If you're finding a little more hair in your brush from late summer into fall, you're not alone. It's a normal part of the hair growth cycle, and in most cases it settles on its own.
What matters is knowing how to tell the difference between normal seasonal shedding and hair loss that's worth getting checked.
Here's why shedding tends to pick up in the fall, when it usually peaks, and how to take care of your hair through it.
Index
Does Human Hair Shed More in the Fall?
Yes, it's normal to shed a little more in the fall. Finding more hair on your pillow, in the shower or on your brush isn't unusual this time of year.
Your hair might even feel a little thinner than usual. As long as the shedding is spread out, not concentrated in one spot, and isn't noticeably changing your overall density, it's usually nothing to worry about.
It happens across all hair types. How much you notice depends on things like your genetics, your overall health, your stress levels and your daily habits.
Why Does Hair Shed More in the Fall?
Hair works on a delay. The strands you shed in the fall likely moved into the telogen (resting) phase a few months earlier, during spring and summer. Then they're released all at once.
Summer can also be tough on hair: sun, saltwater, chlorine and extra heat styling all add up, so your hair may feel drier and more fragile by fall too. And for a lot of people, fall brings a busier, more stressful season, and stress can add to shedding.
Reduced daylight in the fall may also play a role, though researchers are still working out exactly why seasonal shedding happens.
Know when it's not just seasonal. If you notice a widening part, patchy areas, or shedding that keeps going and is changing your overall density, see a dermatologist. It could be something else, like alopecia.
What Month Does Hair Shed the Most?
Shedding tends to pick up from late summer through mid-fall, often peaking between September and November.
It's usually a temporary phase that settles within a few weeks.
A simple way to keep an eye on it: take a photo of your part or hairline every week in the same light. It's an easy habit, and it can save you a lot of worry.
What Vitamin Am I Lacking if My Hair Is Falling Out?
Seasonal shedding usually isn't about a deficiency, but if your shedding feels heavier than normal, nutrition is worth looking at. These are the ones that come up most:
- Iron: low iron is one of the most common causes of diffuse shedding, especially in women.
- Vitamin D: low vitamin D has been linked to hair loss.
- Vitamin B12: helps your body make red blood cells, and low B12 is worth checking.
- Zinc: low zinc has been linked to hair loss.
- Protein: hair is made mostly of keratin, so getting enough protein matters.
The best way to know is a blood test, so ask your doctor if you're concerned. Many of our customers also love adding Goldie Locks® Hair Supplements to their daily routine.
Final Thoughts
A little extra shedding in the fall is a normal part of your hair's cycle, as older strands make way for new ones.
Fall shedding is usually temporary. Keep your routine consistent and gentle while it passes, and if it doesn't settle, get it checked.
A couple of favorites for this time of year: Goldie Locks® Signature Shampoo, a gentle cleanser that leaves hair feeling refreshed, and Goldie Locks® Blow Dry Spray, which protects hair from heat up to 450°F and adds shine.
We made our products to be simple and indulgent, so taking care of your hair feels easy.
