As summer ends and autumn begins, you may notice a greater amount of hair on your brush or while showering, and this raises the question: Does hair loss really increase in autumn, or is it just a passing observation?
Short answer: Some people may indeed experience a seasonal increase in hair loss , and there are studies that have identified seasonal changes in the hair growth cycle, but this does not mean that all hair loss that occurs in the fall is caused by a change in the season.
The most important thing is to know the difference between temporary seasonal hair loss and hair loss that may have other causes and needs attention.
🌿 First: How does hair grow and fall out?
Hair does not grow continuously in the same way; each hair goes through different stages during its life cycle, from growth to migration, then rest and shedding.
Therefore, experiencing some hair loss daily is normal. The American Academy of Dermatology indicates that losing approximately 50 to 100 hairs per day can be a normal part of the hair growth cycle.
The problem is not seeing any hair falling out, but rather a clear and continuous increase in hair loss or a change in hair density.
🍂 Does hair loss really increase in the fall?
There is scientific evidence of a seasonal pattern in the hair cycle .
In a study of 823 women with data spanning six years, researchers found an annual pattern in hair growth and loss, with the highest percentage of hair in the resting or telogen phase occurring during the summer, with a smaller second peak in the spring.
Other research has also found that the highest percentage of hair in the telogen phase may appear at the end of summer and the beginning of autumn .
In a larger study involving 2,857 people who complained of increased hair loss, a rise in shedding was observed between July and October . However, researchers noted that the phenomenon may be more related to the effects of summer than to autumn itself, and the precise mechanism behind this pattern is not yet fully understood.
So why do we call it autumn hair loss?
Because increased hair loss may become noticeable in some people during this period.
But it would be more accurate to say:
Some people may experience increased seasonal hair loss in late summer and early autumn.
Not:
Autumn causes hair loss.
There is an important difference between the two statements.
🍁 Is seasonal hair loss normal?
If the increase is limited and temporary and is not accompanied by the appearance of gaps or a clear and continuous decrease in hair density, it may be related to the natural change in the hair cycle.
However, it should not be assumed that any precipitation that occurs in September or October is merely seasonal precipitation .
Hair loss has many causes, some of which have absolutely nothing to do with the season.
⚠️ When might hair loss not be due to the season?
Increased hair loss can occur due to several factors, such as:
- Experiencing illness or a high fever.
- surgery.
- Severe psychological pressure.
- Significant weight loss.
- Certain physical changes.
- postnatal.
The shedding may not appear immediately after the event; rather, it may become noticeable after a few months.
So if your hair starts falling out in the fall, it's helpful to also think about what happened during the previous months instead of automatically linking it to the season.
🔎 What is the difference between hair loss and hair thinning?
This is a very important point.
Hair shedding, or increased hair loss, means that a larger number of hairs are entering the shedding phase, and this may be temporary.
Hair loss, or thinning of the hair, can occur when there is a problem affecting the continued growth of the hair, and it has various causes that need to be identified to determine the correct cause.
Signs that deserve attention include: the appearance of gaps, a gradual widening of the hair part, a noticeable decrease in the density of the ponytail, or the presence of specific areas of hair loss.
🧴 How do you take care of your hair during periods of increased hair loss?
Here it is important to differentiate between treating the cause of hair loss and caring for existing hair .
Hair masks, oils, or serums should not be considered a cure for seasonal hair loss. However, a gentle hair care routine can help maintain healthy hair and reduce breakage, damage, and dryness that can make hair appear thinner.
1. 🧴 Choose a shampoo that is gentle on the hair
Scalp hygiene is important, but you don't need to wash your hair too vigorously for fear of seeing hair loss.
You can use Sidr shampoo from Raghad Henna as part of your hair washing routine, gently massaging your scalp with your fingertips instead of using your nails or rubbing vigorously.
The goal during this period is to maintain scalp cleanliness and hair care without subjecting it to further stretching or friction.
2. 💧 Don't neglect the conditioner
Dry and tangled hair is more prone to breakage during combing, so hair care does not end with the use of shampoo.
