Do You Still Get Seasonal Shedding on Hair Loss Treatment?'

Name: Drew

Question: Do you still get seasonal shedding on hair loss treatment? I'm using fin minox for MPB and wanted to know if the hair fall I'm noticing at the moment is normal or if it means my treatment isn't working.

Answer: Hi, Drew. Yes, you can still experience seasonal shedding if you're using hair loss treatment.

It still happens even when using minoxidil as it is a normal part of the hair growth cycle.

For Belgravia patients who’ve been with us for many years, we can often see its effects at the same time every year. However, the seasonal shedding may present differently in each person.

Although many people notice shedding in autumn, others may find they experience this hair fall in a different season. It is just a normal function of the hair growth cycle and nothing to be concerned about.

Once a year we might have a slightly higher percentage of hair follicles being in the telogen phase than usual, which then leads to slightly more hair loss than the usual daily amount.

It is an interesting area of study and certainly does seem to have some seasonality to it, as confirmed by research into Google search trends from 2004 to 2016. Analysis of this data was carried out by a team at John Hopkins Medicine in the USA and published in the British Journal of Dermatology in 2017.

The researchers concluded: "Maximal proportions of telogen hair have been found to occur in the summer, whereas lowest rates of telogen hairs occur in the winter. Additionally, a recent study demonstrated that maximal hair shedding occurs in August and September, and that the percentage of hairs in the anagen phase peaks at the beginning of spring.

Further studies evaluating the seasonality and hair loss relationship, as well as exploring the effect of other potential mediating factors, are needed."

Additionally, according to previous research findings from February 1991, which touched on body hair as well and was also published in the British Journal of Dermatology, "Various parameters of hair growth were determined every 28 days for 18 months in 14 healthy Caucasian men aged 1839 with indoor occupations in Sheffield, U. K. (latitude 53.4°N). In the scalp the proportion of follicles in anagen reached a single peak of over 90% in March, and fell steadily to a trough in September.

The number of shed hairs reached a peak around August/September, when least follicles were in anagen. At this time the average loss of hairs was about 60 per day, more than double that during the preceding winter.

The rate of growth of the beard was lowest in January and February and increased steadily from March to July to reach a peak about 60% above the winter level. The rate of growth of thigh hair showed a similar pattern though with less pronounced differences. No seasonal fluctuations in finger ‐ or toenail growth were detected."

As you can see, this is a regular occurrence and nothing to be startled by, but if you have noticed increased hair fall over a period of more than one month, or if you have developed sudden hair loss, especially if it is leaving behind bald spots, it is best to consult a professional.

A dedicated hair loss specialist will be able to tell the difference between temporary seasonal shedding and different hair loss conditions, and can also provide you with personalised advice and recommendations for appropriate hair loss solutions and hair growth supporting products, where relevant.