As we approach summer clients are all about those full, healthy-looking locks. But sometimes the seasons have other plans. We’ve heard of winter hair shedding, but now we’re in spring, the shedding is hitting client’s heads again, so don’t be alarmed if they complain that they’re experiencing more hair loss than usual. We spoke to Mark Blake, leading globally recognised Trichologist and Nioxin Ambassador on everything to do with seasonal hair shedding. Here’s what to tell your clients…
What is Seasonal Hair Shedding?
Seasonal shedding is more common than what clients may think, and it’s during the spring and summer months, that we see an increase in effects caused by this. “It is known as a type of telogen effluvium,” Mark says. “In the Northern hemisphere, we have two shedding sessions a year which are during spring, and the late summer.” The latter being the biggest.
But why does it occur? “As we seem to shed less hair in the winter compared to the summer, this could be because hair was originally designed to keep us warm and so naturally the body hangs on to more hair in the winter to retain our body heat,” explains Mark. And as we can lose up to 50% of our body heat through our scalp if we have no hair, is this our bodies’ way of keeping us cool during summer? Food for thought.
It is said that shedding 50-100 hairs a day is normal if client’s wash their hair every day and shedding around 150-300 hairs is expected if client’s wash it every three days. “When clients don’t wash their hair, the telogen hairs are just balanced in the follicle opening waiting to come out and stay there until disturbed,” says Mark.
Clients may go into a state of panic if they notice they are losing more hair than normal, so it’s a hairdresser’s job to identify the cause straight away. And as always, it leads back to the consultation. How to recognise? Think Sherlock Holmes looking for clues. “Hairdressers are always putting their fingers through clients’ hair during a consultation so they should be able to see excessive amounts of hair loosening from the scalp and catching in their fingers,” Mark tells us.
A Healthy Scalp Equals Happy Hair
Following the rise of scalp care, it comes as no surprise that a healthy scalp is the best way for clients to hang onto their hair. But Dermabrasion can also help accelerate skin surface regeneration. “Nioxin Dermabrasion is a scalp exfoliant that gently cleanses the scalp keeping the follicular orifices clean, allowing for the scalp to be in the perfect condition to grow optimal hair,” highlights Mark. “Nioxin Anti Hair-Loss Serum is also fantastic as it increases root anchorage, helping the hair stay on the head for longer.”
What to Tell Clients about Seasonal Hair Shedding
It’s a good idea to give clients a heads up at the beginning of the year to expect an increased loss of hair during the spring and summer, that way it will come as no surprise. “Stress can make it worse,” Mark says. Furthermore, “advise clients to exfoliate their scalp 6-8 weeks before the event so their scalp is regenerated and revitalised,” says Mark.
A healthy and well-balanced diet along with drinking plenty of water will also help. “Latest research suggests going to bed at the same time with a good night’s sleep,” highlights Mark. “The first two hours are considered the most important for the body to try and regenerate itself.” Hopefully they won’t wake up with a hairy pillow!
