LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - It is No-Shave November (also known as Movember), a month where many put down the razors to spark a conversation and raise awareness about cancer and men’s health. Show So, does the chilly November air help with hair growth? Warm air holds much more moisture than cold air. This means that as temperatures drop, the air holds less moisture. The relative humidity is defined by the National Weather Service as a "measure of the actual amount of water vapor in the air compared to the total amount of vapor that can exist in the air at its current temperature." The relative humidity is dependent on the correlation between moisture content and the temperature. It is possible to have 100% humidity at 20 degrees and 80 degrees, but they feel very different. This is why dewpoint is a better indicator of how humid it will feel outside. Dewpoints below 55 degrees typically feel dry and comfortable, while dewpoints over 65 degrees feel incredibly muggy. Since cold air holds less moisture, that leaves hair drier. Experts recommend using hydrating hair masks during colder months to keep hair healthy. Dry hair is dull hair; the absence of substantial moisture contributes to a lack of shine. Dry hair is also more brittle, according to experts. This causes hair to be more susceptible to split ends. Dry scalps also can contribute to hair loss; dry scalps tend to grow brittle hair that excessive friction (like when we pull hats on and off during the winter) can easily break. Studies show that cold weather does not lead to hair loss. A lack of humidity and hydration is more often the culprit. A six-year study of 823 women at the University Hospital of Zürich found that they lost the least amount of hair during the winter. It showed that there was a peak in hair shedding in the summer, with a second, less significant, peak during the spring. Research also shows that the body produces more melatonin in the winter, which helps to regulate the hair growth cycle and thus keeps hair from shedding. Another study from the University of Bradford studied 14 Caucasian men in Sheffield, U.K., and found that their beard and leg hair grew the least in January and February. Hair growth for these men peaked in the summer months but their hair shed the most during August and September.
Here’s the thing though, hair goes through a cycle of growth and rest. During the anagen, or growth phase, hair follicles produce a hair shaft from root to tip. The anagen phase can last a few years. The regression, or catagen phase, signals the end of growth for your hair. Follicles shrink through the catagen phase, and the hair club is formed; this cycle lasts about 10 days. Hair’s resting phase, telogen, is when hair can fall out. During the telogen part of the cycle, follicles reset and get ready to start the next growth phase. Each hair goes through the growth cycle at different times. If they didn’t, all our hair would fall out at one time! Copyright 2019 WAVE 3 News. All rights reserved. Here in Michigan, where we are headquartered, we are always excited to see summer come again. The splendor of summer—sun-kissed days filled with trips to the pool and beach, outdoor barbecues with family and friends, and plenty of time outdoors for new adventures. Ahhhhh! Speaking about the positives of summer, I’ve often been asked, “Does my hair really grow faster in the summer?” Well, while your
cute pixie cut isn’t going to magically transform into a classic bob in a few months’ time, your hair could grow 10% faster during summer than it would in a cold climate in winter. That is, of course, if you happen to live in a climate where the change of seasons means wildly varying temps. The hot weather alone doesn’t stimulate hair growth—the increased blood circulation stimulates hair growth. How? We tend to be more physically active in the warmer months. The
heightened activity causes our bodies to produce more hormones and work harder to keep us cool. The National Institute of Health conducted a “Seasonal Changes in Human Hair Growth” study in 1991 which helps support this idea. Although there hasn’t been a lot of research done on this subject and this study was done decades ago, the data is still pretty clear—warmer weather
affects our bodies and positively impacts hair growth. Did you know that all body hair (including your eyebrows) has a three-phase growth cycle? While eyebrow hair, scalp hair and eyelashes may all grow at different rates, they all still follow the same three-phase cycle (anagen, catagen and telogen) referenced in the NIH study. The anagen phase is the active growth phase, when the hair follicles divide rapidly. The catagen phase is a short transitional phase that signals the end of the anagen phase. And the telegen phase is the resting phase. All body hair, including scalp hair, goes through the three-phase growth cycle but not all follicles go through the same stage at the same time. So, some hair follicles are always in the active growth phase, while some are in the resting phase. The hair of all mammals follows this growth cycle, but we humans are unique in that our hair doesn’t shed during hot weather and grow thicker during cold weather. In fact, in terms of hair growth at least, it appears that the opposite is true. Just remember, a wholesome diet packed with nutritious foods rich in biotin, vitamin C, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids and minerals such as zinc and iron are necessary for a healthy body (and for healthy hair) all year long. But the NIH study shows us that what we have always suspected is probably true: Our hair does grow faster in the summer. So if you are trying to grow out a bad haircut or looking for lusher brows by using EES, summer is the time! Keep reading my blogs to learn more about the latest trends in haircare, beneficial health and wellness tips, eyebrow-related news and much more! Always remember: Be informed. Be encouraged. Be empowered. But, most of all . . .Be yourself.  About the Author Does cold air make hair grow faster?“Hair does not grow quicker in winter, at least not on humans,” says John DeSpain, a dermatologist at DeSpain Cayce Dermatology Center & Medical Spa in Columbia, Missouri.
Is cold air good for your hair?“Cold, dry air can cause the cuticle layer of the hair to lift, and going into a warm environment then takes the moisture out of the hair, leaving it dry and frizzy, says Tuttle.
Does cold weather make your hair grow more?The hair of all mammals follows this growth cycle, but we humans are unique in that our hair doesn't shed during hot weather and grow thicker during cold weather. In fact, in terms of hair growth at least, it appears that the opposite is true.
Does cold temperature affect hair growth?The good news is that no matter what climate you live in, the weather does not affect your hair growth. Hair growth is mainly determined by genetics, and on average a person's hair will grow ½” per month.
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Does cold air stimulate hair growth?
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