If your shower drain or hairbrush looks a little fuller when autumn arrives, you’re not alone. Many people – men and women alike – notice more hair fall around this time of year. But before you panic, here’s the truth: some seasonal shedding is completely normal.
At Hair + Me, we believe that understanding why it happens helps you feel more in control of your hair health. Let’s look at the science behind autumnal shedding – and what you can do to keep your hair and scalp balanced.
1. Your hair has its own natural growth cycle
Every single hair on your head follows a continuous cycle of growth, rest and renewal. At any time, your scalp has hairs at different phases:
Anagen phase (growth phase): lasts 2–6 years, when hair actively grows
Catagen phase (transition phase): a short resting period, lasting around 2–3 weeks
Telogen phase (shedding phase): the hair naturally falls out to make space for a new one
Normally, around 10–15% of your hairs are in the telogen (shedding) phase – which equals losing around 50–150 hairs per day.
But in autumn, that percentage can rise slightly – which is why you may notice more hair fall.
2. Why autumn triggers more shedding
Studies suggest that hair loss often peaks between September and November. The main reason? Your hair’s biology adapts to seasonal changes.
Here’s what’s going on:
During summer, more hairs enter the telogen (resting) phase. This may be the body’s way of protecting the scalp from UV damage or managing heat.
A few months later (in autumn), those resting hairs naturally shed – creating a short-lived increase in hair fall.
💡 Think of it as your scalp “resetting” after the summer months – not a sign of permanent loss.
3. Environmental factors that add to the shedding cycle
External factors can make hair loss more noticeable:
Cooler weather + indoor heating → drier air and scalp irritation
Post-summer stressors → changes in routine, fatigue, and nutrient depletion
Heat or chemical damage from styling, colouring or significant sun exposure over summer
All of these can make hair more fragile – meaning that normal seasonal shedding feels more significant than it really is.
4. When it’s normal (and when it’s not)
A bit of extra hair fall in autumn is expected – but it should settle within 6-8 weeks.
However, if you notice any of the following, it may point to something more than seasonal shedding:
Visible thinning or widening parting
Patchy hair loss
Hair coming out in clumps
Shedding lasting longer than three months
Scalp redness, pain or irritation
In these cases, it’s best to speak to a dermatologist to rule out conditions such as androgenetic alopecia or alopecia areata.
5. How to support your hair during seasonal shedding
You can’t completely stop natural seasonal hair fall, but you can help your hair stay strong and healthy while it resets.
Here’s how:
Stay consistent with your treatments for other forms of hair loss, like pattern hair loss: Topical minoxidil (the active ingredient in Hair + Me Drops) helps keep follicles in the growth phase for longer.
Be gentle: Avoid tight styles, over-brushing or harsh chemicals.
Feed your follicles: Eat balanced meals rich in protein, iron, zinc and vitamin D.
Hydrate: Both your scalp and body need moisture, especially when indoor heating is on.
6. The role of hormones and stress
Seasonal changes can also influence your hormone balance and stress levels – both of which play a key role in hair growth.
Lower sunlight exposure can reduce serotonin and vitamin D, which could potentially affect your hair cycle.
Increased stress hormones (like cortisol) during busy months can push hairs into the shedding phase.
💡 Small lifestyle shifts – like prioritising sleep, mindfulness and regular exercise – help regulate these effects and support hair regrowth.
Final Thoughts
Seasonal shedding is one of the body’s natural rhythms – not a sign that your hair regrowth plan isn’t working. With gentle care and consistency, most people see their hair return to its usual fullness within a few months.
At Hair + Me, our dermatologist-designed treatment plans use proven active ingredients like minoxidil and finasteride (for men) to support hair loss and promote hair regrowth in people with pattern hair loss.
👉 Take our quick online consultation today to see which treatment is right for you.
References
McMullen E et al. Seasonal Trends of Hair Loss in the Southern Hemisphere: An Analysis of Google Search Patterns. Int J Dermatol. 2025 Sep. 64 (9): 1718-1719.
Buontempo MG, Ingrassia JP, Shapiro J, Lo Sicco K. Seasonal trends in hair loss: A big data analysis of Google search patterns and their association with seasonal factors. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2023 Dec;37(12):e1458-e1460.
Saini K, Mysore V. Role of vitamin D in hair loss: A short review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 Nov;20(11):3407-3414. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14421.
Thom E. Stress and the Hair Growth Cycle: Cortisol-Induced Hair Growth Disruption. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016 Aug 1;15(8):1001-4.
Almohanna HM, Ahmed AA, Tsatalis JP, Tosti A. The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2019 Mar;9(1):51-70.