How to Stop Hair Fall in Winter: Dermatologist’s Advice

Exposure to cold, dry winter air, taking hot showers/baths, and spending most of the time indoors in a heated room can all contribute to scalp and hair-related issues. One common concern we are highlighting here is hair fall in winter and how to stop/manage it, as dermatologists in Gurgaon have advised. But, before learning the ways to prevent or stop hair fall in winter, do understand why it happens first.

Reasons For Hair Fall In Winter

• Dry, Cold Air- This causes dehydration of the hair shaft and scalp, increases hair fragility, and makes hair strands more likely to break.
• Hot Water Head Bath- Using hot water for a bath can rip away the natural oils from the scalp, skin, and hair, thereby disrupting the moisture balance. The resulting dryness makes hair weaker and more prone to falling out.
• Winter Headwear- Covering the head with woolen mufflers, beanie, or other winter accessories, or wearing tight headwear can contribute to hair fall, either due to friction or constant pulling of hair.
• Nutrient Deficiencies- Most winter diet plans lack food sources of hair-healthy nutrients like Vitamin D, zinc, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Chronic Stress and Lifestyle Adjustments- A sedentary lifestyle, spending more time indoors, and constant stress can all disrupt the natural hair growth cycle and lead to increased hair shedding.
• Limited Sunlight Exposure- Sunlight is a natural source of Vitamin D, and a lack of this can impact hair follicle health, increasing the risk of hair fall.
• More of Heat Hairstyling or Hair Drying- Excessive use of heating appliances during winter causes hair to dry out and even fall.
• Hormonal Fluctuations- Stress, dietary changes, or a change of season may increase the risk of hair fall.
• Family History- Those with a genetic predisposition to early hair thinning or baldness are more at risk of experiencing winter hair fall.

Dermatologist’s Recommended Tips to Stop Winter Hair Fall

• Inside-Out Hydration- Drink enough water daily. Use a humidifier if staying in heated rooms. Moisturize the scalp and hair with suitable hydrating haircare products. Also, consider hair oiling and a head massage before the hair wash to help lock in moisture on the scalp and in the hair.
• Less Frequent Hair Wash - Frequent head baths can cause the scalp and hair to lack natural oils.
• Lukewarm Head Bath - Avoid hot water when washing hair, as it can strip natural oils from the scalp and hair.
• Gentle Hair Drying and Styling- Avoid repeated use of blow dryers for drying hair and hair straighteners for straight hairstyling, as these can make hair fragile.
• Hair and Scalp Protection- To protect the head from dry, cold winds, a satin-lined or silk hat must be worn.
• Gentle Hair Handling- To detangle hair, use a wide-toothed comb or a hairbrush, and do it only when hair is dry enough. Do not comb wet hair, as this can weaken it and make it more prone to breaking.
• Hair Healthy Diet Plan- Include in diet foods rich in proteins, zinc, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, as these help strengthen hair.
• Stress Management- Practice relieving stress with yoga or meditation. Smoking and alcohol may temporarily help, but they are not safe practices for managing stress.
• Trimming of Split Ends- Visit salons regularly for hair trimming and split-end removal, further preventing damage from reaching the hair shaft.

When and Why to Seek a Dermatologist's Help to Stop Hair Fall in Winter?

Here are the signs to urgently consult a dermatologist:

• The above-listed routine measures, when tried for months, are not enough to stop hair fall
• Hair shedding is happening excessively or persistently
• There are signs of infection, such as severe itching, pain, pus, or scaling 
• There are signs of hormonal imbalance, fatigue, or weight loss
• There is a genetic predisposition to early baldness.

A consultation with a dermatologist can help one learn more about a variety of hair concerns, including hair thinning and balding. Seeing a dermatologist can help one receive an accurate diagnosis and proper hair fall treatment, based on the type and extent of hair loss. Moreover, help one build a professional hair care routine, be guided on hair-friendly nutrition and lifestyle, and receive the best haircare product recommendations.

Get the Best Dermatologist Advice and Professional Hair Care at Citrine Clinic

Dr. Niti Gaur is the senior dermatologist, trichologist/hair-loss specialist in Gurgaon, and founder of Citrine Clinic. She is renowned for her expertise and extensive experience in helping sufferers of winter hair fall with tailored scalp and hair care and treatment. Her consultation and services are best and effective.

She provides treatments like topical lotions. lifestyle changes, GFC, P-RP, microneedling, and even hair transplant for managing hair loss or baldness issues. To prevent or treat hair fall in winter, schedule a consultation with her to benefit from the best hair fall control treatments.