Seasonal Hair Transition Series: The Truth About Fall Hair Shedding and Growth Cycles
Hey, it's Meg Ann Lee. Are you noticing extra hair in your brush lately? Before you crash out - let's talk about what's really happening. Every year around September and October, I hear the same worry from clients: "Am I losing too much hair?" The truth is, seasonal shedding is real, but it's not always something to panic about.
Hair Growth Cycles
Our hair grows in cycles. The growth phase (called anagen) can last several years, followed by a short transitional phase (catagen) and then the resting phase (telogen). Many of the hairs that entered telogen back in summer are ready to shed by the time fall rolls around. That's why you may notice more strands in your shower drain this season - it's just your body's natural rhythm.
Here's where myth and fact get tangled:
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Myth: Seasonal shedding means you're "going bald."
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Fact: Most people lose 50-100 strands daily, and this number can be a little higher in the fall. Shedding alone doesn't equal permanent hair loss.
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Myth: Washing your hair less will stop the shedding.
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Fact: The hairs that are ready to fall will come out whether you wash today, tomorrow, or in three days. Skipping shampoo just delays the inevitable.
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Myth: Stress causes hair to fall out overnight.
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Fact: Stress can trigger extra shedding, but it usually shows up 2-3 months later because of how long the hair cycle takes.
Normal Shedding or Time to See Your Derm?
So how do you know if what you're experiencing is normal? Most seasonal shedding slows after a couple of months. If you're noticing bald spots, widening parts, or clumps of hair coming out suddenly, that's when it's worth seeing a dermatologist. Other factors - like nutrition, medications, or hormone shifts - can also make shedding worse. Low iron, vitamin D deficiency, thyroid changes, or postpartum recovery all leave their marks on our hair.
The Fix
If you're feeling frustrated, a good routine can help your strands feel stronger during this phase. A gentle scalp treatment like the Nioxin Scalp & Hair Leave-In Treatment is great for refreshing the scalp and creating the right environment for growth. Pair that with a strengthening shampoo like Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, which helps repair damage and prevent breakage, so you keep more of the hair you already have. Your health is key in keeping hair growth consistent so add in some nutrition with Nutrafol .
At the end of the day, fall shedding is more common than you think - and usually just part of the cycle. Your hair is still growing underneath the surface, even if it feels like you're losing more than usual right now. Think of it as your hair's seasonal reset.
Thanks for following along in my Seasonal Hair Transition Series! I'll be diving deeper into ways to care for your strands through every season, so stick with me - and catch more tips like this week's post on i94radio.com every Sunday <3