The summer season, with its high temperature, humidity, and exposure to strong ultraviolet rays, can cause significant damage to the scalp.

Some men may feel that they are losing more hair in the summer.

This article will therefore explain whether it is possible for hair loss to increase in the summer, possible causes, differences from AGA, and precautions to prevent seasonal hair loss.

Does male hair loss increase in the summer?

Although aging, heredity, and male hormones are the most common causes of hair loss in men, the amount of hair loss can actually increase with the seasons.

Especially during the summer months, hair loss tends to increase due to a combination of factors.

Therefore, if you feel that you have more hair loss than usual when bathing or waking up, it is recommended to check for possible seasonal factors.

Causes of hair loss in men in summer

So why does summer cause more hair loss than other seasons? Here are some possible causes.

UV damage

The scalp is the part of the body that is most exposed to sunlight and, like the skin, is damaged by continuous exposure to UV rays.

Summer is the season when the sun is strong and the amount of ultraviolet rays is the highest of the year. At the same time, men in particular tend to have shorter hair than women, which exposes their scalp more easily to the effects of ultraviolet rays.

UV rays can cause dryness and inflammation of the scalp, which can lead to a loss of function of the hair follicles.

This results in thinner hair and increased hair loss.

Deterioration of scalp environment due to high temperature and humidity

Summer in Japan is hot and humid, a harsh environment for the scalp.

Higher temperatures activate the secretion of sebum and cause sweating.

If left without proper scalp care, sebum and dirt can clog pores and cause scalp inflammation and itching.

In addition, wearing a hat for an extended period of time while sweating can cause the scalp to steam, which can lead to bacterial growth, dandruff, odor, and even hair loss.

Furthermore, as the scalp environment deteriorates, the hair growth cycle is disrupted, making it difficult to grow healthy hair, which often leads to a vicious cycle.

Nutritional deficiencies due to summer heat

Summer tends to decrease appetite and cause imbalanced nutrition.

In particular, a diet of only sweet and cold foods can lead to hair loss due to a lack of nutrients necessary for hair growth, such as protein, vitamins, and minerals.

In addition, when gastrointestinal functions are impaired due to summer fatigue, nutrient absorption efficiency is also reduced, and hair cannot receive sufficient nutrients, leading to hair loss and loss of hair firmness.

Dryness and poor circulation due to air conditioning

Air conditioning is essential to prevent heat stroke, but prolonged use can easily dry out the air.

The scalp is also affected by dryness, which can lead to sebum imbalance, itching and dandruff, and hair loss.

In addition, an over-air-conditioned room cools the body and causes poor circulation.

When blood circulation is poor, the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the scalp is also sluggish, which hinders hair growth.

Effects of swimming pools and seawater

The hot midsummer days bring more opportunities to go swimming in pools and beaches, but this can actually be a factor that puts a strain on the hair and scalp.

For example, swimming pools contain a certain amount of chlorine for sterilization, but it is highly irritating to the scalp and hair, and can cause dryness by depriving the scalp and hair of the sebum that is normally necessary.

Seawater also contains high concentrations of salt and impurities that can remain on the scalp and cause itching and inflammation if not rinsed off thoroughly.

In addition, since swimming pools and the ocean are often outdoors, the synergistic effect of UV rays can easily increase hair loss.

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How to Prevent Summer Hair Loss in Men

So what measures are effective in preventing summer hair loss? Here are five points to keep in mind in your daily life.

Measures against ultraviolet rays

When going outside frequently or working outdoors, it is important to pay attention to UV protection.

Men with short hair or thinning hair in particular tend to expose their scalp, so it is effective to utilize a breathable hat or parasol when going out, or to use a sunscreen spray specially designed for the scalp.

However, it is difficult to prevent UV rays completely even if you think you are taking all possible measures, so you can prevent the accumulation of damage by carefully shampooing your scalp after returning home and using a scalp lotion to keep your scalp moisturized.

Improved scalp environment

Summer, with its high temperature and humidity, tends to increase the secretion of sweat and sebum, making the condition of the scalp unstable.

If left untreated, it can clog pores and cause inflammation and hair loss.

Choose a shampoo that is not too strong and wash thoroughly, massaging the scalp with your fingers without using your fingernails.

Another important point to protect the scalp environment is to dry your hair with a hair dryer as soon as possible after shampooing and not to leave your hair wet.

well-balanced diet

A nutritionally balanced diet is essential for hair health.

The main raw material of hair is protein, but in addition to this, be sure to consume B vitamins, which support the metabolism of hair follicles, as well as iron and zinc, which promote blood circulation.

Be conscious of including low-fat meat, fish, soy foods, eggs, and green vegetables, and avoid binge eating and excessive dieting.

In addition, since consuming only cold foods because it is hot will reduce gastrointestinal function, warm foods should also be included to improve the efficiency of nutrient absorption.

Adequate hydration

Frequent hydration is extremely important not only to prevent heat stroke and promote metabolism, but also to maintain hair health.

Get into the habit of drinking a little water before you get thirsty and aim to consume at least 2 liters of water per day.

Hot weather often makes us want to drink iced coffee or beer, but because caffeine and alcohol have diuretic effects, drinking large amounts can have the opposite effect by depriving the body of water.

