Autumn hair loss: Can it be stopped?

The key to stopping autumn hair loss lies in understanding the hair growth phases. Understanding what happens in each of them will help us adapt our hair care routine to identify problems like seasonal hair loss and act effectively.

Hair Loss Phases

Each hair goes through three stages:

1. Anagen phase
2. Catagen phase
3. Telogen phase: the one we will consider during autumn hair loss

And each of them has a lot to say about the growth and development of our hair.

1 Anagen phase (growth)

This is the active growth period for hair. In this process, the cells at the hair root divide rapidly, which activates the hair bulb, initiates hair regeneration, and new hair growth.

Hair activity: Growth. Around 1cm per month, depending on genetic factors and healthy habits.

Duration: between 4 and 7 years

2 Catagen phase (transition)

The catagen phase is a brief stage lasting a few weeks. During this phase, hair growth stops because the activity of follicular cells ceases, and the hair stops growing.

Hair activity: Transition. This process marks the end of active growth and the beginning of the resting phase (hair neither grows nor falls out).

Duration: 2-3 weeks

3 Telogen phase (resting)

During this stage, the hair does not grow but remains anchored in the follicle. At the end of this phase, old hair sheds and is replaced by new hair that begins to grow, restarting the cycle with the anagen phase.

Hair activity: Shedding. The "old" hair will fall out or coexist with new hair.

Duration: 2-4 weeks

Autumn Hair Loss

Autumn coincides with more hairs entering the telogen phase (resting and shedding phase), which causes an increase in hair loss. But there are also other factors that affect the cycle, causing the telogen phase to start earlier.

What factors affect the hair cycle?

A person without alopecia will have more than 80% of their hair in the anagen phase, around 1% in transition, and the rest, between 10-15%, in the resting phase.

So, what factors affect this cycle?

• Genetics: the maximum hair length is genetically determined by the duration of its anagen phase.

• Health and nutrition: a diet rich in fats will lead to greater hair loss:

"Increased saturated fat intake can affect hair shaft quality (...). Furthermore, it can slow down hair growth and increase hair loss. The anagen phase of the follicle, which usually lasts around five years, will shorten, leading to faster hair loss." Dr. Sanja Zivanovic.

• Stress: accelerates the hair cycle, “eats up” the collagen that strengthens hair follicles and supports the scalp structure. Hair becomes weakened and enters the telogen phase prematurely.

• Hormonal changes: such as pregnancy, menopause, or endocrine disorders cause estrogen levels to drop and androgen levels to increase. This hormonal fluctuation affects telogen effluvium, weakens hair follicles, and increases hair loss.

• Aggressive hair treatments: Damage the cuticle (outer layer of the hair) and compromise the structure; repeated use damages the root and hair follicle, weakening its anchorage and causing hair loss.

How do I keep my hair healthy to prevent autumn hair loss?

Avoiding a fatty diet, managing stress well, and not mistreating hair with chemicals and heat tools will be a first step to prevent premature hair loss.

If we also strengthen the internal structure of our hair through supplementation (nutricosmetics) with collagen, we will minimize the effect of autumn hair loss, making phase 3 (Telogen) as non-aggressive as possible.

“Collagen would be the base upon which the rest of the components are supported. If the base fails, everything else fails. This protein strengthens the hair follicle and regenerates hair, so a protein deficiency will mean that this base cannot support the entire hair structure, which is when we have dull and lifeless hair, prone to breakage.”

Dr. Sanja Zivanovic for VOGUE

Act in each phase with HAIR FORMULA

The composition of HAIR FORMULA is designed to strengthen the structure of each hair, also improving scalp health.

The combination of collagen, antioxidant vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and innovative active ingredients like AnaGain and MSM, will work from within the hair to support all phases of the hair cycle.

• Anagen phase: active ingredients like biotin and zinc promote active and healthy hair growth.
• Catagen phase: Copper and iron help maintain follicle health, ensuring a smooth transition.
• Telogen phase: contains antioxidants like vitamin E and selenium. These active ingredients protect hair from oxidative damage, reducing hair loss and preparing the follicle for a new growth cycle.

By nourishing the hair from the root, HAIR FORMULA stops autumn hair loss, ensuring stronger and better-anchored hair. It also ensures optimal hair health in each phase of its natural cycle.

Healthy hair, healthy life

Hair self-care is a crucial step in our beauty routine. But a healthy and strong hair also reflects good health. Staying active and eating healthily will benefit both our hair and our well-being.