Seasonal Hair Loss: Why You Lose More Hair in Fall

Many of my patients notice increased hair shedding in fall and winter. This is actually a normal phenomenon with biological roots.

Humans, like many mammals, experience seasonal changes in hair growth and shedding. In fall and winter, we tend to shed more hair than in spring and summer. This is thought to be an evolutionary adaptation—shedding thicker winter coat in preparation for warmer months.

Seasonal hair loss is typically telogen effluvium—hairs prematurely entering the resting phase and then shedding. It's usually self-limited and resolves on its own as seasons change.

However, seasonal changes can exacerbate underlying hair loss conditions. If you have androgenetic alopecia, seasonal shedding might make it more noticeable. If you have nutritional deficiencies or thyroid issues, seasonal stress on your system might worsen hair loss.

What can you do? First, don't panic. Seasonal shedding is normal. However, you can support your hair health during these months:

Ensure adequate nutrition, especially vitamin D (which is lower in winter), iron, and B vitamins.

Manage stress through exercise, meditation, or other relaxation techniques.

Get adequate sleep—your body does important repair work during sleep.

Consider using minoxidil or low-level laser therapy during fall and winter to support hair growth.

If your seasonal hair loss is severe or doesn't resolve when seasons change, schedule a consultation to evaluate for underlying conditions.

Remember: seasonal shedding is normal, but it shouldn't be dramatic. If you're losing handfuls of hair, that warrants professional evaluation.