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Autumn hair loss is real: Why your brush collects more strands as temperatures drop
By isabelle // 2025-10-23
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  • Increased seasonal hair shedding peaks around September and lingers through fall.
  • This shedding is a normal biological event caused by synchronized hair follicles.
  • The phenomenon is a temporary, self-limiting process that lasts around three months.
  • A healthy diet rich in protein and key nutrients can support your hair.
  • Consult a dermatologist if you experience severe loss, bald patches, or clumps falling out.
If you have been finding more hair than usual on your brush or in the shower drain as summer turns to fall, you are not going crazy. This is a widespread and completely normal biological event known as seasonal hair shedding, and it peaks right around September but its effects linger through the fall months. Dermatologists are now explaining this natural cycle, revealing that environmental changes cause a surprising synchronization of our hair follicles, leading to a temporary but noticeable increase in hair loss. "On average, we have around 100,000 hairs on our head and around 10 percent of these will be in the shedding phase at any one time," explained Dr. Paul Farrant, a dermatologist who specializes in hair and scalp disorders. He clarifies that this process is part of the hair's natural renewal system, making room for new growth. The phenomenon is thought to be a holdover from our evolutionary past. "But changes in the environment—such as a temperature—can have an impact on growth cycles, which may lead to more noticeable shedding in the colder months," Dr. Farrant stated. The key detail is that a higher proportion of hairs stop growing at the same time, creating a more concentrated shedding period.

The science behind the shed

Hair growth occurs in distinct phases. The final stage, known as telogen, is a resting phase where the hair follicle prepares to shed the old hair. "In seasonal hair shedding, however, there is a little bit of synchronization, so a higher proportion of hairs stop growing at the same time," Dr. Farrant said. This leads to a larger volume of hair entering the shedding phase simultaneously. The exact trigger for this synchronization is still being studied. Dr. Farrant suspects that something happening in the summer months, such as increased vitamin D exposure, causes more hairs to enter the shedding phase at the same time when the temperature drops. Fortunately, this process is self-limiting. "But, the good news is seasonal shedding is relatively short lived, lasting around 3 months, and you never lose tons of hair," he added. While this shedding is normal, it is important to distinguish it from more serious conditions. Dr. Farrant warned that sometimes it can be a sign of something more serious, like pattern baldness, psoriasis, or thyroid issues. "Seasonal shedding tends to be fairly mild. If you have clumps of hair falling out, or patches of baldness, then this could be cause for concern," he advised.

Supporting your body’s natural cycle

You can support your body through this natural process with simple lifestyle choices. Because hair is predominantly made of protein, Dr. Farrant suggests eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in protein to help give your hair an added boost. He also recommends managing stress and prioritizing sleep to reduce overall inflammation. Nutritional deficiencies can also lead to hair loss. To that end, Dr. Farrant recommends eating foods that are rich in iron, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and folate for healthy hair growth. Your hair care routine may also need to change with the seasons. In winter, a drier scalp may require less frequent shampooing to avoid stripping essential oils, which can contribute to irritation and hair loss. If you are concerned about the amount of hair you've been losing, experts agree that a temporary, seasonal shed should not cause dramatic thinning. If hair loss is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms, consulting a dermatologist is the best course of action to rule out underlying medical issues. For the vast majority of people, however, the autumn shed is simply a testament to the body’s intelligent, cyclical design, a brief seasonal event that naturally resolves itself. Sources for this article include: DailyMail.co.uk Today.com Health.MountSinai.org
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