Why Hair Shedding and Scalp Problems Peak in Autumn and Winter

Changing leaves. Dropping temperatures. Shorter days. Shedding…hair? The fall and early winter months are a cozy and festive time, but if your hair shedding increases in the autumn or your scalp becomes itchy and flaky in the winter, you’re not alone. Dermatological studies in Europe found that many people experience an increase in hair loss during fall and early winter months (commonly known as seasonal hair loss). In fact, additional studies show that it’s possible to lose upwards of 50 additional strands per day in the colder months. 

That’s enough to make many people wonder “why am I shedding so much hair?” Luckily, it doesn’t mean your hair or your hair follicles are in danger. It simply reflects natural biological cycles and environmental changes that influence hair shedding, density, shine, resilience, and overall vitality. By understanding these shifts, you can learn how to stop hair shedding before it becomes excessive, as well as protect the qualities often described as the virtues of good hair, including strength, softness, smoothness, thickness, elasticity, balance, and manageability all year long. 

The Natural Rhythm of Hair Growth

Hair loss and growth isn’t random. Each strand of hair follows a repeating cycle with three main phases. The first phase, called anagen, is the growth stage. This phase lasts 3-8 years depending on genetic factors, and its duration is responsible for hair length, volume, and thickness. The second phase, catagen, is a short transition when the follicle begins to slow down. Finally, the third phase, known as telogen, is the resting stage. During telogen, older strands are lost to make space for new ones to grow.

In a healthy scalp, around 10 to 15% of hairs are in telogen at any given moment. However, clinical research shows that this number rises significantly at specific times of the year, leading to seasonal hair loss. A 14-year study by Courtois and colleagues demonstrated a clear seasonal rhythm, with the highest number of telogen hairs appearing at the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, explaining a noticeable increase in hair loss during autumn. Kunz and colleagues confirmed that female hair shedding reached its lowest point in late winter. Another study by Piérard-Franchimont showed that episodes of seasonal hair shedding, known as telogen effluvium, were most common between July and October. While all these studies were done in countries with a continental climate years ago, weather changes are possibly impacting the shedding rhythm, with summer shedding becoming more common in the last few years.

When more hairs enter the telogen phase, fewer hairs are actively growing. This shift makes hair appear less dense, weaker, and harder to style, sometimes mistaken for hair loss rather than normal hair shedding. It also explains why hair may feel thinner in the summer/autumn but look fuller again in the winter as the new strand is already growing beneath the surface when the old is lost, and will reach the scalp level within a few months.

Why Autumn Triggers More Hair Shedding

Several biological and environmental factors overlap to create the seasonal shedding peak. Daylight changes play a major role, as hair follicles appear to respond to seasonal shifts in light. Longer days in summer may keep more hairs in the growth phase, but as the days shorten in autumn, many hairs move into the resting phase at the same time. This synchronized shift leads to more visible shedding.

Cumulative summer stress also plays a part. Ultraviolet radiation, heat, humidity, saltwater, chlorine, and frequent washing during summer months can weaken the cuticle and strip hair of moisture. This damage reduces shine, elasticity, and smoothness. Weakened hairs are then more likely to shed in autumn when the hair cycle resets, creating noticeable hair loss.

There’s also an evolutionary explanation. Researchers suggest that thicker hair in summer may once have helped protect the scalp from sun exposure. As temperatures cooled, this additional density was less necessary, and shedding naturally reduced the burden on follicles.

Finally, hormonal changes influence the cycle. Hormones such as melatonin and prolactin, which are regulated by light exposure, also affect how hair grows and rests. These subtle shifts can impact hair shedding resilience, strength, and vitality.

Winter’s Hidden Impact on the Scalp

Although seasonal shedding slows by late winter, scalp health often becomes a major issue. The combination of cold, dry outdoor air and warm, heated indoor environments can disrupt the scalp barrier and create uncomfortable symptoms. 

Alopecia areata flares are also more common in winter. This autoimmune condition causes patchy hair loss, and studies show that reduced sunlight and cold climate factors can trigger flare-ups in both children and adults. 

Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff are also especially common during the colder months. Cold air strips moisture, while indoor heating increases dryness. The scalp compensates by producing more sebum, which creates an ideal environment for Malassezia yeast. This leads to flaking, itching, and inflammation, all potential hair loss triggers. These conditions reduce softness, smoothness, and shine, and they make hair more difficult to style. Chronic inflammation (for example, due to seborrheic dermatitis) can also cause hair loss, as inflammatory markers induce the telogen phase. 

