Hair fall in Pakistani summers: heat, sweat and humidity

Short answer: some extra shedding in summer is common. Sweat, oil build-up, sun exposure and tight caps or helmets can all stress the scalp. A clean scalp, gentle handling and a steady routine help, but sudden or patchy loss needs a doctor.

How much shedding is normal?

Dermatology bodies such as the American Academy of Dermatology commonly cite losing about 50 to 100 hairs a day as normal. Many people notice it more in summer because they wash more often and see more hair in the drain.

What Pakistani summers do to your scalp

• Sweat and oil. In Karachi, Hyderabad and coastal Sindh, humidity keeps the scalp damp for hours. Sweat mixed with oil and dust can lead to itching and flaking.
• Helmets and caps. Daily rides with a helmet trap heat and rub the hairline.
• Sun. In Multan, Faisalabad or Lahore in June, long hours outdoors dry out the hair shaft.
• Heavy oiling left too long. Oiling is a much-loved tradition, but leaving thick oil on a sweaty scalp all day can trap dirt.

Simple summer habits

1. Wash your scalp regularly with a mild shampoo, especially after sweating.
2. Let hair dry fully before tying it up or wearing a cap.
3. Wear a loose cotton cap or dupatta in strong sun.
4. If you oil, do it a few hours before washing rather than overnight in peak heat.
5. Keep a steady scalp routine. If you use a derma roller and serum, do it on a freshly washed scalp in the evening.

When to see a doctor

See a dermatologist if hair comes out in clumps, you see round bald patches, your scalp is painful or scaly, or shedding lasts more than a few months. Hair fall can be linked to thyroid issues, low iron, stress or recent illness, which a doctor can check.

Related: common causes of hair fall.