Table of contents
- Up to 100 hairs fall out every day
- The reasons for seasonal hair loss
- In case of disproportionate hair loss, a hair transplant can help
- Conclusion: When is hair loss due to heat no longer "normal"?
Up to 100 hairs fall out every day
Seasonal hair loss is a legacy of evolution and is directly related to the animal's shedding process. Humans shed their old fur in late summer, before new hair grows in the fall, creating a thick "winter coat." Longer days, more sunlight, and higher temperatures shorten the hair growth phase, causing it to enter the resting phase and fall out more quickly. This doesn't always mean more severe hair loss in the summer. Some people simply notice
hair loss more in the summer because dark hair is much more visible against light clothing than against thick, usually dark winter outfits. But even if you lose more hair than usual in the summer heat: Don't worry unless the hair loss is circular, diffuse, or with visible baldness.
The reasons for seasonal hair loss
In summer, you spend as much time outdoors as possible. You enjoy sunbathing, diving into cool water, and letting your hair air dry after a visit to the pool or the sea. Add to that the naturally shortened growth phase during the warmer season. Combining these factors, you'll notice, especially with thin hair, that the hair structure deteriorates and the parting becomes visible. You're often exposed to high temperatures for several hours a day, which can lead to seasonal hair loss due to heat. Even if you protect your scalp from direct UV radiation with a sun hat or baseball cap, there's no real protection against the high temperatures. The shortening of the growth phase automatically leads to an earlier onset of the hair's resting phase. The more hair on your head that switches from growth to resting mode at the same time, the more noticeable your hair loss will be. It's a fact that more people complain of noticeable hair loss in very hot summers than in cooler, rainy summers. Also keep in mind that you sweat more in the summer than in the winter. The increased production of sweat promotes the blockage of the sebaceous glands on your scalp. People who sweat heavily often also suffer from visibly increased hair loss due to the heat and the resulting blockage of the pores.
Why the summer sun is a danger to hair
A very important factor in hair loss caused by heat is direct sunlight. UV radiation poses a threat not only to your skin but also to your hair follicles. The sun's UV radiation is one of the most powerful environmental factors affecting your hair structure and the strength of the follicles in your scalp. The sun irritates your scalp, even if you don't actually experience a sunburn. But even without a scalp burn, you have to expect that hair loss can occur due to heat. Especially when visiting an outdoor pool or on a vacation at the seaside, the hair follicles are exposed to a lot of stress. It's natural for you to let your hair air dry after cooling off in the water. However, wet hair and a softened scalp are subjected to even greater stress by the heat, which can lead to significant hair damage and ultimately to increased hair loss.
Other causes of heat-related hair loss
It's important not to associate heat primarily with summer. Frequent blow-drying or using a flat iron is even more damaging to your hair and can lead to hair loss due to heat. Using water that is too hot when washing your hair can also damage your scalp and cause your hair loss to increase, leading to the first signs of baldness on your temples, crown and forehead.
In case of disproportionate hair loss, a hair transplant can help
In most cases, heat-induced hair loss will resolve itself as the days get shorter and temperatures cool. If this doesn't happen, your hair loss may have other causes, or the follicles may be so damaged that they've already died. In this case, only a
hair transplant can permanently prevent baldness. Only living follicles can produce new hair, which means that severe damage to the hair roots due to heat exposure inevitably leads to progressive baldness. At a hair clinic, you'll receive all the important information about hair transplantation and can rely on experienced practitioners for a painless, minimally invasive procedure. To prevent further hair loss, you should follow the treatment team's instructions and avoid any heat exposure, especially in the first few weeks after the procedure.
Conclusion: When is hair loss due to heat no longer "normal"?
Hair loss that causes the scalp to show through is an exception to the natural pattern of hair loss. These symptoms often appear on the temples and the top of the head. Severe itching or burning associated with hair loss can also indicate serious heat damage. Since diagnosis is essential for subsequent treatment, you should not wait long to see a dermatologist if you notice any signs that go beyond seasonal hair loss. If your hair is falling out due to heat - no matter where it comes from - make sure you eliminate all causes.
