It’s not your imagination – they really do fall out more often!
In the fall, many people notice their hair begins to shed more. This phenomenon is completely natural and related to our body’s physiology. In the summer, hair remains in the growth phase (anagen) longer to protect the scalp from the sun. As the days become shorter and sunlight decreases, more hairs enter the resting phase (telogen). As a result, in October and November, we notice more hairs in our brush or in the shower.
What further exacerbates autumn hair loss?
- Temperature change – the transition from warm summer to cool autumn is an adaptive stress for the skin.
- Less sun = less vitamin D – and this has a significant impact on the hair growth cycle.
- Seasonal weakening of the body – autumn equinox, poorer diet and decreased immunity.
- More stress – returning to work and school after the holidays, shorter days, less energy.
How to prevent this?
- Maintain a diet rich in iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D.
- Reach for supplementation if test results indicate otherwise.
- Use gentle scalp care – trichological exfoliation, massage to improve circulation, and light shampoos.
- Limit heat styling and tight updos.
- If hair loss is severe, consult a trichologist to rule out other causes (e.g., hormonal).
Summary
Autumn hair loss is a natural phenomenon related to the hair growth cycle – in the summer, hair grows longer to protect the scalp, and in the fall, it enters a resting phase more often, resulting in increased hair loss. Temperature changes, vitamin D deficiency, physical weakness, and stress also contribute to increased hair loss. To counteract this, it’s worth ensuring a balanced diet and supplementation, gentle scalp care, limiting styling, and—if necessary—consulting a trichologist.