Good Sleep

During sleep, growth hormones that promote hair growth are secreted. Therefore, lack of sleep and irregular life rhythms can lead to hormonal imbalance and increase hair loss.

Especially in summer, when sleep is often difficult, it is important to maintain a comfortable temperature with air conditioners and fans to ensure a good night's sleep.

In addition, do not use smartphones or consume alcohol before bedtime, as these can reduce the quality of sleep.

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Recommended shampoos for summer hair loss for men

Shampooing is the foundation of hair care, and keeping the scalp clean helps prevent hair loss.

However, with a wide variety of shampoos available at drugstores, many people are at a loss as to which one to choose.

So, here are some shampoo recommendations for summer hair loss.

NILE Concentrated Foam Scalp Shampoo (NILE)

NILE Dense Foam Scalp Shampoo is a shampoo that contains five different types of amino acid cleansing ingredients.

The fine, dense foam washes away dirt and sebum on the scalp, and the use of low-irritant amino acid activators makes it gentle on the scalp and safe to use.

It also contains the refreshing and fruity La France fragrance, which leaves the wash feeling pleasant and refreshed.

Uma Shampoo Premium (U-MA)

Uma Shampoo Premium is a shampoo formulated with plant-derived amino acid detergents and high-quality horse oil.

Developed under the supervision of an AGA specialist and a hair diagnostician, it does not contain additives such as alcohol, preservatives, or synthetic fragrances, and it also has a good cleansing power with minimal irritation to the scalp.

CHAP UP Scalp Shampoo (CHAP UP)

Chap-up Scalp Shampoo is a shampoo that focuses on superior cleansing, repairing damaged hair, and moisturizing the scalp.

As men age, sebum production increases, which can cause an unpleasant smell on the scalp.

Chap-up Scalp Shampoo contains 10 plant-derived ingredients, including rosemary, lavender, sage leaf, and hawthorn, which gently protect the scalp with a moisturizing wash.

Sunstar Tonic Shampoo COOL BURST (SUNSTAR)

Sunstar Tonic Shampoo COOL BURST is a well-known medicated shampoo for men.

It contains cleaning ingredients that remove the causes of stickiness and unpleasant odors caused by perspiration, and its powerful menthol and citrus fragrance will refresh your mood.

Many people are concerned that men's shampoos may irritate the scalp, but the mildly acidic, non-silicone formula gently cleanses the scalp.

FORMEN Volume Up Medicated Shampoo (h&s)

FORMEN Volume Up Medicated Shampoo is a shampoo for men developed by h&s, a well-known shampoo brand in Japan.

High cleansing ingredients remove excess sebum and maintain a constant moisture level in the scalp, thereby reducing dandruff and itchiness and promoting hair growth.

This shampoo is especially recommended for those who are concerned about itchy scalp, dandruff, odor, and lack of hair volume.

Difference between seasonal hair loss and male pattern baldness (AGA)

Many men who are concerned about hair loss are uncertain about the cause of their hair loss, whether it is seasonal or male pattern baldness (AGA).

The distinction between the two is not easy to make and requires examination and consultation at a medical institution, but the main differences are as follows

(data) item	Seasonal hair loss	AGA (male pattern baldness)
Area of hair loss	Spread over the whole head	Thinning in specific areas, such as the frontal and parietal areas
time	Concentrated in spring, fall, and other seasonal changes	Progress in any season
Continuation Period	It takes a few weeks to a month or two to settle in.	Progresses over a long period of time and worsens if left untreated
Characteristics of hair loss	Thick, healthy hair often falls out	Thin, short hair may fall out, and hair follicles may be snarled in shape
Relationship to heredity	Not really relevant.	Strong genetic factors
Scalp condition	No special changes are seen.	Thinning scalp and prominent pores

 

RELATED:Can AGA be cured in your 20s? The Importance of Starting Treatment Early

For consultation on men's hair loss, please contact Men's Pride Clinic!

If you are concerned about hair loss, you may be able to control the progression by visiting a medical facility and undergoing appropriate testing and treatment.

However, thinning hair is a sensitive issue for men, and many do not want others to know that they are going through hair loss or thinning hair treatment.

In addition, many people may feel the psychological hurdle of face-to-face treatment with doctors and nurses is too high, or they may be too busy with work to have time to visit the hospital in the first place.

If you have such problems or concerns, please contact Men's Pride Clinic.

In addition to general outpatient treatment, we also offer online treatment via telephone so that you can receive treatment without worrying about being seen by others.

We provide consultations from the standpoint of a medical specialist not only for those who are concerned that their hair is thinning with age, but also for those who have experienced an increase in hair loss since the start of summer and cannot determine if it is seasonal hair loss.

summary

In summer, the production of sebum increases due to excessive sweating, and at the same time, ultraviolet rays cause significant damage to the scalp, both of which may indirectly contribute to hair loss.

Seasonal hair loss is only a temporary condition, and in most cases returns to normal after a few months or so.

However, it is difficult to accurately distinguish between seasonal hair loss and AGA, and there is no denying the possibility that what you thought was temporary hair loss, which increases in summer, is actually AGA and treatment will be delayed.

If you are concerned about increased hair loss during the summer, see your health care provider as soon as possible for proper examination and treatment.