It can be scary to find more hair in your brush or shower drain, especially if it happens every year like clockwork. But seasonal hair shedding is a natural part of the hair cycle, and it’s normal for both men and women to shed between 50 and 100 hairs a day.[ 1]
According to Ranella Hirsch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Cambridge, Massachusetts, “practically, it’s likely to be noticed if you have more hair, as women frequently do.” Fortunately, the majority of cases of this type of hair loss are brief and not cause for alarm. According to Mary Lupo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of the Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology in New Orleans, seasonal hair loss sufferers rarely experience a loss of overall hair volume. Women should be aware of the following about normal hair shedding and when a dermatologist should examine you for a different kind of hair problem. Is Seasonal Hair Loss Real?
There is seasonal shedding, but we don’t know much about it. Seasonal changes can temporarily slow or stop hair growth, which can lead to a noticeable increase in shedding right away. 2] An older study of 823 women found that hair shedding peaks in summer; a second, less pronounced peak happens in spring; and hair shedding is least pronounced in the wintertime.[ 3] A more recent study, based on eight English-speaking countries’ Google search data from January 2004 to October 2016, found that summer and autumn were associated with more searches for the term “hair loss,” suggesting that those seasons were when more people experienced hair loss.[ 4] More research is needed to fully understand the reasons behind these results.

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Some evolutionary theories about seasonal hair loss are also in play.
According to Dr., “anthropologically, there was an advantage for hair to be thickest in the winter for protection against cold.” Lupo. “To get an increase in new hair, you must shed the existing hair.” This process is known as the hair growth cycle.
The Cycle of Hair Growth Dr. says, “Hair growth occurs in cycles.” Hirsch, which includes normal shedding.
There are four stages in the hair growth cycle:[5] Anagen is the active growth phase, which lasts anywhere from two to eight years and sees hair emerge from the follicle. Catagen During this transitional period of two to three weeks, hair follicles shrink and growth slows. Telogen During this resting phase, hair does not fall out but stops growing. This stage lasts about two to three months for the scalp. The scalp actively sheds exogen hair, allowing new hair to grow. Additional Causes of Hair Loss There are several reasons why more hair may shed than usual outside of the shedding season: Telogen Effluvium This is a temporary form of hair loss triggered by stress, such as from illness, surgery, or nutrient deficiencies. It typically shows up a few months after the stressful event.[ 6]
Anagen Effluvium is a condition that lasts only a short time. It usually happens after chemotherapy, but it can also happen after radiation or being exposed to toxins. Although hair can shed rapidly, it typically grows back within a few months. 7]
Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles, resulting in patches of hair loss. [ 8]
Female pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common type of permanent hair loss in women. At the crown of the head, the hair becomes thinner or the part line gets wider. It’s a progressive, chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment.[ 9]
Nutritional Deficiencies A diet lacking sufficient vitamins and minerals can have a negative impact on hair health.[ 10]
Hormonal Changes The hair growth cycle can be disrupted by changes in estrogen levels after pregnancy or due to thyroid disorders, which can result in increased shedding a few months later. 11]
Shedding Season Haircare Tips Healthy hair and scalp habits, according to experts, are the best way to reduce seasonal hair loss:[12] To reduce breakage, shampoo gently and follow with a moisturizing conditioner. Lupo says, “I like zinc-based shampoos,” which can help improve hair health. 13]
Brush or comb hair gently.
Keep your hair loose. Use blow dryers, curling irons, flat irons, and hot oil treatments to style with less heat. Stop playing with your hair.
Stop smoking if you’re a smoker. Consume foods high in vitamin D, such as fortified cereals, fatty fish, and egg yolks, for a healthy diet. 14]
Ask a doctor before taking any supplements, including vitamins, as they are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and may interact with your other medications. 15]
When to See a Doctor
If home care isn’t helping, or if your hair loss becomes more severe, see a dermatologist as soon as possible. If you have a hair loss issue beyond seasonal shedding, treatments are often most effective when started early.[ 16]
In these circumstances, Lupo advises seeing a dermatologist: Your hairline is moving back noticeably.
Along with signs of hormonal issues like acne or irregular periods, you are experiencing hair loss. You have excessive flaking.
Your head or scalp is itchy.
On your scalp, you have pustules or redness. The following are additional signs that women frequently experience hair loss: areas where the hair is thinner or absent Seeing skin on your scalp through your hair Observing shorter ponytails Hair breakage
If hair loss becomes a significant, consistent issue, topical and oral medications like minoxidil or light therapy may be used for longer-term treatment.[ 16]
The Takeaway
Seasonal hair shedding is usually temporary and part of the hair’s natural growth cycle. It tends to peak in summer, and it’s considered typical to lose 50 to 100 hairs per day.
Not all hair loss is seasonal. Conditions like telogen effluvium, autoimmune conditions, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, and genetic hair loss may be the cause if shedding is persistent or unusual.
Consult a dermatologist if your hair loss is severe to discuss the possibility of long-term use of topical and oral medications to halt and prevent hair loss.