Losing More Hair in the Spring? Here’s How To Stop It

After being inside all winter, and then kept indoors by early spring rains, you’re ready to get outside in the May sunshine. It’s the best time to flaunt your fave floral outfits. But the one thing holding you back? Your hair — which thins exponentially faster in the warm weather. The grass, the weeds… It seems like everything is growing faster and thicker these days except your hair. It’s not fair! Keep reading to learn why you may experience spring hair loss, and what you can do to maintain your mane this May.

Why do I shed more in the spring?

April showers bring May flowers. Since everything else is growing like a weed this time of year, it’s extra frustrating if you deal with spring hair loss. If you seem to lose more hair in spring and summer, you’re not alone. Spring temperature swings can shift more follicles into their growth-halting telogen phase, triggering hair loss, research in Dermatology suggests. But experts say seasonal shedding is normal and tapers off naturally as weather cools again.

How To Regrow During Spring Hair Loss

Want to spur hair regrowth so your hair is as lush as your garden this spring? Keep reading for these simple, easy tips. Added bonus: They feel pretty good, too.

Mist with tea.

Give your scalp a daily spritz with white tea, a minimally processed brew made from young tea leaves that contains caffeine. A randomized study published in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology showed that those who used a caffeine-based topical liquid experienced significant improvement in hair regrowth. And not only won’t white tea affect hair color like green can, it has more beneficial catechins, so have some to drink, too. Brew a cup of white tea, then transfer to mister bottle and refrigerate. Spritz onto scalp once daily.

Massage on melatonin.

We know melatonin triggers sound slumber. But when it comes to hair follicles, this “sleepiness hormone” may have the opposite effect. A study published in the International Journal of Trichology found massaging in topical melatonin before bed each night resulted in a significant reduction of hair loss over three months. Added bonus: It also decreased participants’ itchy, scaly scalps, and dandruff.

Tap a pine tree.

Research published in Health Science Reports reveals that Pycnogenol, a compound sourced from the bark of pine trees that grow wild along the French seaside, may increase hair thickness in menopausal women in just two months. Credit goes to Pycnogenol’s powerful ability to boost “microcirculation” to the tiny capillaries in the scalp, explains natural physician Fred Pescatore, MD. This fuels follicles with nutrients, allowing you to grow denser, thicker hair.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, Woman’s World.