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Autumn hair loss: is it a real thing, or just a myth?
Many people find that, at certain times of the year, more strands of hair end up in their comb or on their pillow. But is there really such a thing as seasonal hair loss in humans, in the same way that our pets shed their fur from time to time?
The short answer is: yes, the changing seasons can affect the hair growth cycle, and increased hair loss may occur at certain times of the year. This isn’t necessarily a pathological process, but it’s important to know what might be causing it and when it’s worth taking a closer look.
The short answer is: yes, the changing seasons can affect the hair growth cycle, and increased hair loss may occur at certain times of the year. This isn’t necessarily a pathological process, but it’s important to know what might be causing it and when it’s worth taking a closer look.
What is seasonal hair loss?
Unlike the moulting of animals, the growth of human hair does not follow a strict annual cycle. However, environmental changes – such as fluctuations in temperature, humidity or the amount of sunlight, vitamin deficiency in winter, or even seasonal stress (such as exam periods or the pre-holiday rush) – can influence the hair growth cycle.
For many people, this can lead to temporary hair loss, which is described in the literature as telogen effluvium. In such cases, more hair follicles enter the resting phase and then the shedding phase, which can result in temporary, heavy hair loss.
To understand seasonal hair loss, we need to know how the hair’s life cycle works. As each hair is at a different stage of its cycle, in the case of healthy hair growth, not all our hair falls out at the same time. However, if a large number of hair follicles enter the resting phase simultaneously, we may experience noticeable hair loss.
For many people, this can lead to temporary hair loss, which is described in the literature as telogen effluvium. In such cases, more hair follicles enter the resting phase and then the shedding phase, which can result in temporary, heavy hair loss.
To understand seasonal hair loss, we need to know how the hair’s life cycle works. As each hair is at a different stage of its cycle, in the case of healthy hair growth, not all our hair falls out at the same time. However, if a large number of hair follicles enter the resting phase simultaneously, we may experience noticeable hair loss.
The hair growth cycle in brief:
- Anagen phase (growth phase): this can last for several years, during which the hair grows actively
- Catagen phase (transitional phase): hair growth stops and the hair follicle shrinks
- Telogen phase (resting phase): the hair rests, then the hair shafts fall out
- Exogenous phase: the hair shaft falls out and is replaced by a new one
When do you lose the most hair?
Although research on this topic is limited, certain studies suggest that hair growth and shedding may indeed follow seasonal patterns. It is important to note, however, that some people experience hair loss during warmer periods, whilst others experience excessive hair loss due to cold weather.
The concept of seasonal hair loss is difficult to define, although numerous studies have attempted to do so. For example, a 2009 study examined hair loss in more than 800 otherwise healthy women and found that: patterns of hair growth and shedding are seasonal; in summer, more hairs are in the resting phase of the growth cycle, whilst in spring the number of hairs in the resting phase also increases. The fewest hair follicles are in the resting phase in winter.
The 1991 study conducted on men found that the proportion of actively growing hair follicles peaked in March and then declined until September, whilst hair loss was most intense around August–September.
Although the number of studies is limited, and not everyone experiences marked seasonal variation, the data suggest that hair loss may indeed be more common in certain months. For example, as the resting phase can last for months, this information explains why we may experience greater hair loss in the autumn.
The concept of seasonal hair loss is difficult to define, although numerous studies have attempted to do so. For example, a 2009 study examined hair loss in more than 800 otherwise healthy women and found that: patterns of hair growth and shedding are seasonal; in summer, more hairs are in the resting phase of the growth cycle, whilst in spring the number of hairs in the resting phase also increases. The fewest hair follicles are in the resting phase in winter.
The 1991 study conducted on men found that the proportion of actively growing hair follicles peaked in March and then declined until September, whilst hair loss was most intense around August–September.
Although the number of studies is limited, and not everyone experiences marked seasonal variation, the data suggest that hair loss may indeed be more common in certain months. For example, as the resting phase can last for months, this information explains why we may experience greater hair loss in the autumn.
It’s not always the season’s fault
It is important to be aware that increased hair loss is often caused by other factors, so it is advisable to seek expert help as soon as possible if you experience significant hair loss.
In addition to seasonal hair loss, the following may also occur:
- Genetic hair loss (androgenetic alopecia)
- PCOS-related hair loss: for example, in cases of the menopause or other hormonal problems
- Autoimmune hair loss (alopecia areata): flare-ups are more common during the winter months, partly due to reduced sunlight and a lack of vitamin D
- ‘Traction’ hair loss (traction alopecia): caused by consistently tight hairstyles
- Nutritional deficiencies: for example, a lack of vitamin D or iron
How can seasonal hair loss be treated?
Although seasonal hair loss is often temporary, it is possible that by the time it resolves itself, the volume of your hair will have decreased significantly. This is why targeted and comprehensive support is so important – and Denza More & Better Hair is an effective solution.
The Denza protocol helps ensure that your scalp and hair follicles remain as strong as possible all year round, even if you experience seasonal hair loss. What’s more, as part of the protocol, we also identify the cause and type of hair loss, so you don’t need to worry about losing your hair if there is an underlying health issue.
As well as treating seasonal hair loss, Denza is also able to stop hair loss caused by genetic, hormonal or autoimmune factors, mechanical pulling or nutritional deficiencies, as it employs a comprehensive approach combined with effective hair treatment methods.
The Denza protocol helps ensure that your scalp and hair follicles remain as strong as possible all year round, even if you experience seasonal hair loss. What’s more, as part of the protocol, we also identify the cause and type of hair loss, so you don’t need to worry about losing your hair if there is an underlying health issue.
As well as treating seasonal hair loss, Denza is also able to stop hair loss caused by genetic, hormonal or autoimmune factors, mechanical pulling or nutritional deficiencies, as it employs a comprehensive approach combined with effective hair treatment methods.
Denza treatments:
- stimulate the functioning of the hair follicles
- improve blood circulation and oxygen supply to the scalp
- slow down the scalp ageing and hair ageing processes
- support hair growth even when seasonal changes take their toll on the scalp
- not only help to reduce seasonal hair loss, but also result in stronger, healthier hair in the long term
What can we do to support our scalp and hair follicles?
- Gentle hair care: avoid excessive heat styling and harsh chemicals
- A balanced diet: a diet rich in protein, vitamins (such as biotin and vitamin D) and minerals
- Scalp care: gentle, moisturising shampoos and scalp oils
- Medical treatment if necessary: for example, minoxidil or therapies recommended by a dermatologist in cases of autoimmune hair loss
- The Denza Protocol: effective protection against hair loss that’s worth incorporating into your routine
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