Seasonal Hair Shedding: Why Hair Falls More in the Fall (and How to Support It)

Many people notice seasonal hair shedding; as summer transitions into fall extra strands of hair on the pillow, in the brush, or accumulating in the shower drain. This hair shedding in the fall can be unsettling, especially when it feels sudden. However, research shows that seasonal hair loss is often a normal part of your hair’s natural cycle of growth, not a sign of permanent thinning.

Hair moves through repeating phases of the hair growth cycle: anagen (growth stage), catagen (transition stage), telogen (resting phase), and exogen (shedding phase). During late summer and fall, a slightly larger amount of hair enters the telogen phase, which leads to hair shedding in the fall. This pattern is influenced by seasonal changes, hormonal fluctuations, less sunlight, and the cumulative impact of UV rays and heat exposure from the summer months.

The key is not to try to stop hair shedding entirely — shedding is a natural cycle — but to create an environment that supports healthy hair growth, scalp comfort, and strong hair roots, so hair density returns in its normal rhythm.

What Causes Seasonal Hair Shedding?

Seasonal shedding is influenced by several factors that interact with immune, hormonal, and follicular signals:

• Reduced daylight influences melatonin and other hormonal signals.

• Humidity drops in fall, altering scalp hydration.

• Hormonal changes linked to seasonal cycles impact the anagen → telogen pattern.

• Heat styling, tight hairstyles, and environmental buildup can compound shedding.

• Cumulative Summer Sun Exposure:

UV radiation, especially UVA, which stays consistent year round, penetrates into both the scalp and the hair shaft. UVA can oxidize keratin proteins and break down the lipid barrier that protects the hair cuticle. Meanwhile, UVB affects the outer layers of the hair and scalp, contributing to surface dryness, color fade, and irritation.

When keratin integrity and scalp comfort are disrupted, the follicle is more likely to shift earlier into the telogen (resting) phase, which is why many people notice seasonal hair shedding in early fall. This process is known in dermatology as actinic teloptosis or shedding triggered by cumulative sun exposure over the summer.

For a deeper breakdown of how UVA vs UVB differently impact hair strands vs the scalp environment, see our guide: UVA versus UVB: Why It Matters for Hair and Scalp

Is Hair Shedding Normal in the Fall?

Yes - For most people, seasonal hair shedding is normal. It is generally evenly distributed across the scalp, not forming bald patches, and does not represent a type of hair loss like alopecia areata.

This increase in extra strands typically lasts a couple of months, stabilizing as the cycle of growth rebalances.

However, a scalp evaluation may be helpful if shedding is accompanied by:

• persistent redness or burning

• round bald patches

• nutritional deficiencies

• chronic stress or hormonal imbalances

How Long Does Seasonal Shedding Last?

Most people experience seasonal shedding for 4–8 weeks, occasionally up to 12 weeks depending on:

• stress load

• balanced diet and access to essential nutrients

• scalp barrier status

• blood circulation to follicles

• overall hair care routine

Why Does Hair Shed More in Fall?

Hair shedding increases in the fall because seasonal changes and decreasing sunlight exposure shift hormone levels, leading more follicles into the telogen phase. After summer UV exposure and heat stress, hair cells are more likely to enter the resting phase, causing a temporary increase in shedding that resolves naturally.

The Hair Growth Cycle

Phase	Function	Summary
Anagen (Growth)	Active formation of new hair	Most strands are here during healthy hair growth
Catagen (Transition)	Follicle detaches from nutrients	Short stage between growth and rest
Telogen (Rest)	Hair stays but does not grow	More pronounced during hair shedding season
Exogen (Shedding)	Hair releases naturally	This is the normal part of your hair cycle

Even during shedding, new hair is already growing beneath the scalp.

How to Reduce Hair Shedding Naturally During Fall

The goal is not to stop shedding, but to support the scalp and boost hair growth conditions.

Weekly Scalp Mask for Balance

A scalp mask helps support:

• microbiome equilibrium

• barrier repair

• comfort during sensitivity

• gentle removal of buildup

Nero Scalp & Face Mask (kaolin clay) can be used once weekly to clarify without stripping natural oils.

