It’s not your imagination — just as the trees shed their leaves, your hair may seem to do the same. Many people notice increased hair fall in autumn, a phenomenon known as seasonal shedding. The good news? It’s usually completely normal. The even better news: there are simple, science-backed ways to support your hair through this natural cycle.
Understanding Seasonal Hair Shedding
Your hair doesn’t grow continuously — it cycles through three key phases:
Anagen (growth phase): 80–90 % of your hair is actively growing.
Catagen (transition phase): A brief period when the follicle detaches from its blood supply.
Telogen (resting/shedding phase): 10–15 % of hairs are resting before falling out to make space for new growth.
Changes in daylight, temperature, and environmental stress can push slightly more follicles into the telogen phase during late summer and early fall. That’s why shedding often peaks between September and November — a biological reset to make way for new hair.
What’s Normal — and What’s Not
Losing 50 to 100 hairs a day is considered normal. During autumn, that number might rise slightly, but it’s still usually part of a healthy cycle. However, it’s worth speaking to a professional if you notice:
Hair coming out in large clumps in the shower or brush
Thinning patches or visible scalp areas
Hair that feels brittle or breaks easily
Shedding that persists for more than 2–3 months
These signs may indicate an underlying issue like hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiency, or stress-related hair loss.
Should You Get a Trim During Seasonal Shedding?
While a haircut can’t change what’s happening beneath the scalp, it does help maintain overall hair health. Trimming removes split ends and weakened strands, reducing breakage and making hair appear fuller and more resilient as new growth emerges. Think of it as routine maintenance — not a cure, but a helpful support step during shedding season.
How to Support Your Hair During the Fall
1. Brush Gently — From Ends to Roots
Always detangle starting from the tips and work your way up. This reduces mechanical stress and prevents unnecessary breakage, particularly when hair is more delicate.
2. Stimulate Growth With Scalp Massage
A daily 2–5 minute scalp massage increases blood flow to the follicles, delivering essential nutrients and supporting growth. Use the pads of your fingers, not your nails, and keep the pressure light and rhythmic.
3. Create a Healthy Scalp Environment
Choose gentle, sulfate-free cleansers and avoid heavy styling products that clog follicles. Occasional scalp exfoliation can further improve circulation and growth conditions.
4. Nourish From the Inside Out
Your hair is built from protein, so diet matters. Prioritize foods rich in protein, iron, zinc, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids to provide the building blocks for strong, healthy hair.
5. Manage Stress and Prioritize Sleep
Chronic stress and elevated cortisol can disrupt the hair growth cycle. Restful sleep and regular stress-management practices (like meditation or exercise) can significantly improve hair quality over time.
When to See a Specialist
Most seasonal hair loss resolves on its own within a few months. But if shedding is severe, lasts beyond a season, or is accompanied by other symptoms — such as fatigue, hormonal changes, or scalp discomfort — a deeper investigation may be needed. A dermatologist or trichologist can run tests, assess scalp health, and recommend targeted treatments.
Talk to a Stylist
If you’re unsure whether your shedding is seasonal or something more, a conversation with a professional can help you make sense of it. Our stylists offer personalized consultations to assess scalp condition, hair density, and styling strategies that support healthy growth.
For men, book a consultation with Takamichi — expert in scalp health, hair growth cycles, and tailored grooming.
For women, speak with Kat about cut strategy, hair-strengthening techniques, and seasonal scalp care.
Final Thought
Seasonal shedding is a natural part of the hair’s life cycle — a subtle shift that clears out the old to make room for the new. With gentle handling, proper scalp care, and a little patience, your hair will usually bounce back stronger and healthier than before.