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Seasonal Hair Shedding Explained: Why It Happens and What You Can Do About It

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Learn why seasonal hair shedding happens, what’s normal, and how to reduce excess shedding with scalp care, nutrition, and professional treatments like Alma TED.

If you've ever noticed more hair in your brush during certain times of the year, you’re not imagining it. Seasonal hair shedding is a real and well-documented phenomenon that affects both men and women. While it can feel alarming, it is often a normal part of the hair-growth cycle and not necessarily a sign of permanent hair loss.

That said, seasonal shedding can be more pronounced for some individuals, especially those already experiencing thinning, hormonal changes, or scalp imbalances. Understanding why it happens and how to manage it can help you maintain healthier, fuller-looking hair all year long.

Why Does Seasonal Hair Shedding Happen?

Your hair follows a natural growth cycle made up of three phases:

  • Anagen – active growth
  • Catagen – transition
  • Telogen – resting and shedding

Seasonal shedding typically occurs when a larger percentage of hairs enter the telogen phase at the same time. This often happens due to environmental changes, sunlight exposure, and shifts in temperature and humidity.

The Most Common Seasons for Hair Shedding

Most people experience increased shedding in:

  • Fall (September–November)
  • Late Winter (February–March)

During these months, shedding may increase by up to 60% compared to other times of the year — but it’s generally temporary.

The Science Behind Seasonal Shedding

Several factors contribute to this predictable rise in shedding:

1. Sunlight Exposure

During summer, increased UV exposure can stress the scalp and damage hair fibers. After months of sun exposure, follicles naturally release weakened hairs in the fall.

2. Temperature Changes

Sudden shifts in weather — such as transitioning from warm outdoor temperatures to cold, dry indoor air — can irritate the scalp and disrupt the hair cycle.

3. Hormonal Rhythms

Studies suggest that human hair may follow seasonal patterns similar to animals, though less extreme. Hormonal fluctuations throughout the year can influence the telogen-to-anagen ratio.

4. Tight Hairstyles in Summer

Ponytails, buns, and swimming activities may stress the hair shaft, leading to delayed shedding in the fall.

5. Hydration Levels

Heat dehydrations can cause minor follicle stress, prompting increased hair release months later.

While seasonal shedding is normal, it can feel distressing — especially if your hair is already thinning or weakened.

Is It Shedding… or Hair Loss? Knowing the Difference

Seasonal shedding is temporary and usually resolves on its own. But how do you tell it apart from true hair loss?

Seasonal Shedding Typically:

  • Lasts 2–3 months
  • Happens once or twice per year
  • Creates diffuse, even shedding
  • Does not create bald patches
  • Does not affect hairline shape
  • Does not fully empty any area of the scalp

Hair Loss Typically:

  • Does not follow a seasonal pattern
  • Progresses steadily without improvement
  • Creates hairline recession or patchy spots
  • Often comes with thinning texture

If you’re unsure which one you’re experiencing, a professional scalp evaluation is the best way to get clarity.

Who Experiences More Intense Seasonal Shedding?

Some individuals are more sensitive to seasonal changes than others. Your shedding may be more noticeable if you have:

  • Existing thinning or androgenetic alopecia
  • Hormone imbalances (thyroid issues, postpartum, menopause)
  • High stress levels
  • Scalp inflammation
  • Poor diet or nutrient deficiencies
  • Excess buildup from hair products
  • Certain medications

If any of these apply to you, proactive scalp and follicle support can help minimize seasonal shedding.

How to Reduce Seasonal Hair Shedding

While seasonal shedding can’t be prevented entirely, you can reduce its severity and support faster regrowth.

1. Strengthen Your Scalp

Healthy scalp = stronger follicles. Focus on:

  • Weekly scalp exfoliation
  • Gentle cleansing with sulfate-free products
  • Massaging the scalp to increase circulation
  • Avoiding heavy styling products

2. Improve Your Nutrition

A diet rich in:

  • Protein
  • Omega-3s
  • Iron
  • Vitamin D
  • Biotin
  • Zinc

…helps reinforce the hair-growth cycle. Supplements like Nutrafol also target stress and hormone imbalances that worsen shedding.

3. Reduce Heat and Chemical Stress

Summer activities may have weakened the hair. Give it time to recover by reducing:

  • Heat styling
  • Bleaching
  • Tight hairstyles
  • Harsh treatments

4. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can trigger follicle stress. Aim for consistent daily water intake, especially during warmer months.

5. Practice Stress Management

Chronic stress amplifies seasonal shedding. Incorporate:

  • Meditation
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Light exercise
  • Adequate sleep

A calmer nervous system = healthier hair growth.

Professional Treatments That Help: Alma TED

For individuals looking to minimize shedding and strengthen hair during seasonal transitions, Alma TED Hair Restoration is one of the most effective professional options.

TED helps by:

  • Boosting scalp circulation
  • Delivering growth factors directly into the skin
  • Strengthening weakened follicles
  • Reducing ongoing shedding
  • Awakening dormant or sluggish follicles
  • Improving density over time

Because TED is needle-free, painless, and requires no downtime, it’s ideal for clients who want long-lasting hair health support without surgery or discomfort.

TED is especially helpful when used proactively — such as during fall shedding season — to keep follicles strong year-round.

Seasonal hair shedding is a natural part of the hair cycle, but that doesn’t mean you have to feel helpless when it happens. By understanding the causes and taking simple steps to support your scalp and follicles, you can minimize shedding and maintain thicker, healthier hair throughout the year.

Get Support for Seasonal Shedding at ReVIDAlize in Vista, CA

If you’re experiencing increased shedding or thinning during seasonal changes, the experts at ReVIDAlize in Vista, CA can help restore balance and strengthen your follicles with advanced non-invasive solutions like Alma TED.

Schedule your hair-health consultation today and stay ahead of seasonal shedding with personalized care.