Hair loss in summer – why does it get worse?

Finding more hair on your brush, on your clothes or in the shower can be a cause for concern, especially if the problem wasn’t noticeable before. However, it is worth knowing that seasonal hair loss It is a phenomenon observed in many people and does not always signify the onset of a condition or permanent hair loss.

Hair does not grow continuously throughout a person’s life. Each hair follicle goes through specific phases – growth, rest and natural shedding. In some people, at certain times of the year, a larger number of hairs enter the final phase of the cycle at the same time, which can cause a temporary increase in hair loss.

Environmental factors also play a role in summer. Prolonged exposure to the sun, frequent contact with chlorinated water or swimming in the sea can affect the condition of the hair. The hair shaft itself becomes drier and more prone to damage, which can lead to increased breakage.

However, prolonged periods of heightened anxiety should be a cause for concern hair loss, visible thinning, a widening parting or localised hair loss. In such situations, it is advisable to consult a specialist to determine the cause of the problem.

Summer is a time when hair is particularly vulnerable to external factors. The sun, high temperatures, wind and frequent contact with sea or swimming pool water can affect its structure and appearance.

UV radiation can weaken keratin which damages the hair, causing a loss of elasticity, dryness and increased susceptibility to breakage. Chlorine and salt, on the other hand, can disrupt moisture levels, making the hair coarse and more difficult to style.

The key to summer hair care should be protecting your hair from becoming excessively dry. It is helpful to use regenerating hair care products, moisturising masks and products that protect your hair from the effects of UV radiation. After swimming in the sea or a swimming pool, it’s a good idea to rinse your hair with clean water so that limit exposure to salt and chlorine.

It is also good practice to limit treatments that put additional strain on the hair – such as frequent straightening, intense lightening or styling using high temperatures. This helps the hair stay in better condition and makes it less prone to damage.

A temporary increase in hair loss may be linked to natural changes taking place in the body. However, there are situations where simply monitoring the situation yourself is not enough, and it is worth seeking a professional assessment.

A consultation is recommended when your hair begins to noticeably lose its thickness, patches of scalp become visible, your hairline changes, or the problem persists despite following a suitable hair care routine. Particular attention should be paid to sudden changes, localised hair loss and symptoms such as itching, a burning sensation or an excessively oily scalp.

During the diagnostic examination, the specialist assesses not only the appearance of the hair itself, but also the condition of the scalp and hair follicles. Trichological examination It allows for a more precise assessment of the nature of the changes and can help to distinguish between different types of hair loss.

Identifying the cause of the problem at an early stage increases the chances of selecting the appropriate treatment. For many types of hair loss, the timing of the start of treatment is crucial to achieving satisfactory results.

Many people notice an increase in hair loss after the summer holidays, when they return to their daily routine after a period of holiday. This does not always mean a deterioration in the health of the hair or the onset of hair loss. It is often the result of several overlapping factors which have been affecting the scalp and hair follicles over a period of several weeks.

During the holidays, hair is more frequently exposed to intense sunlight, high temperatures and contact with sea or swimming pool water. In addition, many people change their daily routines – washing their hair more often, using less nourishing haircare products or cutting back on their regular haircare routine.

Diet may also play a role. When travelling, we often eat less regularly, and the body may not be getting enough of the nutrients it needs for the hair follicles to function properly. An insufficient intake of protein, iron or vitamins can affect the condition of your hair.

If increased hair loss occurs after the summer holidays and gradually subsides, it is usually a temporary reaction by the body. However, if the problem persists, it is worth having diagnosis of hair loss, to rule out other causes.

Simply being out in the sun does not directly cause alopecia, however, prolonged exposure to UV radiation can damage the condition of the hair and scalp. The sun’s rays primarily affect the hair shaft, which over time can become drier, duller and more prone to damage.

It is worth remembering that hair outside the scalp is a dead structure and therefore does not regenerate on its own. Excessive exposure to the sun can damage its surface and increase the risk of breakage. As a result, your hair may appear thinner, even though the number of active hair follicles remains unchanged.

UV radiation can also affect the scalp. Prolonged exposure without protection can lead to dryness, irritation or increased oxidative stress.

That is why, in summer, it is a good idea to use sun protection for your hair and scalp as well. Wearing a hat, using suitable skincare products and avoiding spending long hours in direct sunlight can help minimise the harmful effects of UV radiation.

Regular use of the swimming pool does not directly cause hair loss, however, chlorinated water can affect the condition of your hair. Chlorine strips away part of the hair’s natural protective layer, which can make it drier, coarser and less supple.

This problem is particularly common amongst people with bleached, fine or naturally dry hair. This type of hair is more prone to mechanical damage and moisture loss.

After swimming in the pool, it’s a good idea to rinse your hair with clean water and apply a restorative or moisturising product. It’s also a good idea to wet your hair before getting into the water – this helps it absorb less chlorinated water.

If, after the summer season, there is an increase in hair loss, it should not automatically be attributed solely to swimming. The cause may be linked to the hair growth cycle, stress, hormonal changes or other factors requiring further investigation.