Have you ever noticed more hair on your pillow or in the shower at certain times of the year? Seasonal hair shedding is a natural phenomenon where hair falls out more than usual during certain times of the year, particularly in summer and fall. Before you stress over every strand, let’s understand why this happens and how you can keep your hair healthy all year round.
Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle
- Anagen (growth phase): Active hair growth, lasting years.
- Catagen (transition phase): Short stage where growth stops.
- Telogen (resting/shedding phase): Hair eventually falls out.
Typically, about 85–90% of hairs are in anagen, while 10–15% are in telogen. But during seasonal shifts, more hairs can enter telogen simultaneously, increasing visible shedding.
A 2009 study in the journal Dermatology examined more than 800 women and reported that shedding occurs most in summer and early autumn. The researchers detected increased telogen hair in summer and early autumn months, followed by shedding a few months later.
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When Does Seasonal Shedding Occur and Why?
Late Summer to Fall
A large-scale study of more than 800 women found a surge in telogen (resting) hairs during summer, which reached its peak in late summer and rolled into more shedding by autumn. The lag is no surprise, since telogen hairs typically fall out after several months.
Spring Peaks, Too
A smaller, less pronounced shedding burst can occur in spring, as we shed winter-worn hair to make way for new growth.
Environmental Triggers
- Sunburn and summer UV exposure can force hair into a resting stage, causing autumn shedding.
- Humidity and pollutants during monsoon weaken scalp health as rainwater, sweat, and oil buildup can clog follicles and increase breakage.
- Dry, cold weather in winter can parch your scalp and hair, leading to brittleness and shedding.
Hormonal and Biological Factors
- Melatonin and day shifts can affect hair cycle timing; shorter days could change follicle activity.
- Evolutionary theory: Human beings can maintain thicker hair in summer for sun protection, and shed it naturally in autumn for a less heavy season.
- Vitamin D levels decrease in winter and autumn, making the follicles weaker and shedding more prominent.
When Seasonal Shedding is Normal and When to Watch Out
Seasonal shedding usually lasts only a few weeks to a couple of months, and hair typically regrows on its own. However, if shedding takes longer than 3 months, exhibits bald spots, or features scalp inflammation, it's best to seek the advice of a dermatologist.
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Pro Tips to Manage Seasonal Hair Shedding
1. Nourish Your Scalp and Diet
- Hydrate scalp with mild, sulphate-free cleansers to preserve moisture and prevent dryness.
- Scalp massages with oils like coconut or almond nourish follicles and improve blood flow.
- Maintain a nutrient-rich diet with protein, iron, biotin, vitamins A, C, D, zinc, omega-3s to support follicle health.
2. Guard Against Seasonal Stressors
- Reduce heat styling, hats rubbing hair, and constrictive hairstyles to reduce breakage.
- Employ UV-protective serums or wear hats to protect hair during summer.
- Rinse and condition hair after swimming, particularly in chlorinated or salt water.
3. Support Overall Health
- Deal with stress by sleeping, meditating, and being mindful to assist in regulating the hair cycles.
- Stay well-hydrated as a hydrated scalp means stronger strands less prone to fallout.
Bottomline
Seasonal hair shedding is a normal, often temporary phase influenced by seasonal cues, biology, and environment. The majority of individuals will have peak shedding in late summer to autumn, with a smaller peak in spring. It's predominantly driven by the natural cycle of the hair, and the hair usually recovers by itself. Therefore, if you spot additional strands here and there, don't freak out. Tweak your care routine, feed your scalp and body, and let it be; your hair's rhythm is just doing its thing.