Why Hair Fall Gets Worse in Summer – Ayurveda Explains

For many people, a good hair day can make a big difference in their mood, boosting confidence and enhancing overall well-being. However, hair fall can be a distressing issue, especially when it becomes more noticeable during the summer months.

Hair thinning and loss are concerns for many, and while genetics certainly play a role, external factors—such as exposure to hair treatment chemicals and even seasonal shifts—can contribute significantly to the problem.

Summer often brings with it an uptick in hair shedding, with reports indicating that hair loss can increase by as much as 6% per day during warmer weather. Both men and women face seasonal hair loss due to various reasons, including sun exposure and dehydration. Fortunately, with a thoughtful approach, it’s possible to manage and prevent the hair fall typically seen during summer.

Why Does Summer Cause More Hair Loss?

As temperatures rise, the body focuses on conserving energy and cooling itself down, which affects hair growth. Studies tracking 800 women over six years found that during summer, more hair follicles transition into a resting phase. This resting phase, known as telogen effluvium, leads to shedding as hairs naturally fall out during this period.

Additionally, increased sunlight exposure can lower melatonin levels, affecting hormonal balance in the scalp and prolonging the natural shedding phase of hair follicles. It’s normal to lose around 100 hairs a day, but significant hair loss beyond this threshold may be a sign that attention is needed.

Key Causes of Summer Hair Loss

Several factors contribute to more pronounced hair fall during summer:

1. Heat and Sun Exposure: The sun’s intense heat weakens hair strands, leading to breakage.
2. Chlorine Damage: Frequent swimming can damage hair due to chlorine exposure.
3. Increased Dandruff: Hot weather exacerbates dandruff, which can, if left unchecked, lead to hair fall.
4. Wet Hair Brushing: Brushing wet hair increases the chances of shedding, so it’s best to wait until it’s dry.
5. Air Conditioning: The dry air from air conditioners strips moisture from the hair, leaving it more fragile.

Ayurvedic Wisdom on Seasonal Hair Fall

In Ayurveda, hair health is deeply connected to an individual's dosha—Vata (air), Pitta (fire), and Kapha (water). Each dosha affects how we experience seasonal changes.

Ayurveda offers holistic solutions tailored to the unique needs of each dosha during the summer. The Ritu Charya, a seasonal regimen in Ayurveda, suggests adapting lifestyle and dietary choices to maintain balance and optimize health during this period.

Dosha-Specific Tips for Hair Care

• For Vata Dominant People: Since Vata is associated with dryness, keeping hair moisturized is crucial. Regular use of castor oil and nourishing masks like yogurt can be very helpful.
• For Pitta Dominant People: Managing excess heat and oil production is essential. Cooling oils such as coconut oil combined with herbs can help maintain balance. Masks made from cucumber or buttermilk can cool and hydrate the scalp.
• For Kapha Dominant People: To address moisture loss due to sweat, Kapha types should consider using herbal-infused sesame oil for scalp massages and incorporating ingredients like turmeric and aloe vera in their hair care routines.

Ayurvedic Approaches to Prevent Summer Hair Loss

Here are a few steps to counteract summer hair fall and promote healthy hair growth:

1. Protect Your Hair: Reduce sun exposure by wearing hats or scarves.
2. Handle Hair Gently: Avoid excessive heat styling, wash gently, and avoid tight hairstyles.
3. Regular Washing: Daily washing helps remove sweat and buildup, keeping the scalp clean and healthy.
4. Ayurvedic Therapies: Therapies like Shirodhara (medicated oil scalp treatment) can nourish the scalp and promote hair health.

Nurturing Healthy Hair Growth

In addition to following Ayurvedic hair care practices, consider the following strategies to encourage hair growth and prevent hair fall:

• Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet.
• Oil and wash your hair regularly to keep it hydrated and healthy.
• Gently comb your hair to stimulate circulation to the scalp.
• Prioritize restful sleep, as it is crucial for overall hair health.
• Minimize the use of styling products to avoid unnecessary damage.

Natural Remedy: Coconut Oil for Summer Hair Care

Coconut oil is a popular Ayurvedic remedy for hair care. Here’s how you can use it to prevent hair loss:

1. Detangle Your Hair: Start by gently combing to remove knots.
2. Warm the Oil: Heat the coconut oil until it’s comfortably warm for better absorption.
3. Massage: Apply the oil to your scalp and massage gently to stimulate hair follicles.
4. Warm Towel: Cover your hair with a hot, damp towel for about an hour before rinsing with lukewarm water.

Beyond Seasonal Hair Loss: Understanding Alopecia

If you’re experiencing consistent hair shedding, or if you notice thinning in specific areas (such as the crown or temples), it may be indicative of something beyond seasonal hair loss, such as alopecia.

• Androgenetic Alopecia: Often referred to as male or female pattern baldness, this condition causes hair thinning at the hairline or crown. In women, it can result in widening parts and overall thinning.
• Alopecia Areata: This autoimmune condition causes circular bald patches on the scalp and can progress to more severe forms like alopecia totalis or universalis, resulting in total hair loss.

In addition to seasonal changes, other factors like emotional stress, trauma, childbirth, or major life events can trigger telogen effluvium, a form of hair loss. If your hair loss is severe or persists beyond the typical seasonal shedding, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.

Ayurvedic Hair Treatments at Ayushakti

At Ayushakti Ayurved, we offer natural treatments to combat hair loss. Our Ayurvedic solutions, made from potent herbs like Bhringraj, Amla, and Neem, work to nourish the hair from the roots and stimulate growth.

How Ayushakti’s Hairshakti Program Helps Regrow Healthy Hair

Mahesh, a 36-year-old client, had been struggling with hair loss for years. After undergoing Ayushakti's Hairshakti program, he saw a remarkable reduction in hair fall within one year and experienced significant new hair growth. His confidence was restored, and he continues to follow a customized diet and Ayurvedic remedies to maintain healthy hair.

If you're looking for effective and sustainable hair care solutions, our Ayurvedic treatments can help. Our Hairshakti program includes a personalized plan with diet, herbal remedies, and detox therapies tailored to your needs.

Panchakarma for Healthy Hair Growth

Ayurvedic detox therapies like Panchakarma are highly effective in addressing hair loss. Panchakarma, which involves a series of cleansing and rejuvenating therapies, eliminates toxins from the body, improves circulation to the scalp, and promotes healthy hair growth.

Ayurvedic therapies like Shirodhara, Shiro Pichu, and Shiro Basti nourish the scalp, enhance circulation, and stimulate hair follicles, all while promoting relaxation and overall well-being.

Ayushakti Ayurved: Your Trusted Partner in Hair Health

With over 35 years of expertise, Ayushakti Ayurved has helped thousands of clients address their hair concerns and regain strong, healthy hair. Our Ayurvedic specialists will create a customized plan that addresses your unique needs, ensuring your hair is well-cared for.

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Blog Author: Dr. Hemang Parekh

Expert Review: Dr Smita Pankaj Naram 

Co-Founder, Ayushakti Ayurved Pvt Ltd

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only. Please consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before trying or consuming any medicines, home remedies or treatments mentioned in this blog. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.