How to use:

• Apply to damp scalp

• Massage gently to increase blood circulation

• Leave on 10–20 minutes

• Rinse, then cleanse

Use a Circulation-Supporting Cleanse

Daily regular scalp massages enhance blood flow to hair follicles, helping support the anagen stage after shedding.

Buongiorno Shampoo & Conditioner contain rosemary, peppermint, and tea tree, botanicals widely associated with:

• microcirculation support

• scalp clarity

• follicle comfort

This is especially beneficial when shedding is heightened.

Strengthen the Scalp with Post-Wash Botanical Hydration

• Naturale Scalp Tonic → hydration, barrier support, lightweight finish

• La Rosa Scalp Tonic → calming hydration, especially suitable during pregnancy, postpartum, or sensitivity

Apply daily to maintain comfort and protect against inflammation-driven shedding.

Support Hair Growth Through Nutrition

Hair depends on essential nutrients:

Nutrient	Role	Accessible Foods
Protein	Structure of keratin fibers	Greek yogurt, lentils, tofu, fish
Iron & Ferritin	Oxygen transport	Spinach, chickpeas, beans, lean meats
Zinc	Tissue + scalp balance	Pumpkin seeds, cashews, oats
B Vitamins	Follicle metabolism	Eggs, mushrooms, whole grains
Omega-3s	Scalp barrier + comfort	Salmon, flax, walnuts
Vitamin D	Hair growth timing	Sunlight, fortified milks; supplement if needed

 

A balanced diet is foundational to maintaining scalp resilience through seasonal shifts.

Gentle Styling and Environmental Care

• Avoid tight hairstyles to minimize tension

• Use a heat protectant when blow drying

• Practice sun protection for hair and scalp (UV-safe mists, hats)

These approaches protect hair strands and hair roots from breakage, dryness, and premature release.

Do Hair Grow Back After Seasonal Shedding?

Yes - in nearly all cases, hair does grow back after seasonal shedding as the cycle of growth continues into winter and spring.

The scalp simply needs consistent support, not aggressive intervention.

Key Takeaway

Seasonal hair shedding is temporary. It reflects the body adjusting to seasonal changes, not permanent loss.

By supporting hair health, blood circulation, essential nutrients, and scalp hydration  while incorporating formulas such as:

• Nero Scalp & Face Mask (weekly scalp balance)

• Buongiorno Shampoo & Conditioner (circulation + cleansing clarity)

• Naturale or La Rosa Scalp Tonic (daily hydration + barrier comfort)

The scalp transitions through shedding smoothly, and fullness returns over the next couple of months.

FAQs

1. If you're wondering why is my hair shedding more right now?
Because of seasonal changes, reduced light, hormonal signaling shifts, and post-summer UV exposure influencing the telogen phase.

2. Is seasonal hair shedding normal?
Yes - most people experience is seasonal hair shedding normal patterns once or twice yearly.

3. How long does seasonal shedding last?
Typically 4 - 8 weeks, occasionally up to 12 weeks if stress or nutritional deficiencies are present.

4. How to stop hair shedding?
Focus on how to reduce hair shedding naturally: scalp hydration, nutrient-dense meals, circulation support, and gentle styling.

5. Does hair grow back after seasonal shedding?
Yes - as the hair follicles return to the anagen phase, extra hair fully replenishes.

6. Why does hair shed in fall?
Hair sheds more in fall because UVA-driven oxidative stress and seasonal hormonal signaling push more follicles into the telogen phase after summer. This is part of the natural hair shedding season and typically resolves within several weeks.

Sources:

Zhai X, Gong M, Peng Y, Yang D. Effects of UV Induced-Photoaging on the Hair Follicle Cycle of C57BL6/J Mice. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2021;14:527-539. Published 2021 May 18. doi:10.2147/CCID.S310487.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8140904/

Randall VA, Ebling FJ. Seasonal changes in human hair growth. Br J Dermatol. 1991;124(2):146-151. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.1991.tb00423.x

Seasonal Changes in Human Hair Growth

Kunz M, Seifert B, Trüeb RM. Seasonality of hair shedding in healthy women complaining of hair loss. Dermatology. 2009;219(2):105-110. doi:10.1159/000216832

Seasonality of Hair Shedding in Healthy Women Complaining of Hair Loss