Cold-weather hair rescue: Preventing hair loss and keeping locks healthy

Hair loss can be a distressing experience, especially during the winter months when colder temperatures and dry air exacerbate the issue. While some hair shedding is natural, understanding the causes and knowing how to care for your hair during this season can make all the difference. Here, we delve into common questions about hair loss, share expert advice, and highlight top products and treatments to help you maintain a healthy, radiant mane all winter long.

Understanding Hair Loss: Common Questions Answered

1. Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss?

Creatine, a popular supplement amongst athletes, has been linked to concerns about hair loss. A study on rugby players suggested that creatine might increase levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with hair loss. However, the evidence is inconclusive, and rigorous physical activity itself can elevate DHT. For now, there’s no definitive proof that creatine directly causes hair loss.

2. How Much Hair Loss Is Normal?

On average, adults shed 50 to 100 hairs daily. However, excessive shedding—such as clumps of hair on your pillow or more than 150 strands a day—may indicate an underlying issue. Bald spots or visible thinning should prompt a consultation with a specialist.

3. Does Stress Cause Hair Loss?

Yes, stress can trigger hair loss in three ways:

• Telogen Effluvium: Stress pushes hair follicles into a resting phase, leading to sudden shedding.
• Trichotillomania: A compulsive urge to pull out hair, often due to stress or frustration.
• Alopecia Areata: Severe stress can cause the immune system to attack hair follicles, resulting in patchy hair loss.
  The good news? Stress-induced hair loss is often temporary, and managing stress can promote regrowth.

4. Do Hats Cause Hair Loss?

Contrary to popular belief, hats do not cause hair loss. While they may trap loose strands, they don’t affect DHT levels, the primary cause of pattern baldness. So, feel free to wear your winter beanie without worry!

5. What Shampoo Is Best for Hair Loss?

Avoid shampoos with harmful ingredients like sulphates, formaldehyde, and dimethicone. Instead, opt for products with nourishing ingredients like biotin, caffeine, and peptides.

Top Products 

Nylah’s Natural Haircare

Founded by Kameese Davis, Nylah’s is a brand that celebrates Afro-textured hair while addressing hair loss with holistic, natural solutions. Inspired by her own battle with central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), Davis has created a line of products that nourish the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. The brand’s upcoming hair loss initiative, launching in 2025, promises to tackle scalp health and hair restoration with evidence-based practices.

Luxuriant Plant-Based Haircare

Luxuriant is redefining haircare by blending ancient Thai herbal wisdom with modern science to create effective, plant-based solutions for hair growth and scalp health. Co-founded by David Sweeney, whose personal battle with hair loss post-heart transplant inspired the brand, and Thai herbal expert Tananya Kirk, Luxuriant harnesses the power of locally sourced ingredients like Litsea Glutinosa and Ginger. Backed by pharmaceutical scientist Colin Sanders, the brand’s advanced extraction techniques ensure maximum potency, achieving a 65% customer success rate. With a mission to challenge the £10 billion hair transplant market, Luxuriant is expanding globally while remaining committed to sustainability and innovation.

• Hair Nutrient Shampoo (£22): A handmade blend of 16 powerful herbs, including Litsea Glutinosa and Ginger, to nourish follicles and combat dandruff.
• Hair Growth Serum (£22): Infused with 16 organic Thai herbs, this serum promotes visible hair growth and scalp health in just weeks.
• Hair Growth 4-IN-1 Set (£75): Includes the Hair Nutrient Shampoo and three Hair Growth Serums for a comprehensive haircare solution.

The Power of Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid, derived from sugarcane, is a multitasking marvel for hair and skin. When applied to the scalp, it exfoliates, unclogs follicles, and reduces inflammation. For best results, use a 5–10% solution once or twice weekly.

Winter Haircare Tips

1. Hydrate: Use deep conditioning masks and oils to combat dryness.
2. Limit Heat Styling: Let your hair air-dry when possible to avoid brittleness.
3. Protect Your Hair: Wear a silk or satin scarf under your hat to reduce friction.
4. Watch Your Diet: Include foods rich in biotin, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids to strengthen hair.

8 Foods That Work Wonders for Your Hair

1. Eggs: Rich in protein and biotin, they strengthen and thicken hair.
2. Citrus Fruits: Loaded with vitamin C, they boost collagen and shine.
3. Walnuts: Packed with omega-3s and vitamin E, they protect against shedding.
4. Oats: High in silica, they reduce breakage and brittleness.
5. Avocados: Their healthy fats and vitamin E repair damage and enhance shine.
6. Sweet Potatoes: Rich in beta-carotene, they support scalp hydration.
7. Pumpkin Seeds: A zinc powerhouse, they promote scalp health and strong hair.
8. Leafy Greens: Iron and folate in spinach and kale prevent thinning and dryness.

Top haircare products 

• Nourished Hair Gummies: Nourished offers personalised gummy vitamin stacks, including their Collagen Hair, Skin & Nails formula, designed to support healthy hair from within. Their innovative 3D-printed gummies are tailored to individual needs, making them a convenient and effective option for those looking to boost hair health. Warning: You are allowed to eat only one per day but they are so yummy that it’s a temptation to stick to just the one!

• Layla & Kays Curly products:
  Layla & Kays is a brand dedicated to providing high-quality hair care products specifically designed for curly and textured hair types (2, 3, and 4). Their products feature ingredients like Aloe Vera, MitoTech, Argan Oil, and Panthenol (Vitamin B5), which hydrate, nourish, strengthen, and improve hair elasticity. These ingredients work together to promote healthy, thriving hair, while targeting issues such as frizz and damage.

  The brand focusses on avoiding harmful ingredients such as sulphates, parabens, mineral oil, and silicones, which can strip moisture, cause build-up, and potentially harm the hair. Layla & Kays aims to enhance natural hair texture without compromising hair health, offering a chemical-free alternative for those seeking effective and gentle care for their curls, waves, and coils.

Hair loss can be daunting, but with the right knowledge and products, you can tackle it head-on. Winter may be harsh, but your hair doesn’t have to suffer. By incorporating these tips and treatments into your routine, you’ll be well on your way to healthier, stronger hair.