Written by: Dr D M Mahajan
3 min readJan 4, 2025 07:27 AM IST
First published on: Jan 3, 2025 at 03:20 PM IST
Hair loss is a common concern that often intensifies during the winter months. As a dermatologist, I frequently meet patients who report increased shedding in the colder season, and many wonder whether this phenomenon is genuinely linked to winter.
While it is not entirely inaccurate to say that hair loss appears to be more pronounced during this time, the reasons behind it are multifactorial. First, it is essential to understand the typical cycle of hair growth. Each hair follicle undergoes a growth phase (anagen), a resting phase (telogen), and a shedding phase (exogen). Hair loss is a natural process, and the average person sheds between 50 to 100 hair strands per day. However, during certain seasons, more strands may enter the shedding phase simultaneously, leading to what appears to be excessive hair loss.
Dry air: One primary factor contributing to increased hair shedding in winter is dryness in the air. Cold temperatures, along with lower humidity, can lead to drier skin and scalp. This dryness can result in scalp irritation, dandruff and a disrupted hair growth cycle. The scalp’s natural oils, which are essential for keeping the hair healthy, may be stripped away more easily due to reduced sebum production in colder weather.
Heating devices: Additionally, harsh indoor heating systems further exacerbate dryness, making the scalp more prone to flakiness and inflammation, which can, in turn, contribute to increased hair fall.
Headgear: During the colder months, people tend to wear hats, scarves, and other head coverings more frequently. While these can protect from the elements, prolonged friction or tightness from these accessories may lead to a condition called traction alopecia, where hair is pulled from the roots, causing gradual thinning.
Fewer washes: Additionally, people may wash their hair less frequently, allowing the scalp to accumulate oil, sweat, and product build-up, which can clog follicles and disrupt hair growth.
Diet: During the winter, many people tend to consume fewer fresh fruits and vegetables, which could result in a drop in the intake of essential vitamins and nutrients vital for hair growth. Deficiencies in vitamins like D, E, and B-complex, along with minerals such as zinc and iron, are linked to hair thinning.
Low Vitamin D: Shorter days and decreased sunlight exposure can lead to a reduction in vitamin D levels, which have been associated with hair loss conditions like telogen effluvium, where a larger percentage of hair follicles prematurely enter the shedding phase.
It is worth noting that winter hair loss may be more of a temporary issue. Once the warmer months return, many people regain balance. However, those who experience persistent hair loss, regardless of the season, should seek professional advice, as chronic hair thinning or sudden significant shedding could be indicative of underlying conditions such as hormonal imbalances, autoimmune disorders or other dermatological conditions.
(Dr Mahajan is senior dermatologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi)
One primary factor contributing to increased hair shedding in winter is dryness in the air. (File Photo/Freepik) 
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