Winter is synonymous with conviviality and excess of all kinds. However, behind the magic of Christmas lies a phenomenon that many are unaware of: a noticeable weakening of hair and, in some cases, temporary loss. Dr. Abdulaziz Balwi, Medical Director and Hair Surgeon at Elithair, explains how certain festive habits directly affect the health of your scalp.
Greater alcohol consumption
Dr Balwi recalls a general truth: alcohol, consumed in excess, dehydrates the body. However, a dehydrated scalp means weakened follicles, less well nourished and more likely to deteriorate. Alcohol also disrupts the absorption of essential nutrients (zinc, B vitamins, iron, etc.), essential for the production of keratin, the protein that makes up hair. Result: dull, brittle hair, and sometimes diffuse loss.
Disturbed sleep during the festivities
Between staying up late, prolonged meals and waking up difficult, sleep is often reduced – or even completely disrupted.
Again, this is problematic according to Dr. Balwi, because the night cycle is a crucial time for cellular regeneration, including for hair follicles.
“Lack of sleep also increases stress hormones, which can accelerate hair loss.”
A richer but less nutritious diet
Winter and the holidays naturally favor hearty meals, rich in carbohydrates, sugars and fats. While these foods provide comfort, they are often low in micronutrients essential for hair health.
Dr Balwi cites in particular:
- Zinc, which supports hair growth;
- Iron, essential for the oxygenation of follicles;
- B group vitamins, necessary for the production of cellular energy.
Here again, a deficit, even temporary, can lead to thinning of the hair or diffuse loss called telogen effluvium.
Increased holiday stress
Let’s also not forget that the holidays are not only a time of joy: they can also be a source of stress between organization, family obligations, travel or major expenses.
However, according to Dr Balwi, stress is one of the major triggers of hair loss. It can cause telogen effluvium, a phenomenon where a large amount of hair prematurely enters the shedding phase.
Prolonged stress also weakens the microcirculation of the scalp, making the hair thinner and more fragile.
Festive hairstyles and excessive heat
Finally, add the search for “style” on hair that may already be tired. Doing your hair more for evenings, using irons, plates or hairspray more frequently… all this adds mechanical and thermal stress to the hair.
Dr. Balwi highlights three mistakes we often make during the holidays:
- Tight hairstyles (slicked back tails, buns, pulled braids) promote traction on the root.
- Repeated heat alters the hair fiber.
- Aggressive styling products can dry out and weaken the lengths.
Over time, this leads to breakage, split ends and general weakening of the hair.
Pamper your hair, the other gift to give yourself
The end of year holidays, as pleasant as they are, impose a series of constraints on your hair: excess, stress, lack of rest, changed eating habits and more aggressive hairstyles. Good news though: these effects are often temporary. By resuming a balanced routine and taking care of your scalp, you can reverse the trend. And stop making hair for your mane.