Every October, we hear the same thing from clients: 'I feel like I'm losing so much more hair than usual - is something wrong?'
The short answer is that some increase in shedding during fall is completely normal. But there's an important line between seasonal fluctuation and something that deserves attention. Here's how to tell the difference - and what to do if you're on the wrong side of it.
Why Hair Sheds More in Fall
Research has shown that hair follicles are more likely to enter the resting (telogen) phase during summer months - possibly a biological response to sun exposure - which means the shedding that follows tends to peak in late September and October. For most people, this is a temporary and natural cycle. Hair lost during seasonal shedding typically regrows within a few months as follicles cycle back into their active growth phase.
What Normal Seasonal Shedding Looks Like
A modest increase in the amount of hair in the shower drain, on your pillow, or in your brush - lasting a few weeks to a couple of months - is generally within the range of normal seasonal fluctuation. If the shedding is fairly uniform and not concentrated in specific areas, and if it eases on its own within 6-8 weeks, it's likely seasonal.
Signs It May Be More Than Seasonal
There are several red flags that suggest something beyond seasonal shedding is happening. Shedding that lasts longer than two to three months without tapering off. Noticeable thinning in specific areas like the part, crown, or hairline. Loss of significant overall density or volume. Patches of bare scalp. Hair that feels progressively finer or more fragile over time. Any of these warrant a professional evaluation.
The Compounding Problem
For people who already have an underlying tendency toward genetic hair loss, seasonal shedding can accelerate and reveal thinning that has been gradually developing. The seasonal trigger doesn't cause the underlying condition - but it can make it suddenly and undeniably visible. This is often the moment people decide to take action, and it's a good one.
What to Do Right Now
If you've been watching and wondering, October is an excellent time to get a professional read on what's happening. A scalp examination can tell us quickly whether what you're experiencing is seasonal fluctuation, the early signs of pattern hair loss, or something else entirely. From there, we can point you toward the right next steps.
Noticing more shedding this fall and not sure whether to be concerned? Come in for a FREE Hair and Scalp Analysis at New Image Hair Clinic, serving Pittsburgh and the Tri-State area. We'll give you a clear, honest picture of what's happening and what - if anything - needs to be done. Contact us today to schedule.
