I love summer.  Case in point.. I left Chicago to live in Honolulu, Hawaii, over 16 years ago and never looked back.  The land of eternal summer is very enticing! 

For those who don't live in paradise like myself, summer brings more than a few pleasant things with it! 

From beach days, to ice-cream breaks, pool parties (I am well known in the neighborhood to stock the very BEST pool floats), to cookouts and watermelons- it is arguably the best of the seasons.

Summer Pool Days with the Kids

Of course it means your kids are out of school, lots and lots of sweat, stifling humidity...the AC working overtime with a hefty bill, and oh ya,,, Summer Hairloss.

If you find yourself losing noticeable amounts of hair in the summer months, you aren't alone.  I'll explain...

 

It's for real, and it impacts women more than men...

Ok so we all lose hair every day. This we know to be true.  Most commonly you are shedding up to 100 strands and it likely doesn't seem that significant. 

Research has shown though, that women experience higher levels of telogen (telogen is a fancier word for the resting phase of the hair growth cycle, this is when the hair follicle is dormant and the hair shaft is not growing). 

Women typically have a higher level of telogen particularly peaking during the months of July and August.   

Summed up- during these months of the year, there is a higher level of shedding and hair fall. 

 

WHY?

While the researchers are still researching, many believe this occurs because of extreme weather, particularly heat and humidity.  It can change as much as 70% of a persons hair follicles at once to enter the resting phase (aka NOT GROWING). 

To be clear, that much hair entering during the summer months is premature and not how the hair cycle should be changing.

In a study that appeared in the British Journal of Dermatology in 1991, it was reported that the amount of hair follicles in the growth stage for women were peaking in March and falling steadily to their lowest levels in August. 

A more recent study in 2017 analyzed the correlation between hot weather and hair loss by studying when people appeared to google the term "hair-loss" the most.  Turns out it was most common in the Summer vs winter/spring. 

Ironically enough, I could have sworn my Mother always told me that my hair would grow faster in the summer. Turns out that's a myth for women and the opposite is more than likely true! 

Due to the heat, people tend to shed hair more quickly as a natural reaction.  In fact you may notice your hair becoming thinner during the summer months because of the prolonged telogen phase. 

What to do about it? 

There are a few things I recommend doing , regardless of the season.  However I do have some non-negotiables for the summer months to minimize the duration of summer shedding.

#1.  Support Hair Growth from the Inside throughout the year

I'm a huge believer in a good Hair Supplement.  Since hair is literally the last place to absorb nutrients I'm a big believer in giving it all the support it needs to stay in the growth stage longer and to grow in thicker and stronger.  More follicles in the growth stage = less in the shedding stage at one time.  I never miss a day of the Baby Blues Lilikoi Hair Vitamins and I promise you my hair thanks me.

 

#2. Protect your Scalp

The healthier your scalp the healthier the hair growth.  Unfortunately summer brings some triggers that can lead to dry and unhealthy scalp.  More time in swimming pools, exposure to sun-rays, even daily ponytails can pull at the scalp (more on that next).

Wear a loose fitting hat (there are so many cute ones these days there really is NO excuse, always cleanse hair + scalp after the pool and beware of its drying effects, along with use spf on your scalp or better yet grab that hat whenever outdoors.

 #3. Be Gentle on it

It's HOT. I get it, you are going to want to pull your hair back. This puling though, day after day, on the scalp can lead to thinning and shedding.  Pro tip- use silk scrunchies, claw clips or headbands to push hair off your face while minimizing breakage.

#4. Keep Strands Moisturized

Heat is drying so do your strands a big favor and keep them hydrated with a dep conditioning masque or treatment weekly. (More if you are spending lots of time in the pool, trust). 

I love a deep conditioning treatment and the results they give, expect:

• detangled hair
• a decrease in frizz
• boost of shine
• increased smoothness

 Healthline put out one of my most referred to rules of thumb when it comes to deep conditioning:

• Shampoo first, only if necessary. “If your scalp isn’t dirty or oily, then you can rinse and skip the shampoo before your deep conditioner,” she says.
• Apply conditioning treatment based on your hair type. If you have dry hair or tight curls, you’ll likely benefit from applying deep conditioner very close, if not all the way, to the root. If your hair is oilier, use deep conditioner from the mid-shaft to the ends of hair, and use your regular conditioner closer to your scalp.
• Comb it out. Comb the product through with your fingers or a wide tooth comb to coat all your strands. Most people will want to apply on the lower part of hair, concentrating on the ends.
• Follow the instructions. They vary, so read the packaging. On average, I’d say [to leave it on for] about 20 to 30 minutes.
• Rinse with cool water. This will help seal the goodies into the hair shaft.

 

While I've always sworn by the Kerastase hair masques, I do have a new favorite since doing my QIQI treatment. Look up the QIQI super soaker masque, designed to completely quench strands. I personally love running it over my ends, putting my hair in a braid, and going for a run while it hydrates. 

 While Summer Shedding is typically not welcome, especially by a postpartum Mom! Hopefully this helps it come as less of a shock and with tools to minimize the resting phase with a speedy regrowth and recovery.