Daniela Silva, doctor: “Spring affects rest and hormonal regulation, which influence the balance of the hair cycle”

With the arrival of spring and the time change, many people experience fatigue, irritability, or difficulty concentrating. This group of symptoms, known as spring fatigue or spring asthenia, is part of the body’s natural adjustment to a new season.

During this period, the body recalibrates several biological rhythms, especially those tied to sleep, energy, and the stress response, which can lead to tiredness, daytime sleepiness, or trouble focusing during the first few weeks. This adjustment process does not just affect mood. It can also alter physiological processes such as the hair’s natural growth cycle.

According to the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV), each strand of hair passes through three stages over the course of its development: a growth stage, or anagen phase, which can last two to six years; a transition stage, or catagen phase, which lasts about three weeks; and a final resting and shedding stage, known as the telogen phase, which lasts three to four months.

During this final process, it is normal to lose about 80 to 100 hairs per day, which are later replaced by new hairs in the growth phase. However, when the body goes through periods of physiological adjustment, as can happen with spring fatigue, a greater number of follicles may enter the resting phase at the same time.

This does not necessarily mean there is an underlying hair or scalp problem. Rather, the body’s seasonal adjustment can make shedding more noticeable for a limited period. If this is combined with a diet lacking in essential vitamins, minerals, or amino acids, keratin production may be affected and the hair fiber can become more fragile.

Dr. Daniela Silva, an internal medicine specialist and E-Health Medical Manager at Cigna Healthcare Spain, explains it this way: “During the first few weeks, the body goes through a process of adapting to environmental changes, especially the increase in daylight hours and fluctuations in temperature. This readjustment alters circadian rhythms and affects the secretion of hormones such as melatonin and cortisol, influencing sleep and hormonal regulation, which directly affect the balance of the hair growth cycle.”

She adds: “Although there is limited evidence on the effect of seasonal changes on the hair cycle, we do have animal studies showing that when the body goes through periods of fatigue or physiological stress, the transition phase, or catagen phase, speeds up.

“In other words, a greater proportion of follicles move from the anagen phase to the telogen phase, leading to increased hair shedding. In most cases, this is a temporary phenomenon,” she notes. “But it is important to support the body during this period with habits that promote nutritional intake and healthy scalp circulation for proper follicle function.”

Recommendations

For all of these reasons, adopting certain healthy habits can help the body adjust more easily to the seasonal transition and support a balanced hair growth cycle.

One of the most important steps is gradually adjusting sleep patterns. Keeping a regular sleep schedule, avoiding screen exposure before bed, and aiming for restorative sleep can help the body adapt more smoothly to the seasonal shift. Adequate rest also helps regulate stress-related hormones such as cortisol, whose imbalance can affect the follicle growth cycle.

It is also important to prioritize nutrients that support hair growth. During seasonal changes, when the body may experience greater fatigue, maintaining a balanced diet becomes especially important. Eating foods rich in protein, iron, zinc, biotin, and B vitamins such as fish, eggs, legumes, nuts, and leafy green vegetables can support keratin production and provide follicles with the nutrients they need for healthy growth.

Another key factor is supporting scalp circulation. The hormonal shifts and fatigue associated with spring asthenia may reduce microcirculation in the scalp, making it harder for follicles to receive oxygen and nutrients. This can contribute to weaker hair fibers and more noticeable shedding.

Giving the scalp a gentle massage while washing the hair and brushing carefully can help stimulate local circulation and improve the environment around the follicles. Avoiding overly tight hairstyles can also protect the roots and help maintain the hair fiber’s strength.

It is equally important to reduce the impact of seasonal stress. Physiological stress can affect many processes in the body, including the hair growth cycle. Incorporating routines that support overall well-being, such as moderate exercise, walks outdoors, or relaxation techniques, may help the body respond more effectively to the change of season.

Finally, it is essential to protect the hair fiber after the winter months. During winter, cold weather, indoor heating, and low humidity can dry out and weaken the hair shaft. With the arrival of spring, it is a good idea to pay closer attention to hair care to help restore its condition. Limiting excessive heat styling, spacing out harsh chemical treatments, and using products suited to your hair type can help reduce fragility and prevent breakage, which is often mistaken for hair loss.

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