Even those who don’t have chronic scalp conditions often experience dryness and irritation in winter. The scalp loses moisture more easily, leaving it itchy and uncomfortable, a situation that can worsen hair shedding. It;s important to note that using hair oils or ointments to combat dryness is counterproductive, as this will likely worsen the problem as oils favor growth of Malassezia yeast.

Why Hair Feels Different in Autumn and Winter

Seasonal hair loss and changes affect not only the number of hairs that shed but also the way hair looks and feels. In autumn, density and thickness drop as many hairs shift into the telogen phase. The lingering effects of summer damage weaken strength, reduce shine, and compromise elasticity.

In winter, cold air and indoor heating strip moisture, which reduces softness and flexibility. Hair becomes more brittle and prone to breakage. Flaking and irritation reduce smoothness and shine, while breakage makes hair appear less dense. As a result, hair can be tough to manage, making styling more difficult.

Together, these changes impact every one of the 11 Virtues of Good Hair: shine, strength, moisture, elasticity, density, smoothness, softness, manageability, vitality, protection, and longevity. The result is hair that may feel lifeless, rough, and harder to maintain, even though healthy new growth continues beneath the surface. So, does seasonal hair loss grow back? The answer is yes.

How to Protect Hair and Scalp Through Seasonal Changes

Seasonal shedding and winter scalp irritation experienced by women are normal, but you can take steps to reduce their impact and preserve the health of your hair.

Get plenty of sleep. Hair follicles synthesize melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate our sleep cycle. Making sure you get adequate rest supports melatonin production, promotes cell turnover and ensures adequate blood flow to the scalp.

Hydrate and restore moisture. Use shampoos, conditioners, and scalp serums that provide hydration. This will improve softness, elasticity, and smoothness while reducing excessive hair shedding. Avoid oils as these favor Malassezia growth and might worsen the problems.

Soothe the scalp. If you are prone to dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, consider antifungal or anti-inflammatory shampoos that calm irritation. These help restore balance and resilience.

Protect against breakage. Reduce heat styling, avoid tight hairstyles, and use wide-toothed combs. These habits preserve strength, thickness, and manageability while preventing excessive shedding.

Support from within. Nutrition plays an important role in hair health. A diet rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins such as D and B-complex supports density, shine, and vitality, helping minimize hair loss causes.

Seek professional guidance. If you notice patchy loss or significant scalp irritation, a dermatologist can help with treatments for alopecia areata, seborrheic dermatitis, or excessive shedding.

The Takeaway

Seasonal shedding, hair loss and scalp irritation are part of the body’s natural rhythm. Up to 40% of annual shedding occurs in autumn and early winter, even if climate changes are modifying this pattern. Winter itself brings more complaints of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and alopecia areata flares. These seasonal shifts affect every aspect of hair health, from density and thickness to shine, softness, and manageability.

By understanding these changes and adjusting your hair care routine, you can protect the strength, smoothness, and resilience of your hair throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is seasonal hair shedding normal?

Yes, research shows in continental climate up to 40 percent of annual hair shedding occurs naturally in autumn and early winter. But this is changing due to global warming , and ongoing research shows that summer shedding is more and more common.

Why does my scalp feel worse in winter even if I am not shedding as much hair?

Cold, dry air and indoor heating disrupt the scalp barrier, leading to irritation, flaking, and dryness.

How can I protect my hair during the autumn and winter months?

Focus on hydration, gentle styling, scalp care, and balanced nutrition to maintain strength, shine, and resilience.

Does seasonal hair loss grow back?

Yes, seasonal hair shedding is temporary, and the lost hairs typically regrow within a few months as the hair cycle resets.

How much hair shedding is normal?

It is normal to shed between 50 and 100 hairs per day, though this number can increase slightly during seasonal shedding.

How to stop hair shedding?

You cannot completely stop natural shedding, but you can minimize excess loss by maintaining scalp health, reducing stress, eating a balanced diet, using gentle, nourishing hair care and considering hair growth peptides.

How long does seasonal hair loss last?

Seasonal hair shedding usually lasts two to three months before returning to a normal growth and shedding rhythm.