Why does hair seem to fall out more during autumn? How can you tell the difference between normal seasonal shedding and a more serious problem? And can special shampoos, hair serums or vitamins actually help? We've put together a practical guide to help you better understand your hair.
- Losing 50–100 hairs a day is completely normal.
- Seasonal hair shedding may be linked to changes in the hair growth cycle during summer.
- Stress, hormonal changes and nutrient deficiencies can increase hair shedding.
- Proper scalp care helps maintain a healthy scalp.
- Hair serums, shampoos and masks can support scalp health and help reduce hair breakage.
- Significant or persistent hair loss should be discussed with a dermatologist.
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Why Does Hair Fall Out More in Autumn?
Autumn hair shedding may be linked to the natural hair growth cycle. During summer, some people experience an increase in the proportion of hairs entering the resting phase. These hairs then shed towards the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. This phenomenon is supported by a study published in the scientific journal Dermatology in 2009*. Over a six-year period, researchers analysed the hair growth cycles of 823 women and found that the highest proportion of hairs in the resting phase occurred during summer.
*Reference: Scientific study published in Dermatology (2009)
Increased hair shedding in autumn does not necessarily indicate a health problem. However, the exact causes of seasonal changes in hair growth are not yet fully understood. Researchers are investigating factors such as sun exposure, daylight duration and biological rhythms.
How Does the Hair Growth Cycle Work?
Anagen Phase – The Growth Phase
Catagen Phase – The Transition Phase
Telogen Phase – The Resting Phase
Exogen Phase – The Shedding Phase
Autumn Hair Shedding May Actually Begin in Summer
Did you know that the hairs you lose in October may have entered their resting phase during summer? This is because approximately two to three months can pass between a change in the hair growth cycle and the actual shedding of the hair.
This explains why increased hair shedding sometimes becomes noticeable long after the original trigger has occurred. A similar delay is also typical of hair shedding following a fever, significant stress or other physical strain on the body.
How Much Hair Loss Is Normal per Day?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, losing approximately 50–100 hairs per day is normal. You may notice more hairs falling out when washing or brushing your hair, especially if you do not wash it every day.
The most important thing is to pay attention to changes compared with your usual hair shedding pattern.
How to Recognise Excessive Hair Loss
You should pay particular attention if:
- You are losing noticeably more hair than usual for several weeks.
- Your parting is becoming wider or your hair is visibly thinning.
- You notice bald spots or clearly defined patches of hair loss.
- Hair shedding is accompanied by itching, pain or redness of the scalp.
- Hair loss continues for several months without any signs of improvement.
Finding more hair than usual in your hairbrush is not necessarily a cause for concern. However, if you notice a visible reduction in hair density, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist.
What Else Can Cause Hair Loss?
Autumn is not always to blame. Increased hair shedding can have several other causes:
- Stress and emotional strain: Psychological stress, illnesses accompanied by fever or surgery can trigger increased hair shedding, often with a delay of two to three months.
- Nutrient deficiencies: A lack of iron or protein, as well as significantly reduced calorie intake, can negatively affect hair growth.
- Hormonal changes and health conditions: Hair loss may be associated with the postpartum period, menopause or thyroid disorders.
- Genetics: Hereditary hair thinning usually develops gradually, for example through a widening parting or a receding hairline.
How Long Does Autumn Hair Shedding Last?
Seasonal hair shedding is usually temporary, although its duration varies from person to person. If increased shedding is caused by stress or a previous illness, a condition known as telogen effluvium, it may last approximately three to six months. Restoring hair density takes additional time, as hair grows at an average rate of around 1 cm per month.
If hair shedding persists, becomes worse or leads to visible thinning, consult a dermatologist.
What Helps with Autumn Hair Loss? Tips for Proper Hair Care
Although the natural hair growth cycle cannot simply be stopped, the right hair care routine can help maintain a healthy scalp, reduce hair breakage and create favourable conditions for healthy hair growth.
1. Take Care of Your Scalp
Regular, gentle cleansing is essential for maintaining a healthy scalp. Choose a shampoo that suits your scalp's needs and adjust how often you wash your hair according to how quickly it becomes oily. When washing your hair, gently massage your scalp with your fingertips. Avoid scratching with your nails and make sure to rinse the shampoo thoroughly.
GLAMOT TIP: For weakened hair prone to shedding, try the Glamot Pure Anti-Loss Solutions range, specially developed to care for the scalp and hair prone to hair loss.
2. Add Hair Serums and Scalp Tonics to Your Routine
Leave-in serums and scalp tonics provide targeted scalp care. They often contain ingredients such as caffeine, niacinamide, peptides or botanical extracts that help maintain scalp health. However, their effectiveness in preventing hair loss depends on the specific formulation and may not always be scientifically proven.
GLAMOT TIP: Explore range of leave-in hair treatments and choose a serum or scalp tonic that suits your scalp's individual needs.
3. Protect Your Hair Against Breakage
Conditioners and hair masks help improve hair condition, make detangling easier and reduce breakage. Avoid excessively tight hairstyles, rough brushing and frequent exposure to high temperatures. Always use a heat protectantwhen blow-drying or straightening your hair.
