Autumn hair shedding: why it happens and how to manage it

If your shower drain is suddenly full of hair, you’re not imagining it. Many people notice increased shedding in early autumn — a seasonal pattern often dubbed the “autumn shed”. While it can be alarming, it’s usually temporary and linked to the hair growth cycle and environmental shifts. Here, we break down what’s normal, what isn’t, and the calm, practical steps that actually help.

What is the autumn shed? Understanding your hair growth cycle

Each hair on your head moves through a repeating cycle: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting), after which it naturally sheds and a new hair begins to grow. At any one time, around 85–90% of scalp hairs are growing, with a smaller percentage resting or preparing to shed. A modest increase in the number of hairs moving into telogen at once can be enough to make shedding feel dramatic for a few weeks.

Many people experience a slight, seasonal shift in this cycle, noticing more hair fall in late summer and early autumn. This isn’t the same as true “hair loss” (which may involve thinning and miniaturisation over time). Seasonal shedding is a form of temporary telogen effluvium, where more hairs than usual synchronise into the resting phase and then shed a few months later.

• Typical daily shedding: around 50–100 hairs a day.
• Seasonal shed: may push you above that range for 4–8 weeks.
• Outcome: in most healthy individuals, regrowth follows without intervention.

Why shedding increases now: seasons, hormones and lifestyle triggers

Seasonal biology and everyday factors can nudge more follicles into telogen around late summer, with the increased fall-out becoming obvious in early autumn. Several influences may be at play:

• Photoperiod (daylight) changes: Shifts in daylight can influence hormones such as melatonin and prolactin, which are known to interact with the hair cycle.
• Heat and UV exposure: Summer sun, swimming, and outdoor activity can leave hair drier and more prone to breakage right as shedding peaks, making the issue look worse.
• Life stressors and illness: Travel, disrupted sleep, infections, or high stress in summer can trigger telogen effluvium, which typically shows up 2–3 months later.
• Nutritional gaps: Changes in routine may mean you’re eating less protein or iron-rich foods, both important for hair growth.

The key distinction: seasonal shedding is diffuse (all over) and temporary. If you see widening partings, patchy loss, or persistent thinning beyond three months, it’s time to seek personalised assessment.

Routine tweaks that make a visible difference

You can’t stop normal telogen hairs from shedding, but you can protect the length you have, reduce breakage, and support healthy regrowth. These evidence-aligned tweaks work across hair types.

• Be gentle with detangling: Use a wide-tooth comb or flexible detangling brush on damp hair with slip (a conditioner or leave-in). Start at the ends and work up.
• Wash rhythm that suits your scalp: Cleanse regularly enough to keep the scalp fresh; build-up can irritate and contribute to breakage. Frequency depends on your hair and scalp needs, not a fixed rule.
• Lower heat and tension: Keep blow-dryers on medium heat with a nozzle; avoid daily hot tools; choose looser, lower-tension styles (particularly important for fine, fragile, or chemically processed hair).
• Strength plus moisture: Rotate a moisture-replenishing mask with a light protein treatment if your hair is damaged. Over-doing protein can make hair brittle; balance is the goal.
• Scalp first: A calm, clean scalp favours growth. Gentle exfoliation (chemical or soft physical) once every 1–2 weeks can help if you have build-up or flaking, provided your scalp isn’t inflamed.
• Sun and swim savvy: Use a hat in strong sun; wet hair with fresh water before swimming and rinse promptly after. Apply a light, protective leave-in to reduce cuticle stress.

Nutrition, health checks and when to seek help

Hair is a fast-growing tissue and sensitive to body-wide changes. Seasonal shedding often resolves on its own, but it’s sensible to shore up the basics and check for common correctable issues if shedding feels heavy or prolonged.

• Protein at every meal: Aim for a palm-sized portion (e.g., eggs, fish, lean meat, beans, tofu, dairy) to support keratin production.
• Iron and ferritin: Low iron stores are a frequent factor in diffuse shedding, particularly in people who menstruate. If concerned, speak to your GP about a blood test before supplementing.
• Vitamin D and B12: Insufficiencies are common in the UK and can contribute to hair complaints. Testing via your GP or a registered provider is advisable.
• Zinc and selenium: Important in small amounts; excessive supplementation can backfire. Stick to recommended intakes unless advised otherwise.
• Post-illness or postpartum: Shedding 2–4 months after illness, high fever, major stress, or childbirth is common. It typically self-corrects within 6–9 months.

