With the arrival of autumn, not only the leaves begin to fall, but also the hair. A popular belief associates the chestnut season (therefore between October and March) with the period in which hair falls out the most – and this ancient wisdom seems to have a basis in truth.
In fact, several studies have shown that hair loss in autumn is a common phenomenon and can be attributed to a natural life cycle of the hair.
In particular, according to research published in British Journal of Dermatologyhair growth follows a cycle of three phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transition) e telogen (rest). During the telogen phase, hair follicles rest and, eventually, hair falls out to make room for new ones.
In the summer, hair goes into a sort of “protection mode” to defend the scalp from UV rays, which reduces hair loss. However, in the fall, many hairs finish the telogen phase that began months earlier, leading to increased shedding.
In short, this cycle is completely normal – but it can become a cause for concern for those who notice excessive hair loss and don’t know how to solve this problem.
Another factor that contributes to hair loss in autumn is the stress that the body experiences with seasonal changes. The return from holidays, the increase in hours of darkness and the decrease in temperatures can influence the levels of melatonin and serotonin, hormones that have effects on the hair cycle.
Do natural remedies really work?
In short, scientific evidence demonstrates the veracity of popular belief – but is it possible to combat hair loss in autumn, or at least limit the effects of this phenomenon to a minimum?
Anti-hair loss advice abounds on the web and on social media but, as usual, not all of them are supported by science and have demonstrated concrete effectiveness.
However, there are some natural treatments that can actually strengthen hair and promote healthy growth – although, remember, while they may help reduce hair loss, they are unlikely to completely prevent it.
Here are five simple natural remedies that can be useful to combat hair loss during the autumn season:
- Balanced nutrition. Hair reflects the general health of our body: consuming foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc and group B vitamins – in addition to protecting us from seasonal ailments – helps us keep our hair strong. In particular, foods like spinach, nuts, eggs and carrots are excellent sources of nutrients for the scalp
- Coconut oil. Massage your scalp with coconut oil stimulates blood circulation, promoting the nourishment of the follicles: this natural treatment, if performed regularly, can strengthen the hair and reduce hair loss
- Nettle infusion. Rich in vitamins A, C, D and minerals such as iron and silicon, the nettle it is a natural remedy used for centuries to fortify hair: drinking a nettle infusion or using it as a last rinse after shampooing can provide long-term benefits
- Aloe vera. Known for its soothing and hydrating properties, aloe vera it is also an excellent ally against excessive hair loss: just apply the pure gel directly to the scalp to reduce inflammation and stimulate cell regeneration
- Natural supplements. Finally, in addition to a balanced diet, biotin supplements or multivitamin complexes can help strengthen hair from the inside: biotin, in particular, is essential for hair and nail growth. We can contact our trusted pharmacist or herbalist to receive useful advice for our purchase.
The #RosemaryWater fake news
One of the most popular remedies for hair loss, often recommended on social media, is the so-called Rosemary Wateror a decoction obtained by macerating rosemary leaves in boiling water.
Video tutorials to prepare it proliferate on TikTok, and many claim that it can effectively combat hair loss, while promoting growth, thanks to its stimulating properties.
Although the rosemary plant actually has anti-inflammatory, purifying and skin-toning properties and represents an excellent way to stimulate subcutaneous microcirculation, it is difficult to believe that a decoction made with a lot of water and a few rosemary leaves retains all the beneficial properties of the plant – and even transfers them to the hair.
In the Rosemary Water the concentration of rosemary is too low for it to provide any real benefit to our hair – even if we spray water on our hair every day, as suggested on TikTok.
In this case, therefore, it is about a useless practice, which neither improves nor worsens the quality of the hair – and which certainly does not prevent hair loss.
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