GLAMOT TIP: Give weakened and damaged hair some extra care. Discover our selection of hair masks and treatments designed to improve hair condition and minimise breakage.
4. Treat Your Scalp to a Gentle Massage
Regular scalp massage can help relieve tension and make your daily hair care routine more enjoyable. Use your fingertips to massage your scalp with gentle circular movements, avoiding excessive rubbing or pulling on the hair.
Some small studies suggest that scalp massage may have a positive effect on hair thickness. However, there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to confirm its effectiveness against excessive hair loss.
5. Maintain a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet rich in protein, iron, zinc and other essential nutrients is important for healthy hair growth. Try to include foods such as eggs, fish, legumes, nuts and leafy green vegetables in your diet.
Avoid crash diets and rapid weight loss, as these can contribute to increased hair shedding. Food supplements are most beneficial when a nutrient deficiency has been confirmed. Taking excessive amounts without a genuine need may offer no additional benefits.
Which Ingredients Should You Look for in Anti-Hair Loss Products?
Not all anti-hair loss products work in the same way. Some focus on scalp care, while others are primarily designed to strengthen and protect the hair fibre.
- Caffeine: Its potential effects on hair follicles are being studied. However, clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of conventional caffeine-based hair products remains limited.
- Niacinamide: Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide helps support the skin barrier and maintain a healthy scalp.
- Panthenol: Provitamin B5 helps improve the properties of the hair fibre and reduce breakage.
- Peptides: Commonly used in scalp care formulations. Their effectiveness depends on the specific ingredients and formulation.
- Botanical extracts: Ingredients such as rosemary and ginseng have shown potential effects on hair growth in preliminary research, although scientific evidence remains limited.
Important: Cosmetic products can improve the condition of your hair and scalp, but they cannot replace medical treatment for underlying health conditions that cause hair loss.
Which Vitamins Help with Hair Loss?
Vitamins and minerals play an important role in healthy hair growth. However, taking supplements is most beneficial when your body is actually deficient in specific nutrients.
- Biotin (Vitamin B7): A biotin deficiency can cause hair problems, but it is rare in healthy individuals. There is no convincing scientific evidence that taking biotin supplements improves hair growth in people without a confirmed deficiency.
- Vitamin D: Research has identified a link between low vitamin D levels and certain types of hair loss. However, supplementation alone may not resolve the problem.
- Iron: Iron deficiency can contribute to diffuse hair shedding. Measuring ferritin levels in the blood can help assess the body's iron stores.
- Zinc: Zinc is essential for normal cell function. A deficiency may also affect hair growth, but excessive supplementation should be avoided.
The most important step is to identify the actual cause of hair loss. Avoid taking high doses of supplements without professional medical advice.
When Should You See a Dermatologist?
If you are experiencing significant hair shedding, noticeable thinning or bald patches, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist.
A dermatologist can perform a trichoscopic examination of your scalp and, if necessary, recommend blood tests to check factors such as iron levels, ferritin or thyroid function.
You can also monitor changes in your hair density by taking photographs of your parting approximately once a month under the same lighting conditions. This makes it easier to identify any changes over time.
FAQ
- Is It Normal to Lose More Hair in Autumn? Yes. Some people experience seasonal fluctuations in their hair growth cycle. Studies have found a higher proportion of hairs in the resting phase during summer and around the transition from summer to autumn. However, significant or prolonged hair shedding should not automatically be attributed to seasonal changes.
- Which Months Are Associated with the Most Hair Shedding? Research has identified seasonal changes in hair growth, particularly from summer to early autumn. Some studies suggest that increased shedding may occur between July and October. However, the exact timing varies from person to person.
- How Long Can Autumn Hair Shedding Last? Mild seasonal hair shedding is usually temporary. In cases of acute telogen effluvium, increased shedding may continue for several months. If hair loss becomes significantly worse or you notice visible thinning, a professional examination is recommended.
- Can an Anti-Hair Loss Shampoo Help? An anti-hair loss shampoo can help improve scalp condition, gently remove impurities and, depending on its formulation, reduce hair breakage. However, a regular cosmetic shampoo alone cannot reliably stop hair loss caused by hormonal changes, nutrient deficiencies or underlying health conditions.
- Is It Better to Wash Your Hair Less Frequently? No. How often you wash your hair should depend on your scalp's individual needs. During washing, hairs that were already ready to shed may become dislodged. Washing your hair less frequently therefore does not usually address the underlying cause of hair loss.
- Will My Hair Grow Back After Shedding? If hair shedding is caused by temporary telogen effluvium and the hair follicles have not been permanently damaged, hair will generally grow back. For other types of alopecia, the likelihood of regrowth depends on the underlying cause and how early appropriate treatment begins.
Autumn hair shedding is often a natural part of the hair growth cycle, but it can also be associated with stress, hormonal changes or nutrient deficiencies. Proper scalp care, gentle hair handling and a balanced diet all play an important role in maintaining healthy hair. If hair shedding persists or becomes worse, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist.