Are you losing more hair than usual? It actually might have something to do with the season we're in!
We spoke with Tina Mui, a trichologist, master stylist and co-founder of AWARE Hair, about all of our seasonal hair concerns â including why we lose more hair in the summer, the right way to stimulate our scalps and more.
As far as hair shedding specifically in the summer goes, while Tina says that there is research in the works that may point to a scientific reason for exactly why we lose more hair in warmer weather, there can also be a correlation between summer activities, product usage and hair loss.
"Hair can also look thinner simply because the roots are being weighed down. As the weather warms up, our scalps naturally produce more sweat and oil, which can make the hair lose its lift. Then, when you add styling products, sunscreen, dry shampoo, saltwater, and chlorine, that effect is only amplified. I see this all the time with clients," says Tina.
She adds, "A woman may think she has lost density, but once the roots are properly cleansed and styled, the hair often looks voluminous again."
Keep reading for more expert advice and insights from Tina, including some of our favorite hair growth and scalp health products.
"You can have a voluminous and shiny blowout sitting on top of a scalp thatâs oily, irritated, flaky, or carrying a weekâs worth of sweat and product buildup. Thatâs why I believe scalp care should be proactive. We donât wait until our teeth are falling out to start brushing them, and we donât wait until our skin is badly sun-damaged to use sunscreen. We shouldnât wait until the scalp is uncomfortable or the hair is shedding to begin caring for it," says Tina.
"Itâs designed to properly cleanse the skin around the follicles while still respecting any salon treatments like color, extensions, or keratin," says Tina. "We also wanted every wash to function like a scalp treatment, which is why the formula includes hydrating and antioxidant-rich ingredients designed to support the scalp while you cleanse."
Tina adds, "When you get that foundation right, youâre not only removing what doesnât belong on the scalp, youâre also giving it support ingredients every time you wash, so the rest of your routine can work more effectively."
"The important distinction is that summer heat itself isnât suddenly making healthy follicles release their hair. More hairs may simply be reaching the end of their normal growth cycle around the same time. Summer can also bring more sun exposure, swimming, dryness, and repeated washing, which can weaken the hair fiber and cause breakage on top of the seasonal shedding," says Tina.
I had never tried a detox shampoo before this one, and I have been majorly impressed with the results each week when I use this one by NĂ©cessaire. There's a noticeable difference in how clean my scalp looks and feels, and after blow-drying and styling my hair truly feels bouncier and more lightweight compared to when I use my usual shampoo!
"Hair shedding generally follows a subtle seasonal rhythm. Studies have found that a slightly larger percentage of scalp hairs enter the resting, or telogen, phase during the summer, with shedding often becoming most noticeable toward the end of summer and beginning of fall," she explains.
"Scientists are still researching why it happens, but one leading theory involves the longer hours of daylight. Like many processes in the body, the hair-growth cycle may respond to seasonal changes in light through our biological clock and hormone signaling. It may be a very mild remnant of the seasonal shedding patterns we see much more clearly in other mammals that molt to keep cooler during warmer months."
This lightweight daily hair serum won't weigh hair down or leave behind a greasy residue. Plus, it stimulates the scalp, re-energizes hair and promotes density.
Tina says, "The most important thing to remember is that youâre trying to move the scalp skin, not scrape it. Use light to medium pressure and keep the edges of the tool in contact with the skin at all times. It should feel relaxing - never sharp, painful, or scratchy."
Here's how Tina recommends using a scalp gua sha tool:
"I especially like using it while conditioner or a scalp mask is sitting on the hair, since the added slip helps prevent pulling or tugging. If you donât have a tool, the pads of your fingers work beautifully too, just avoid scratching with your nails," she adds.
"Its' broad, rounded fingers make it easier to work across the scalp without using your nails. Itâs also hand-carved from a single piece of sandalwood, which gives it a naturally smooth surface that doesnât scratch the scalp," says Tina.
"Every hair follicle is a living mini-organ with its own tiny blood supply," says Tina. And when circulation is sluggish, the environment around each follicle may not be functioning to the best of its ability.
"Gentle scalp stimulation can help encourage local blood flow while releasing tension in the fascia, the layer of connective tissue beneath the skin. The goal isnât simply to move the hair around on topâitâs to gently move the scalp tissue underneath using the pads of your fingers or a scalp tool," she adds.
This affordable gem is loved by celebs including Kenya Moore, Madison LeCroy and Kandi Burruss.
"Shedding is honestly one of the last signs to appear," says Tina. Here are a few signs that your scalp might be unhealthy or unhappy:
"I also look for changes rather than isolated symptoms," Tina adds. "Everyone may experience a little dryness or oiliness occasionally, but if the scalp suddenly behaves very differently, the discomfort keeps returning, or your usual routine no longer seems to help, donât ignore it."
This lightweight daily dry shampoo absorbs oil without contributing additional product build-up on the scalp. Powered by postbiotics to support scalp balance, and made with hyaluronic acid for hydration, this gently detoxifies and deodorizes.
This whipped salt scrub cleanser gently exfoliates the scalp, lifts buildup and promotes circulation in support of hair health.
Detox and revive with this Dr. Groot exfoliating water, made with rosemary oil, salicylic acid, menthol and niacinamide. It works to balance scalp sebum, removing impurities and build-up that can clog hair follicles.
"Itâs normal to shed roughly 50 to 100 hairs a day, but I donât recommend trying to count every strand in the shower," advises Tina. "What matters more is a noticeable change from your own normal pattern. You know your own hair. If your ponytail suddenly feels smaller, your part looks wider, youâre seeing far more hair than usual in the brush or drain, or the shedding continues for more than several weeks, itâs worth paying attention. Sudden bald patches or clumps of hair coming out should be flagged sooner."
Maintain a comfortable, balanced scalp with this serum. It has a built-in scalp massage applicator tool to evenly and effectively target.
"I also remind clients that the hair theyâre shedding today may reflect something the body experienced a few months ago, such as an illness, surgery, significant stress, rapid weight loss, hormonal changes, or a medication change. If the shedding is heavy, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, Iâd recommend seeing a dermatologist or medical professional rather than assuming itâs only seasonal," Tina adds.
This invigorating scalp treatment by Lush offers a kiss of mint, peppermint and spearmint, with grapefruit, neroli and sweet orange to balance things out.
Safe for color-treated hair, this detox shampoo works as a build-up remover to create a clean canvas for your hair and scalp.
Looking for more? These are the best shampoos, hair sprays and hot tools for big '70s volume.
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