Does Hair Fall Due to Seasonal Changes? 5 Tips for Hair Shedding in Autumn
9 min read
Does hair fall due to seasonal changes? If you are experiencing hair shedding in autumn, these tips can help.
As we said goodbye to the warm summer days, we are starting to get ready for pumpkin spice lattes and Halloween decorations in fall. Hooray!
While autumn is an insanely beautiful season with its colorful leaves and cozy rainy days, it has its challenges when it comes to your mane - hair shedding.
In summer, we were worried about protecting our hair from the UV rays, but in autumn, waking up to hair fall due to seasonal changes is more common than you actually think.
Luckily, there are some tips and tricks you can do to combat hair shedding in autumn - in this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about hair loss due to change of season.
So, without further ado, let's get right into it:
Does hair fall due to seasonal changes?
Yes, hair shedding may increase as a result of seasonal changes, particularly fall and spring. This phenomenon is often referred to as "seasonal shedding" or "seasonal hair loss.", and it is usually temporary without truly noticeable hair thinning.
In fact, studies have shown that 1 in 20 adults experience seasonal hair loss, or up to 5% of adults over the age of 25. It occurs mostly in October and November, but hair shedding at the beginning of autumn in September is not uncommon.
What causes seasonal hair loss in autumn?
Most commonly, seasonal hair loss in autumn is believe to be related to changes in daylight, temperature, and hormonal levels. While it tends to be temporary, it doesn't mean that there aren't certain things you can do to manage it better and reduce hair shedding in autumn.
Seasonal hair loss is often the result of a variety of factors, including:
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen Effluvium is a common type of hair loss that results in excessive shedding, and it can happen due to metabolic stress, medication, or hormonal changes.
In the context of hair shedding in autumn, it is a temporary condition in which a significant number of hair follicles simultaneously enter the resting phase (telogen) and subsequently shed.
The precise triggers for this synchronization in fall are not entirely clear but may include changes in the hours of daylight, the fluctuation in temperatures (especially as they start dropping), as well as hormonal changes.
Hormonal changes
Hormones are another important factor that plays a role when it comes to hair shedding in autumn. Reduced daylight exposure, decreasing temperatures, lower levels of vitamin D and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) are just some of the results from the seasonal transition.
This leads to fluctuation of hormone levels - and since hormones play a crucial role in hair growth and shedding, this disruption of hormonal balance can hinder the hair growth cycle.
Sun exposure
During the summer months, people often spend more time outdoors and are exposed to increased sunlight.
While sunlight is essential for vitamin D production, excessive exposure can damage hair, making it dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage.
As autumn approaches and sun exposure decreases, the damaged hair strands may shed, giving the appearance of increased hair loss.
Stress and lifestyle
Seasonal transitions, including the shift from summer to autumn, can lead to lifestyle changes and stressors, including returning to work from the holidays, or simply starting a new routine. Stress is a known factor that can contribute to hair loss.
The stress associated with adjusting to new routines, school or work schedules, or holiday preparations can exacerbate hair shedding.
Nutritional factors
Another factor that plays an important role when it comes to hair shedding in autumn is nutrition. As the season changes, people start eating foods that are more available in autumn - these changes in diet and nutrition can also affect hair health.
During the summer, people may consume more fruits and vegetables that provide essential vitamins and minerals for hair growth.
As diets shift in the fall, some individuals may experience nutritional imbalances that could impact hair quality and potentially lead to shedding.
5 tips for hair shedding in autumn
If you are suffering from hair shedding in autumn, or simply want to prevent it to the biggest extend possible, here are a few of our main tips on how to manage autumn hair shedding:
1. Maintain a healthy diet
As we just mentioned, nutritional deficiencies and imbalances are among the main reasons that cause hair loss during seasonal changes, and especially during autumn as many foods that were available in summer are no longer that accessible in autumn and winter.
For this reason, maintain a healthy diet and leading an active lifestyle are both essential for reducing hair shedding in autumn. Some of the best foods for hair and hair growth include:
- Eggs
- Berries
- Salmon
- Leafy greens
- Avocado
- Lentils
- Bell peppers
- Nuts and seeds
- Chicken and turkey
- Yogurt
These foods are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, proteins, amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and iron - a well-balanced diet full of these nutrients will significantly help if you are dealing with hair loss in fall.
