If you’ve ever noticed that you shed more hair during the colder months of the year, then you may be experiencing seasonal hair loss.

A likely explanation

It may sound a little odd to suggest that the seasons can impact your hair growth cycle, but when you dig a little deeper, it actually makes sense. It seems that, during summer, our hair growth naturally increases to protect our scalps from the sun. In addition, warmer weather boosts the supply of nutrients we need to produce keratin, which plays a major role in faster-growing hair.

The opposite applies to autumn and winter, resulting in some people experiencing a greater degree of hair fall during the cooler months. Women report more seasonal hair loss than men, which some researchers simply attribute to women’s greater awareness of the condition of their hair. Fortunately, if you take good care of your hair and overall health, your hair will return to its regular pre-autumn/winter growth and shedding pattern as the days grow longer and warmer.

Healthy hair all winter long

There are quite a few things you can do to help protect your hair against the elements while it’s freezing outside, including the following:

• We all love a warm shower before slipping into a cosy bed, but your hair will not thank you for it. In fact, hot water can dry your hair, leaving it brittle and more likely to break. Rather wash your hair in lukewarm water.
• Boost your hair’s moisture levels with the help of a good moisturising conditioner or hair mask.
• Humidifiers can do more than protect you from colds and flu – they can also keep your hair beautifully hydrated.
• Limit the use of straighteners and curling tongs to help your hair retain as much moisture as possible and help prevent breakage.
• Prevent dry, split ends (with a will of their own) by getting your hair trimmed regularly, about every six weeks.
• When braving the outdoors, protect your hair with a hat. Ideally it should be lined with silk or satin to protect your hair against breakage.

Guard your hair against behavioural hair loss

Behavioural factors such as stress, illness and a poor diet can all contribute to making seasonal hair loss more serious than it otherwise would be.

Take good care of your overall health by following a healthy, balanced diet to help ensure that your body gets all the essential vitamins and nutrients it needs for strong, healthy hair… and to stave off typical winter ailments. And remember to drink plenty of water to keep your body, including your hair, hydrated. If you can’t stomach the idea of a glass of cold water, consider a cup of warm water with a slice of lemon or a drizzle of honey.

Help keep stress at bay by taking time out to relax and to do the things that make you truly happy. A moderate exercise regime can also reduce stress levels and it’ll warm you up!

If you are experiencing hair thinning as a result of behavioural hair loss, using ViGRO® may assist in reviving your hair. To learn more about the causes of hair thinning and hair loss, including behavioural hair loss, please click here.

Chances are few women have ever sighed in frustration about their hair being too thick for their liking… the opposite is the much likelier scenario. It’s much trickier to turn thin hair into your crowning glory, than styling a generous head of tresses into perfection. It becomes even more challenging when you are experiencing hair thinning or hair loss. Challenging, but definitely possible – especially when you have a clever trick or two up your sleeve. Here’s our roundup of tips and tricks to help you take your thin hair from drab to fab!

Sleep on it

It doesn’t get any easier than this: simply tie your (freshly washed and dried) hair up in a high bun with a soft hair band and doze off to dreamland. Come morning, untie your hair and enjoy the extra volume this effortless trick will create.

It’s all in the parting

If the hair around your parting – the same parting you’ve had for the past decade or so – is becoming wider or the hair appears sparser than before, switching it around can make a big difference. By simply flipping your hair to the other side, especially if it makes it go against your hair’s naturally fall, you’ll instantly add volume to your do. If you’ve always had a middle parting, be adventurous and try out a side parting – you may be amazed at how flattering it can be.

Stick with your blow-dryer

Dead–straight hair courtesy of a straightener is not the best solution for thin hair, or to cover up hair loss. A good old hairdryer and big, round blow-dry brush, however, can add a great deal of volume. It may require a little more time to blow-dry your hair section by section, but the (fab) result will be worth it. Remember to direct the airflow underneath the root and upwards, instead of blowing down on top of your head.

Double-decker ponytail

It may not make logical sense, but if you feel your hair’s too thin for a single ponytail, try two – one above the other! You may remember doing this as a schoolgirl, but it can be an elegant solution for the adult you too. Here’s a quick refresher course: part your hair into a top and bottom layer; clip the top half up so you can tie the bottom half; tie the top half above the bottom one, so it partially falls over the bottom pony. Experiment with hair clips and elastic bands to find the best solution for you.

Tease it, just a little

If you thought teasing your hair is a thing of the past, think again! But, this time round, use a mixed-bristle brush instead of a comb. For best results, hold your hair up and push the brush downwards just behind the roots at the crown of your head.

Get a new cut

A skilled hairdresser will be able to give you a cut that maximises your thin hair. Sometimes the solution can be as easy as a trim or adding volume-boosting layers. A classic, short bob could be the answer or, if you’re feeling brave, consider a cute pixie cut or a trendy wolf cut – you may walk away feeling like a brand-new woman!

Play with colour

While you’re at the hairdresser, consider adding some colour too. Highlights are a great way to add dimension and depth to your hair that, you guessed it, make it appear thicker and make you feel like the queen you are.

If you are experiencing hair thinning as a result of behavioural hair loss, using ViGRO® may assist in reviving your hair. To learn more about the causes of hair thinning and hair loss, including behavioural hair loss, please click here.