During winter, hair fall can be a lot more noticeable. You might noticed a thinning hairline or more strands thank usual in your hairbrush. Aside from stress and anxiety of planning a wedding, other factors can contribute to hair fall including the season itself.
For any bride or groom with fine or thinning hair, this is a scary concept, especially if they think they are doing something to damage their own hair. But it’s a bit more complex than that, and it’s something to consider as you adapt your haircare regime for the big day.
Celebrity hairstylist Melissa Timperley shares the reasons why your hairbrush might suddenly look very full at the moment. And she has given us tips on how to address the issue.
Winter Hair Loss Explained
Why Hair Falls Out More In Winter
Melissa is the owner of Melissa Salons in Manchester, and she regularly looks after the stars of Coronation Street for their colour and cutting needs. She explains why hair appears to fall out more in winter. “As daylight hours shorten, your body produces more melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. While this helps with rest, it can subtly influence your hair growth cycle, causing some follicles to move into the shedding phase.”
“At the same time, serotonin levels, which affect mood and energy, may dip, while cortisol, the stress hormone, can spike due to reduced daylight and routine changes,” she adds. “This hormonal mix can temporarily disrupt the normal balance of the hair cycle, leading to noticeable shedding.”
What Role do Environment & Diet Play?
The weather and our diets can also contribute to hair fall in winter. Melissa says, “Cooler, drier air combined with indoor heating draws moisture from both your scalp and strands, making hair more prone to dryness, breakage, and shedding. Hats, scarves, and high collars can also create friction that weakens the hair shaft over time.”
As for what we eat at this time of year, she says, “Shorter days and heavier comfort foods can mean less vitamin D and fewer nutrient-rich meals. Low levels of vitamin D, iron, and zinc are all linked to hair shedding, so maintaining a balanced diet rich in protein, leafy greens, and healthy fats is essential for hair health.”
How to Tackle Stress-Related Hair Loss
The stress and anxiety of wedding planning can significantly contribute to hair fall, especially at this time of year. Melissa explains: “Autumn and winter often bring busier schedules, less sunlight, and disrupted routines, all of which can raise cortisol levels. Elevated stress hormones can push hair follicles into the telogen or resting phase, causing temporary thinning known as telogen effluvium.”
So, if we understand why stress is causing our hair to fall out, what can we do about it? Melissa has a few tips. Firstly, we should nourish our scalps with hydrating and circulation-boosting scalp treatments every week. Secondly, switch to a richer daily haircare routine to lock in moisture and prevent brittle hair. And finally, add omega-3s, vitamin D, and iron-rich foods to your diet, and cut down on stress wherever possible. Why not read our feature on How to Deal With Stress and Anxiety Around Your Wedding here.
