Lower temperatures in the winter, coupled with heating indoors—especially forced air or other very dry forms of central heat—can be very hard on hair, but it is probably not fair to blame the season alone. As humans, we are often very much creatures of habit, so many people do not adjust their hair care routines to the different conditions.
Is Winter Good for Hair?
Winter brings changes to hair, how it grows and how much sebum (the natural oils our scalps produce to protect our hair) is produced, but that does not necessarily make it good or bad for hair. This study claims that hair growth reaches its highest level in March, with as much as 90 percent of the hair follicles in the anagen (or growth) stage. The study implied that during the winter, hair is more likely to be in the resting/maintenance phase or shedding phase.
However, there is very little reliable evidence to show how hair is impacted by the cooler weather. Much of the discussion of winter hair damage, excessive shedding during the winter months, and the argument that winter is particularly hard on hair comes from the cosmetic industry, not medical providers.
For instance, this stylist at Have a Good Hair Day argues that the lack of sweating in the winter leads to reduced oil production and with less oil to protect your hair, it’s more prone to damage from drying sources like styling products and central heat. She also recommends against cotton and wool hats positing that the friction of these rougher natural materials against your hair can cause damage to the outer layer of the hair shaft.
While there is some evidence that winter hats can cause additional hair loss through breakage, the primary culprit tends to be traction alopecia from wearing hats that are too tight.
Still, summer may be better for your hair for a number of reasons not related to the cold: We tend to be outdoors more and get more sunshine in the summer, leading to increased natural production of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is a component of healthy hair.
Generally, the longer days and sunshine of summer lead to lower stress levels, and we know that stress can be detrimental to your hair health. People also tend to eat less nutritious treats during the winter months, and nutrition plays a vital role in hair health. That said, summer sun can damage the hair and scalp with UV exposure and summer activities, like swimming in a pool, can potentially damage our hair.
In short, the key to healthy hair regardless of the season is how you take care of it and the rest of yourself.
Should You Shampoo More or Less in Winter?
Once again, hair care professionals have a lot to say on the subject, recommending that people wash their hair less often in the winter. But the Institute of Trichologists, the foremost organization of hair experts in the United Kingdom, disagrees. “In winter months, some people reduce washing, believing it can have a drying effect, but a lack of frequent washing can actually contribute to a dry, itchy flaky scalp—not ideal for maintaining good scalp health. Regular washing is recommended.”
As with the rest of the year, the specific schedule of hair washing depends on the individual, their lifestyle, and their hair type. Persons with an oily scalp, an active lifestyle that involves sweating, and straight hair may want to (and need to) wash their hair daily, while hair that is naturally curly or coarse may need less frequent washes.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention also points out that less frequent washing may make your scalp fertile ground for parasites like head lice and fungal infections like ringworm.
PNW Hair Restoration Cuts Through the Myths to Address Your Hair Loss
When you are experiencing hair loss, it can be tempting to try anything that someone, somewhere has recommended to stop or slow your hair loss. Here at PNW Hair Restoration, we get it. We understand, and we have the scientifically and medically verified tools and treatments to address your specific problem. Instead of guessing, contact us today.
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