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What is Seasonal Hair Shedding?

Ever noticed more hair clogging up your shower drain or gathering on your hairbrush as the seasons change? Before you panic - you’re not alone, and it doesn’t always mean there’s a problem with your hair.

In fact, what you’re seeing could be something completely natural: seasonal hair shedding.

Much like animals shedding their coats, our hair can go through cycles where more strands than usual decide it’s time to let go. It can feel a bit unsettling (no one likes seeing extra strands on their jumper), but in many cases, it’s just part of your body’s natural rhythm.

So, what exactly is seasonal hair shedding, why does it happen, and when should you be concerned? Let’s break it down and show you how to keep your scalp and strands happy through it all.

What Seasonal Hair Shedding Actually Is

Seasonal hair shedding is when you notice more strands falling out than usual during certain times of the year - most commonly in spring and autumn.

This doesn’t mean you’re “losing” your hair in a permanent sense; it’s simply part of the natural hair growth cycle.

Your hair grows in phases:

Anagen (growth phase) – where your hair is actively growing, lasting several years.
Catagen (transition phase) – a short “rest” period where the follicle starts winding down.
Telogen (shedding phase) – when the strand naturally falls out to make way for new growth.

At any given time, about 85–90% of your hair is in the growth phase and only a small percentage is in the shedding phase. During seasonal shifts, however, more follicles may enter telogen at once - meaning you’ll notice extra strands on your brush or pillow for a few weeks.

The good news is that this is usually temporary! Your hair will balance itself out as the growth cycle resets, and those follicles will start sprouting new strands again.

Why Does It Happen?

So, why does your hair seem to shed more when the seasons shift? It comes down to a mix of biology and environment.

☀️ Sun exposure

During summer, UV rays can stress your hair and scalp, pushing more strands into the resting (telogen) phase. By autumn, those hairs are ready to shed - which is why you’ll often notice more falling out around that time.

❄️ Seasonal stressors

Winter brings cold winds, indoor heating and hotter showers - all of which can dry out your scalp and make hair more brittle. As spring rolls around, weaker strands are more likely to let go, adding to the natural shedding cycle.

⏰ Biological rhythms

Our bodies follow seasonal patterns, influenced by daylight hours and hormone shifts. These subtle changes can affect the hair growth cycle, just like they impact things like sleep or skin.

Seasonal shedding is your body hitting a bit of a reset button, making way for new, healthy growth.

How Long Does Seasonal Shedding Last?

The question you really want to know the answer to - we get the panic hair loss can cause!

The good news is that seasonal shedding doesn’t stick around forever. Most people will notice extra hair fall for just a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on how their growth cycles are timed.

Once those hairs in the telogen (resting) phase have shed, the follicles reset and move back into the growth phase. That means new strands are already starting to come through even while you’re noticing more hair on your brush.

If you’re seeing increased shedding for longer than about three months - or the amount of hair fall feels excessive - it may be worth looking a little deeper to rule out other causes.

But in most cases, it’s just a short-term, seasonal shift your hair will bounce back from naturally.

When to Worry (and Seek Professional Advice)

While seasonal shedding is usually harmless and temporary, there are times when it’s worth checking in with a professional.

You might want to seek advice if you notice:

Shedding that lasts longer than 2–3 months without easing up
Visible thinning or widening of your part line
Bald patches or sudden clumps of hair coming out
Scalp irritation, itching, or pain along with the hair loss
Changes in overall hair texture or density that don’t improve with time

These signs can point to something more than seasonal shedding, like stress-related shedding (telogen effluvium), nutritional deficiencies, or underlying scalp conditions.

A GP, dermatologist, or trichologist can help figure out the cause and recommend the right treatment.

For peace of mind, remember: seeing a few extra strands on your brush in spring or autumn is normal - but if you’re worried, getting it checked is always the best move.

What You Can Do to Support Your Hair

Even though seasonal shedding is normal, there are plenty of ways you can support your scalp and strands so they stay strong, healthy, and ready for regrowth.

Be gentle with your routine

Skip aggressive brushing, tight hairstyles, and harsh shampoos that can stress out already fragile strands.

Instead, reach for hydrating shampoos and conditioners like Moroccanoil Hydrating or Pureology Hydrate, which cleanse while keeping moisture levels balanced.

Focus on scalp health

We've said it before and we'll say it again- a healthy scalp = a healthy environment for growth. Never neglect your scalp!

Products like the Nioxin Scalp Recovery Purifying Shampoo or Davroe Scalp Remedy Exfoliating Scrub can calm irritation, reduce flakes, and give follicles the best chance to thrive.

Add strengthening treatments

During shedding season, it’s a good time to reinforce your hair with strengthening products.

Think Wella Fusion Mask for repairing breakage, or Nioxin Anti-Breakage Strengthening Mask to help prevent snapped ends and keep new growth protected.

Think lifestyle, too

Stress, diet, and overall wellbeing play a big role in hair health. Aim for a balanced diet rich in protein and healthy fats, stay hydrated, and build in moments to relax - your hair (and body) will thank you.

Remember, you can’t stop seasonal shedding altogether, but you can minimise breakage, protect your new growth, and keep your scalp happy through the cycle.

Don't Stress Seasonal Shedding

Seasonal hair shedding can feel a bit alarming, but in most cases, it’s simply your hair going through its natural rhythm. Just like the seasons change, so does your hair cycle - with more shedding in spring and autumn being completely normal.

The key is not to panic. By focusing on scalp health, gentle hydration, and strengthening treatments, you’ll give your strands the best possible support while new growth comes through. And if the shedding feels prolonged or unusual, reaching out to a professional is always the right call.

With the right care, you’ll get through the shedding phase and back to healthy, happy hair before you know it!