Does September or October arrive and you start noticing more hair on your brush, in the shower or on your pillow? Hair loss in autumn can be worrying, but a temporary increase in hair shedding does not always indicate a problem.
Hair follows a natural cycle consisting of different phases of growth, transition and rest. In fact, several studies have observed seasonal variations in this cycle. A study involving 823 women found a higher proportion of hairs in the telogen phase — the phase before shedding — during the summer. As a result, increased hair shedding may become noticeable several weeks later.
Therefore, finding more hair in your brush during these weeks may be part of its natural renewal process.
Hair loss in autumn: how can we care for our hair?
Although we cannot prevent a hair that has completed its cycle from shedding, we can help create suitable conditions for the scalp and new hair growth.
Firstly, care starts from within. A varied and balanced diet should provide sufficient protein, vitamins and minerals. Among these, zinc and biotin contribute to the maintenance of normal hair, provided that the food or supplement contains the amounts required to use these authorised nutrition claims.
Rosemary: a studied ally in hair care
Rosemary essential oil has a long tradition of cosmetic use in products designed for the scalp. In addition, its topical application has also been the subject of research.
A clinical trial compared a rosemary oil preparation with 2% minoxidil over six months in people withn adrogenetic alopecia. At the end of the study period, both groups showed a significant increase in hair count compared with baseline.
However, it is important to interpret this result correctly: the study was conducted on a specific type of alopecia and does not demonstrate that rosemary treats all causes of hair loss.
On the other hand, Atlas cedar essential oil is traditionally used in aromatherapy and hair care cosmetics in formulations designed for scalp massage and care.
An autumn hair loss care routine
A simple option is to massage the scalp with essential oils properly diluted in a botanical oil.
To prepare a massage oil, you can mix:
- 10 drops of Atlas cedar essential oil.
- 5 drops of rosemary 1,8-cineole essential oil.
- 30 ml of jojoba oil.
Apply a small amount to the scalp and gently massage with your fingertips. Then leave on for a while before washing your hair. If your scalp is sensitive, it is advisable to test tolerance on a small area beforehand.
Jojoba oil is particularly suitable as a carrier oil because it allows essential oils to be diluted and provides a pleasant texture for massage. Essential oils should also always be used in accordance with the relevant dilution and safety recommendations.
Caring for your hair from the inside out
Finally, autumn hair loss is a good opportunity to review our habits. A balanced diet, adequate rest, gentle handling of the hair and a gentle hair care routine can help keep the scalp in good condition.
Furthermore, for pharmacies, herbal shops, beauty centres and nutrition professionals, understanding the different nutricosmetic and hair care options makes it possible to offer more comprehensive advice tailored to each individual.
However, when hair loss is severe, occurs suddenly, leaves bald patches or persists for months, it is advisable to recommend a medical assessment to identify the cause.
Because well-cared-for hair does not begin at the ends alone.
It starts at the roots.
Bibliographical references
- Kunz, M., Seifert, B., & Trüeb, R. M. (2009). Seasonality of hair shedding in healthy women complaining of hair loss. Dermatology, 219(2), 105–110. https://doi.org/10.1159/000216832
- Panahi, Y., Taghizadeh, M., Marzony, E. T., & Sahebkar, A. (2015). Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A randomized comparative trial. SKINmed, 13(1), 15–21.
- Randall, V. A., & Ebling, F. J. G. (1991). Seasonal changes in human hair growth. British Journal of Dermatology, 124(2), 146–151. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.1991.tb00423.x
Fermina Pérez Carmona
Degree in Chemical Sciences