Seek professional advice if shedding continues beyond three months, you notice visible thinning, patchy loss, scalp pain, redness, scaling, or if you have a family history of pattern hair loss. A GP can run targeted bloods (e.g., ferritin, thyroid function, vitamin D, B12) and refer to dermatology or a trichologist if needed.

Important: Over-the-counter topical minoxidil is an option for certain hair-loss patterns, but it’s not necessary for seasonal shed and is best started after medical advice to ensure suitability.

Care considerations by hair type and lifestyle

While the biology of seasonal shedding is shared, day-to-day strategies vary with texture, density, and styling habits.

• Fine or low-density hair: Focus on scalp freshness and minimal weight. Lightweight conditioners and leave-ins prevent collapse without clogging. Microfibre towels and gentle blow-drying reduce mechanical stress.
• Medium to thick hair: Alternate moisture and light protein to maintain elasticity. Detangle in sections with slip. Protective sleep habits (silk/satin pillowcase or bonnet) limit friction and breakage.
• Afro-textured and coily hair: Prioritise hydration (water-based leave-ins) sealed with oils or creams as needed. Low-tension protective styles help, but avoid excessive tightness and give the scalp regular breaks. Detangle on well-lubricated hair with fingers or a wide comb.
• Chemically lightened or colour-treated hair: The cuticle is more vulnerable; reduce heat passes, incorporate bond-building treatments if recommended by your stylist, and plan trims to prevent split migration.
• Active lifestyles: Rinse sweat promptly, especially around the hairline. Quick co-washes between shampoos can keep the scalp comfortable without over-cleansing lengths.

How to tell shedding from breakage

Shed hairs usually have a tiny, pale “bulb” at one end — that’s the club hair from the telogen phase. Broken hairs do not. If most of what you see are short, snapped strands without bulbs, your routine may be too harsh. Emphasise gentle handling, regular conditioning, and fewer high-heat styling sessions.

Build a simple, autumn-proof weekly plan

• 1–2 shampoos weekly: Adjust for your scalp; follow with conditioner every time.
• One targeted mask: Moisture weekly; add a light protein treatment every 2–4 weeks if hair is damaged.
• Daily scalp and hair care: Protective sleep (silk/satin), minimal tightness, and gentle morning detangling.
• Nutrition check-in: Protein portions, iron-rich foods (e.g., lentils, leafy greens, lean meats), and vitamin D as advised.
• Track change: Take monthly photos and note shedding volume; most seasonal sheds settle within 4–8 weeks.

Key Takeaways

• Seasonal “autumn shed” is typically a short-lived, diffuse increase in hair fall linked to the hair cycle and environmental shifts.
• Gentle handling, balanced moisture–protein care, and reduced heat/tension can limit breakage and preserve length while shedding runs its course.
• Nutrition matters: prioritise protein and check common deficiencies (iron/ferritin, vitamin D, B12) with your GP if shedding is heavy or prolonged.
• See a professional if shedding persists beyond three months, shows patchy patterns, or comes with scalp symptoms.
• Most people see natural stabilisation and regrowth without aggressive interventions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does autumn shedding last?
Usually 4–8 weeks. If you’re still shedding heavily after three months, seek professional advice to rule out other causes.

How do I know it’s shedding and not permanent hair loss?
Seasonal shedding is diffuse and temporary. Widening partings, receding hairlines, patchy thinning, or continued loss beyond three months warrant a GP or specialist review.

Can washing less stop the shed?
No. Washing doesn’t cause shedding; it simply releases hairs that were ready to fall. Cleanse as needed for scalp comfort and health.

Do supplements fix seasonal shedding?
Supplements help only if you have a deficiency. Test first (e.g., ferritin, vitamin D, B12) and follow clinical guidance. Over-supplementing can be counterproductive.

Will cutting my hair reduce shedding?
Trims don’t change the shed rate, but they do prevent split ends travelling, helping hair look fuller and healthier while you ride out the phase.

Is postpartum shedding the same as seasonal shedding?
Both are forms of telogen effluvium, but postpartum shedding follows pregnancy-related hormone changes. It commonly resolves within 6–9 months after birth.

Should I start minoxidil for seasonal shedding?
Usually not necessary. Seasonal shedding is self-limiting; consider medical treatments only after consultation to ensure they’re appropriate for your situation.