2. Protect your hair from the elements
As autumn approaches and temperatures drop, the air tends to become drier. Low humidity levels can lead to moisture loss from the hair and scalp, causing dryness. Dry air can make the hair cuticle (the outermost layer of the hair shaft) more prone to lifting, which allows moisture to escape.
For this reason, it is an absolute must to ensure that you are constantly replenishing your hair with moisture from inside and out.
We recommend the NuMe Vegan Tourmaline Hair Care set - this powerful trio of shampoo, conditioner and hair mask provide full hydration for your hair.
Made from natural ingredients including 11 amino acids, tourmaline powder, hydrolyzed quinoa and parkii butter, they coat your scalp in antioxidants and replenish dryness with intense moisture.
3. Manage stress
If you are suffering from hair shedding in autumn, it's extremely important to manage stress effectively. Stress is a common trigger for telogen effluvium, which increases hair shedding.
Stress can also lead to hormonal imbalances in the body, including an increase in the stress hormone cortisol. Elevated cortisol levels can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle and contribute to hair loss.
In addition, stress can worsen the symptoms of underlying hair loss conditions, such as alopecia areata or androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness). While stress alone may not be the primary cause of these conditions, it can exacerbate them.
To manage stress, make sure to:
- Practice stress reduction techniques, including meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises
- Practice regular physical activity to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being
- Ensure you get enough quality sleep (at least 7-9 hours), as lack of sleep can contribute to stress
- Seek support from a therapist, counselor, or support group if needed
4. Be careful with hair styling
Another thing you should keep in mind when it comes to hair shedding in autumn is that you have to be careful with your hair styling techniques in practices.
If you are frequently using thermal hair styling, make sure to invest in a high-quality curling wand or flat iron, such as the award-winning NuMe Megastar Flat Iron.
Made with tourmaline plates, this exceptional flat iron emits negative ions that allow for smooth and effective heat styling without damage. It also comes with temperature control settings to ensure that you are not applying more heat than your hair actually needs in order to get results.
Outside of thermal hair styling, avoid poor practices such as aggressive brushing and combing, putting your hair up in tight hairstyles, sleeping with wet hair, or washing your hair with water that's too hot.
5. Use argan oil
Argan oil is a natural oil derived from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa), which is native to Morocco, and it is particularly helpful in combating hair shedding and dryness during autumn.
Argan oil is rich in fatty acids, such as oleic acid and linoleic acid, which help hydrate and moisturize the hair. As the air becomes drier in the fall, using argan oil can help prevent dryness, reduce frizz, and improve overall hair texture.
In addition, argan oil can also strengthen the hair shaft and reduce brittleness, making it less prone to breakage. This is especially important during the fall when cooler, drier air can lead to more fragile hair.
Regular use of argan oil can enhance hair elasticity, which means the hair can stretch without breaking. This is beneficial for reducing hair shedding and breakage.
FAQ
Why do I lose so much hair in autumn?
Hair loss in autumn may result from seasonal shedding as hair follicles synchronize growth cycles. Dry air, lower humidity, and stress can also contribute to increased shedding during this season.
Maintaining a healthy hair care routine, staying hydrated, and managing stress can help minimize autumn hair loss. If concerns persist, consult a healthcare professional.
Is it normal to shed hair in autumn?
Yes, it's normal to experience some hair shedding in autumn. This is often due to seasonal factors like changing light, temperature, and hormonal fluctuations. It's usually temporary and not a cause for concern.
Which season does hair fall the most?
Hair tends to fall the most during autumn and spring, often referred to as seasonal shedding. This phenomenon is believed to be influenced by changes in daylight, temperature, and hormonal fluctuations during these transitional seasons.
While many people experience increased hair shedding during these times, it's typically temporary and not a cause for alarm.
Maintaining a healthy hair care routine and addressing any underlying issues can help minimize excessive hair loss during these seasons.
How long does seasonal hair shedding last?
Hair fall due to seasonal change typically lasts for a few weeks to a couple of months, usually during the transition from one season to another. It's a temporary phenomenon, and most people will notice a reduction in hair shedding as their hair follicles adjust to the new season.
If shedding continues or becomes severe beyond this timeframe, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional to rule out underlying issues or chronic hair loss conditions.
