Hair + Beauty

‘Tis the Season for Red Hair Shedding

hair-shedding-fall-season-how-to-be-a-redhead

Redheads don’t shed. They emit magical fibers of unicorn dust.

Hair shedding: it happens to many of us redheads.

Picture this. You’re washing your red hair in the shower and clumps of red hair falls out. You may also realize your red hair is clogging the drain, and is always left on your pillowcase or on the bathroom counter.

An average woman loses around 100 to 125 hairs per day. Redheads are known to have less hair than any other hair color, with an average of 90,000 strands of hair. But, we have thicker strands than most – which is probably why it appears as if we have so much hair.

According to a study in the British Journal of Dermatology, hair shedding occurs more in the late fall and winter months than in the spring and summer. Why is this?  It could be that we hang on to more hair to protect our hair from the sun in order to avoid sunburnt scalps. It could also be that we loose more hair as the days get shorter — since the sun is not out as long as in the summer.

Here are some quick tips to keep your red hair and scalp healthy and strong this season:

1. Keep red hair hydrated and moisturized by opting for sulfate-free and paraben-free shampoos, conditioners and masks.

2. Take supplements and vitamins to strengthen the hair particles.*

3. Is your hair thinning? Try a product like Rogaine.**

4. Using your fingers, massage the scalp to increase the blood flow to the surface of the skin.

READ: 7 Ways Redheads Can Treat a Dry, Flaky Scalp at Home

5. Avoid washing your hair with hot water during the winter to eliminate damage to the hair and scalp.

READ: 10 Ways to Nurture and Care for Your Red Hair

6. Be gentle with your hair when it’s wet. Use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to take our any knots when it’s wet. Remember, hair is weakest when it’s wet. You’ll want to wait until it’s 70% dry to put any heat on it.

Rock it like a Redhead! 

*Consult with your doctor or pharmacist prior to using. 
**Consult with your doctor or dermatologist prior to using.