. An increase in androgens (male hormones) can also cause hair follicles to shrink, producing finer, thinner hair.

Medications taken during menopause, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), can also impact the hair. While HRT can help mitigate some of the hormonal changes, it isn’t without its own set of potential side effects, including hair thinning.

The combined effect of hormonal changes and medications makes menopause a challenging period for maintaining healthy hair.

Can you prevent menopause-related hair loss and thinning?

While preventing menopause-related hair loss isn’t always possible, there are steps you can take to protect your hair. Maintaining a healthy diet that is rich in essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, D, and E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, can support hair health. Supplements specifically designed for hair growth can also be beneficial.

Using gentle haircare products and avoiding excessive heat styling, harsh chemicals, and tight hairstyles, can prevent further damage to already fragile hair. While these measures can’t completely prevent hair thinning or loss, they can help minimise the impact and keep the hair healthier during the menopause.

Treating hair loss during the menopause

To treat hair loss during menopause, you’ll need to address the underlying cause. A specialist will be able to determine whether hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, or other factors are contributing to the problem.

Once the root cause is identified, several treatment options are available. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help balance hormone levels, while topical treatments like Minoxidil can stimulate hair growth and slow down hair loss. Oral medications such as Finasteride may also be prescribed in some cases to block the effects of androgens on hair follicles.

If you are experiencing hair loss during the menopause, schedule a consultation with a dermatologist that specialises in hair loss so they can identify the underlying cause and develop a personalised treatment plan.

June 10th to June 16th marks Men’s Health Week, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the health issues that predominantly affect the male population. One of the most common issues men that face is hair loss, a condition that can have significant psychological and emotional impacts.

Hair loss can stem from a variety of causes, each requiring different treatments. Here, we’ll explore the five most common causes to be aware of.

1. Male Pattern Baldness

Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common cause of hair loss in men. It leads to a receding hairline and thinning of the hair on the crown, often leading to complete baldness in these areas.

This type of hair loss is largely influenced by genetic factors and the presence of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT shrinks hair follicles, causing them to produce thinner and shorter hairs until they eventually stop producing hair altogether.

Male pattern baldness can begin as early as the late teens or early twenties and progresses with age.

2. Stress

Stress is another significant factor that can lead to hair loss. High levels of stress can trigger a type of hair loss known as telogen effluvium. This condition causes hair follicles to enter the resting phase of the hair growth cycle prematurely, leading to increased shedding and thinning hair.

Stress-related hair loss can be temporary or chronic, depending on the person’s stress levels and overall health. Addressing the root causes of stress and adopting stress management techniques such as exercise, meditation, and counselling can help minimise and reverse its impact on hair loss.

3. Illness/Medications

Certain illnesses and medications can also cause hair loss. Conditions such as thyroid disorders, severe infections, and chronic illnesses can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to hair thinning and shedding.

Treatments for diseases like cancer, including chemotherapy and radiation, are also well-known for causing the hair to fall out. Medications for other conditions, such as beta-blockers, anticoagulants, and antidepressants, can also contribute to hair thinning.

In many cases, hair loss due to illness or medication is temporary and resolves once the underlying issue is treated or the medication is discontinued.

4. Chronic Tension

Chronic tension on the hair follicles, often resulting from hairstyles that pull tightly on the hair, can cause a type of hair loss known as traction alopecia. This condition is common among men who frequently wear tight hairstyles such as braids, ponytails, or buns. The constant pulling and tension can damage the hair follicles, leading to inflammation and eventually causing the hair to fall out.

Over time, if the tension is not relieved, the hair follicles can become permanently damaged, resulting in irreversible hair loss. To prevent traction alopecia, it is advisable to avoid tight hairstyles and give the hair regular breaks from styling.

5. Autoimmune Conditions

Autoimmune conditions, like alopecia areata, can lead to patchy hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body. Other autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, can also cause hair thinning and loss.

The hair loss associated with autoimmune conditions can be unpredictable and may vary in severity. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying autoimmune disorder and may include medications to suppress the immune response and promote hair regrowth.

Understanding the underlying cause of hair loss is crucial for determining the most effective treatment approach.

Millions of men around the world use Finasteride to combat hair loss, an FDA-approved medication. However, after a significant rise in reports of patients experiencing severe side effects, health officials in the UK are now warning of the dangers the drug presents.

Patients are urged to discontinue use if they experience severe side effects such as suicidal thoughts or depression. Here we’ll explore the potential risks associated with Finasteride and the alternatives available for those affected by its adverse effects.

Men warned over the dangers of Finasteride

Finasteride is widely recognised for its ability to treat hair loss effectively, but it is not without risks. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has noted an increase in serious side effects reported since 2020, prompting a thorough review of the drug’s safety.

Reported side effects include depression, suicidal thoughts, insomnia, and decreased libido. To increase patient safety, informational warning cards detailing these potential side effects will be included in Finasteride packages later this year.

Men taking 1mg of Finasteride for hair loss are advised to stop the medication if they experience severe symptoms. Meanwhile, those on a 5mg dose for an enlarged prostate should seek medical advice.

However, despite these concerns severe side effects are rare, occurring in less than one in 1,000 people.

What is Finasteride?

Originally developed to treat an enlarged prostate, Finasteride has gained widespread recognition for its effectiveness in treating male hair loss. The oral medication works by altering hormone levels, which can also benefit those experiencing pattern baldness. It became particularly well-known after it was revealed that Donald Trump used the drug to combat his hair loss, bringing it into the public eye.

Finasteride is designed for short-term treatment and the risk of side effects tends to increase with long-term use. This means those using the drug should be monitored carefully.

How does Finasteride work and what are the alternatives?

Finasteride treats hair loss by inhibiting the body’s ability to convert testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss in men. By reducing DHT levels, Finasteride can slow or even reverse hair thinning and hair loss on the scalp.

While it is known to be highly effective, if you experience negative side effects or are concerned about the potential risks, there are several alternatives to consider. Options include topical treatments like minoxidil and even surgical options such as hair transplants, which can provide effective results without the hormonal effects of Finasteride.

For those currently using or considering Finasteride and are worried about its side effects, it’s crucial to explore all available treatment options. A dermatologist that specialises in various hair loss treatments, can offer guidance tailored to your specific needs.