Have you noticed extra strands on your pillow or in the shower drain when the seasons change? You’re not alone. Many people experience increased hair shedding during specific times of the year, especially in autumn and winter. While it can feel alarming, seasonal hair loss is usually normal, temporary, and manageable. This guide helps you understand what’s happening and how to care for your hair during seasonal changes.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider or dermatologist before starting any new hair care treatment or supplement routine.
What Is Seasonal Hair Loss?
Seasonal hair loss refers to an increase in hair shedding that often happens during certain times of the year—most commonly in late summer, autumn, or early winter. This pattern is linked to your scalp’s natural hair growth cycle and external environmental factors like reduced sunlight, humidity, and changes in temperature.
Hair goes through three main phases:
- Anagen (growth) phase
- Catagen (transition) phase
- Telogen (resting/shedding) phase
In seasonal hair loss, more strands shift into the telogen phase, which means more hair falls out than grows in temporarily. This shift can last several weeks or even months, depending on your body’s rhythm and health.
Myths About Seasonal Hair Loss
Myth 1: It’s Permanent
False. Seasonal hair shedding typically resolves on its own within 2 to 3 months. Your hair usually re-enters the anagen phase afterward, where growth resumes naturally.
Myth 2: Only Women Experience It
Men and women both experience seasonal shedding, although it may be more noticeable in women due to longer hair or styling routines that cause more tension on strands.
Myth 3: It’s Always a Sign of Poor Health
Not necessarily. Occasional shedding due to season change doesn’t automatically mean you’re lacking nutrients or suffering from a medical condition. However, ongoing or severe loss may need investigation.
Facts About Seasonal Hair Loss
1. It Follows a Biological Pattern
Human hair follicles are sensitive to light and temperature, just like animals that shed fur seasonally. As sunlight decreases in autumn, more follicles move to the resting phase. Studies suggest this pattern follows similar cycles to other mammals.
2. Hormones and Vitamin D May Play a Role
Sunlight helps your body make vitamin D, which influences calcium levels and hair follicle cycling. Less sun exposure in winter can lead to lower vitamin D levels, possibly contributing to increased shedding.
3. Environmental Stress Can Make It Worse
Dry indoor heating, colder air, and wind exposure can weaken hair shafts and irritate your scalp, making shedding more noticeable.
Effective Treatment Options for Seasonal Hair Loss
Here’s how to reduce and manage shedding naturally:
1. Use a Gentle Hair Routine
Harsh products, heat styling, and tight hairstyles can worsen hair fall. Instead:
- Switch to sulfate-free, pH-balanced shampoo
- Use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction
- Avoid daily straightening or curling
When I experienced autumn shedding, I replaced my usual shampoo with a botanical, fragrance-free version and reduced brushing frequency. It helped minimise breakage.
2. Nourish from Within
Hair health starts in your kitchen. Prioritise:
- Iron-rich foods: spinach, lentils, tofu
- Zinc: pumpkin seeds, whole grains
- Biotin and Vitamin B12: eggs, dairy, fortified cereals
- Omega-3s: walnuts, flaxseeds, oily fish
I added a small bowl of mixed seeds to my breakfast daily and noticed my hair felt less brittle after three weeks.
3. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration makes your scalp dry, flaky, and prone to inflammation. Aim for 8–10 glasses of water a day, especially if you use indoor heaters.
4. Consider Targeted Hair Supplements
Supplements containing biotin, collagen, silica, or marine protein may support growth, but always consult your doctor first—especially if you’re already taking medications or have deficiencies.
5. Professional Treatments
If seasonal hair loss becomes persistent or patchy, you can explore:
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy
- Topical minoxidil (under supervision)
- Scalp mesotherapy
- Laser therapy or microneedling
PRP therapy is used in some clinics to stimulate hair follicles. Learn more about the process from clinical providers.
6. Manage Stress Effectively
Chronic stress is a well-known hair loss trigger. Meditation, exercise, breathing exercises, and even 10-minute daily walks can regulate your cortisol levels and support better scalp blood flow.
When I started yoga twice a week and journaling before bed, not only did my mood improve, but my scalp sensitivity decreased—and so did my hair shedding.
Quick Tips to Manage Seasonal Hair Loss
- Switch to a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo
- Eat foods rich in iron, zinc, and protein
- Limit heat styling and harsh treatments
- Stay hydrated and manage indoor air dryness
- Consult a dermatologist if shedding persists
FAQs About Seasonal Hair Loss
Q: Is seasonal hair loss the same as telogen effluvium?
No. Telogen effluvium is often triggered by stress, illness, or hormonal imbalance and involves widespread shedding. Seasonal loss is milder and linked to environmental changes.
Q: Should I take supplements for seasonal hair loss?
Only if you’ve identified a deficiency. A blood test can help determine whether you’re lacking key nutrients.
Q: How long does it take for hair to grow back?
Hair generally grows around half an inch per month, so you may see recovery within 3–6 months with proper care.
Q: Can changing hair products make a difference?
Yes. Swapping to nourishing formulas with fewer harsh chemicals can reduce breakage and support scalp health.
Q: When should I see a specialist?
If hair loss is sudden, patchy, lasts over 3 months, or comes with itching, flaking, or inflammation—it’s time to see a trichologist or dermatologist.
Conclusion
Seasonal hair loss may be frustrating, but it’s often your body’s natural way of adjusting to environmental shifts. By understanding the causes and debunking the myths, you can respond with confidence—not panic. Focus on gentle care, proper nutrition, and if needed, expert guidance. Your hair is resilient, and with the right routine, it can thrive all year long.
