Noticing thinning hair when the seasons change? Here’s what causes seasonal hair loss, and remedies to fix it.
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The leaves are changing colors, the air is crisp and cool, and fall fashion is in full effect…autumn is amazing! Or is it?
You may be a little (or a lot) shocked to see that your hair is shedding so much more during this time.
Or maybe it’s springtime and the flowers are blooming…but your hair isn’t.
As the seasons change, it seems that other things shift too. But I think I can speak for us all when I say, this one is NOT welcome!
If you want to prevent hair loss from seasonal changes, you’ll need a few essential tips.
Whether you’ve been experiencing this issue for years, or it just showed up, your remedies are here. Here’s how (and why) your hair seems to be falling out so much in the fall and spring!
What Is Seasonal Hair Loss?
Firstly, know that it’s pretty normal! For a lot of people, shedding tends to happen in the spring or summer, and fall.
There isn’t a ton of research on it, but this shedding can happen in response to changes in the environment, as we enter a new season.
It could possibly be related to evolution. Other animals tend to shed their winter coats in the spring, because they don’t need thick fur in the warmer months.
It’s possible that a similar thing is happening to us, which is pretty interesting.
Your hair strands go through different phases of growth, and they can align with the seasons of the year. The phases are:
- Anagen: hair are growing, and it’s the longest phase, lasting 3-7 (or more) years
- Catagen: hair growth slows, and separates from the bottom of the hair follicle, and lasts around 10 days
- Telogen: the resting phase, where hairs aren’t growing or falling out, lasting around 3 months
- Exogen: hairs are shedding from the scalp, and we lose about 50-100 hairs per day in this phase that lasts a few months
Our hair can often enter the exogen phase in the fall and spring.
It’s temporary (lasting a couple of months) and cyclical, so you don’t need to be super worried if it happens to you.
Take note of when it happens, and you may notice each year that you have a seasonal cycle of shedding.
What Else Can Cause Changes in Hair Shedding?
Wondering why you lose hair in autumn? There are several factors that can make hair more likely to thin out during the colder months.
- A dry environment causing dry scalp issues and brittle, dry hair that causes breakage
- A decrease in sunlight during the fall months can affect vitamin D levels, which plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy hair growth
- An increase in stress levels due to life changes at certain times of the year, and stress is known to disrupt the hair growth cycle
- Diet plays a huge role in the health of our hair, and a lack of key nutrients (such as iron, zinc, and protein) can add to thinning hair
If your hair loss is severe or doesn’t seem like normal shedding, consult a dermatologist.
How to Treat Seasonal Hair Loss (ASAP!)
If you’re dealing with a lot of shedding right now, here are some things you can add to your hair routine to help:
- Use scalp treatments that contain essential oils like rosemary or peppermint
- Take vitamins and supplements, like B Vitamins, iron and Vitamin D
- Regularly do scalp massages and exfoliate the scalp
- Regularly deep condition and use hydrating hair masks
- Do not use expired hair products
- Add destressing activities into your day – breathwork, meditation, and relaxing hobbies
You May Also Like: 15 Causes of Acne On Your Scalp + How to Get Rid Of It!
Preventing Thinning Hair in Autumn & Spring
While you can’t necessarily stop your body from the shifts it makes each season, there are some things you can do to before the seasons change to promote full, healthy hair:
- Consistently follow a hair growth routine that promotes a healthy scalp and moisturized ends
- Use hair growth serums all year round
- Eat a diet rich in vitamins, minerals and protein
- Minimize heat styling, damaging tools, and chemical treatments
- Always wear protective hairstyles when sleeping
Want 20 tips for keeping hair healthy in cold weather? Check them out in this post.
Seasonal Hair Thinning FAQ’S
Yes! Many people typically shed more hair once or twice per year.
You may notice this cyclical change in your hair, and unless you are noticing severe or unusual hair loss, there’s no need to worry.
Seasonal hair loss often tends to happen in the fall, though for some people it also occurs in the spring/summer.
Since we don’t know 100% why it happens, we can’t totally stop it.
But, we can take steps to prevent and minimize it. A hair care routine focused on scalp health and encouraging hair growth can help reduce thinning hair.
It may be seasonal hair loss, though it could be caused by a underlying medical issue.
Hair loss can be caused by things like nutritional deficiencies, a scalp issue, or hormonal changes.
If you’re concerned with sudden hair loss, seek advice from a dermatologist.
There are several factors that can impact your seasonal hair loss – follow these healthy hair tips to keep your hair full all year long!
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