After washing your hair, use Raghad Henna Conditioner on the lengths and ends to help moisturize and soften the hair and make it easier to detangle.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using conditioner after shampoo for weak or falling hair because moisturizing and coating the hair helps reduce breakage and split ends.
3. 🌿 Use a hair mask as needed
The Sidr hair mask from Raghad Henna can be included in your weekly hair care routine if it suits your hair type.
The goal here is not to claim that the mask stops seasonal hair loss, but rather to care for the hair and give it an extra step within the washing and moisturizing routine.
4. 💧 Pay attention to lengths and ends
If hair is dry or tangled, a leave-in hair product can be used after washing to help improve slippage and ease of styling.
This step is important because what you see on the brush is not always hair falling out from the roots; it may be part of it being a break in the hair shaft .
The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends using a leave-in conditioner or detangling product to help reduce breakage, split ends, and frizz when dealing with weak hair.
5. ✨ Use the serum on the ends
Raghad Henna's Argan and Keratin Serum can be used as a final step to care for the lengths and ends and improve the texture and appearance of the hair.
Focus on lengths instead of using a large amount on the scalp.
6. 🪮 Treat your hair gently
Avoid pulling on the hair while detangling, and start from the ends and then gradually move upwards.
It is also preferable to reduce strong heat and styling that puts constant stress on the hair, especially when you feel it has become more brittle.
7. 🚿 Do not rub your hair with a towel
After showering, gently squeeze out excess water and use a soft, highly absorbent hair towel instead of vigorously rubbing the strands.
The goal is to remove excess moisture with as little friction and rough handling of the hair as possible.
🌿 What about hair oil?
Raghad oil can be part of your hair care routine if you are used to using oils and it suits your hair.
But it is important here that we do not present it as a treatment for seasonal hair loss .
Use the oil as a hair care step, but if the hair loss is noticeably excessive or persistent, the most important thing is to find out the cause instead of relying on a cosmetic product alone.
❌ Mistakes to avoid when noticing hair loss
Seeing a large amount of hair might tempt you to try many things at once, but it's best to avoid:
- Buying hair supplements randomly without knowing if there is a deficiency in the first place.
- Using several new products at the same time.
- Pulling the hair with tight hairstyles.
- Brush the tangles roughly.
- Frequent use of high heat.
- Assuming that all fall in autumn is normal.
The American Academy of Dermatology also warns against taking hair supplements indiscriminately; excessive intake of certain nutrients can worsen hair loss instead of solving it.
❓ Frequently asked questions about hair loss in the fall
Is hair loss in the fall real?
Studies indicate a seasonal change in the hair growth cycle, and some people may notice increased hair loss in late summer and early autumn. However, the phenomenon does not occur in the same way for everyone.
Is the change in the cold weather what causes the precipitation?
There is not enough evidence to simply say that lower temperatures in autumn are the cause. Studies demonstrate a seasonal pattern better than they prove a single, specific cause.
How many hairs are normal to fall out per day?
Losing about 50–100 hairs a day is considered normal for many people.
Does Sidr (jujube) stop seasonal hair loss?
Sidr should not be considered a proven treatment for seasonal hair loss. Sidr products can be used as part of a hair care routine, but persistent hair loss requires identifying the underlying cause.
Do oils treat hair loss?
Oils can be part of a hair care routine, but they do not treat all causes of hair loss, and therefore should not be relied upon instead of diagnosing the cause when there is a clear problem.
When does hair loss require a specialist?
If the hair loss is severe or persistent, or you notice gaps, gradual thinning, widening of the hair part, or a noticeable change in its density , it is best to consult a dermatologist to determine the cause.
🍂 In short: Don't blame autumn directly
Yes, seasonal hair loss is a phenomenon that has been observed in studies , and some people may notice an increase in hair loss in late summer and early autumn.
But the timing of the fallout alone is not enough to determine its cause.
If the hair loss is slight and temporary, focus on a gentle hair treatment and avoid breakage and rough handling. However, if the hair loss is noticeable, persistent, or has led to decreased density or thinning, don't assume it's just seasonal; identifying the cause is the most important step.
In any case, you can make this period an opportunity to review your hair routine and choose shampoo, conditioner, masks, oils, serums and leave-ins according to your actual hair needs.
*Scientific sources used: