During major seasonal changes, such as spring and autumn, hair tends to fall out more than usual—this is known as seasonal hair loss. While it’s normal to lose about fifty strands a day, during these times it can go up to a hundred. Although this is perfectly natural, there are simple steps you can take to help reduce hair loss.
How to reduce seasonal hair loss? Here are our tips inspired by Japanese practices:
In Japan, thick and shiny hair is considered a symbol of beauty. Japanese women pay great attention to their scalp to maintain the density and health of their hair. Proper scalp care and a nutrient-rich diet can significantly help reduce hair loss during seasonal changes.
"The scalp is the foundation of strong, healthy hair. Purifying, massaging, and hydrating it are the first essential steps to stimulate hair growth and reduce hair loss."
Keiko Suyama
1 - Regularly purify the scalp
The skin on the scalp is often covered in impurities—pollution, dust, styling products, and dead skin cells accumulate in the sebum produced by the scalp, eventually clogging the pores. As a result, hair roots have less space to grow, leading to thinner strands and more frequent shedding.
Shampoos are designed to cleanse and enhance the hair, but their formulas are not always suited to remove the buildup deep in the scalp pores. To address this, the Japanese follow two essential steps:
a - Brush your hair before each shampoo
Using a soft brush, brush your hair and scalp from the bottom to the top of the head to remove dust and loose dead skin cells.
b - Use a scalp-specific cleanser
Instead of regular shampoo, once a week use a cleanser designed specifically for the scalp. Its adapted formula removes buildup of impurities and sebum from the pores without disrupting the scalp’s pH.
These two steps help reduce hair loss and also add volume to the roots.
2 - Stimulate blood circulation with massage
Scalp massage is widely practiced in Asia. Stimulating acupressure points helps release tension throughout the body and face. This stimulation also activates blood circulation and increases the supply of essential nutrients to the hair follicles.
When performed regularly, this technique can reduce seasonal hair loss. It can be done with fingers, a special scalp brush, or an acupressure roller.
3. Nourish and hydrate the scalp with natural ingredients
Hydrating and nourishing the scalp skin with a serum helps to strengthen hair follicles, prevent hair loss, and stimulate the growth of strong and dense hair. The ingredients selected in scalp serums soothe inflammation (e.g., green tea and licorice root), boost blood circulation (vanilla seeds and rosemary extract), and hydrate the skin (hyaluronic acid and reishi extract).
4. Balanced diet and stress reduction
Diet plays an essential role in hair health. Japanese women often include foods rich in specific nutrients in their diet to reduce hair loss.
Fish, especially salmon, is a major source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain scalp health and reduce inflammation. In addition, sea vegetables such as seaweed are rich in essential minerals like iron and zinc, which are necessary for strong and healthy hair.
Stress, on the other hand, can increase hair loss. Meditation, yoga, and relaxing baths also help maintain healthy hair.
