Hair loss affects millions of people. While many cases are permanent, others are only temporary. One of these is fall hair loss, and although it can be alarming at first, it is a natural process. However, neglecting your hair and scalp can turn this temporary problem into something more lasting.
What is fall hair loss?
Seasonal hair loss refers to a temporary increase in hair shedding, which mainly occurs during the autumn and spring months. Normally, we lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day, but during these seasons, this number can increase significantly. Hair loss becomes more evident when you notice more hair in your brush, in the shower drain, or even on your clothes.
The hair growth cycle
To understand why fall hair loss occurs, it's essential to know the hair growth cycle. Our hair goes through four key phases:
- Anagen: 85% of our hair is in this growth phase, which lasts between two and seven years.
- Catagen: Transition phase, where the hair detaches from its blood supply and prepares to fall out.
- Telogen: Resting phase, in which 15% of the hair is waiting to be replaced by new growth.
- Exogen: Shedding phase, when old hair is released from the scalp.
Why does fall hair loss occur?
Several factors contribute to this type of hair loss. These are the main ones:
- Hair follicle cycle: In late summer and early autumn, fewer hair follicles are in the growth phase, meaning more hair naturally sheds.
- Evolutionary factors: It is believed that hair density increases during the summer to protect the scalp from UV rays. As colder months approach, this extra hair sheds.
- Temperature and environmental changes: As temperatures drop, the scalp experiences stress, causing more hair to enter the shedding phase.
- Hormonal changes: Seasonal changes can affect hormone levels, especially in women, which can lead to hair loss.
- Diet and stress: Nutritional deficiencies and high stress levels, common during periods of change, can exacerbate hair loss.
Seasonal hair loss: Women vs. Men
Although fall hair loss affects both men and women, studies show that women are more prone to experiencing this type of hair loss. A study conducted over years revealed a significant increase in searches for hair loss information by women during the autumn months. Another study over six years showed that women tend to lose more hair from late summer to autumn.
How to tell if hair loss is seasonal or not?
It is important to distinguish between seasonal shedding and other forms of hair loss, as the treatment and long-term prognosis can vary:
- Cause: Fall hair loss is primarily triggered by environmental stress, while other forms of hair loss, such as alopecia areata or androgenic alopecia, have medical or genetic roots.
- Temporality: Seasonal hair loss is typically temporary, lasting only a few weeks to a couple of months.
- No underlying medical condition: Unlike other forms of hair loss such as alopecia, seasonal shedding does not stem from medical conditions but is a reaction to external factors.
How do seasonal allergies affect hair?
Seasonal allergies can contribute to hair loss in both autumn and spring. Inflammatory reactions caused by allergies limit blood flow to hair follicles, weakening them. Furthermore, conditions such as eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and dandruff, which tend to worsen with seasonal changes, can also trigger excessive hair shedding.
How long does seasonal hair loss last?
Seasonal hair loss typically lasts between 6 and 8 weeks. Hair sheds more than usual during these periods, but normal growth resumes once environmental conditions stabilize.
When hair falls out, does it grow back?
Yes, in most cases, fall hair loss is temporary, and the hair grows back. This shedding is a natural part of the hair growth cycle, and once the season passes, hair usually regains its usual density.
Hair breakage and shedding, are they the same?
If you notice your hair is less dense, it's crucial to know if it's due to seasonal shedding or breakage. Heat and humidity can dry out hair, causing it to break rather than fall out from the root. If your hair is dry or brittle, it's more likely to be breakage. To prevent this, use moisturizing treatments like oils and conditioners, reduce the use of heat styling tools, and trim your ends frequently.
10 tips to reduce fall hair loss
If you're looking to prevent or slow down fall hair loss, you need to emphasize good hair and scalp care. Here are our top tips:
- Maintain a balanced diet: Make sure you consume enough protein and essential nutrients like vitamin D, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
- Avoid excessive styling: Limit tight hairstyles to prevent traction alopecia.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water helps nourish hair follicles.
- Minimize heat styling: Use heat protectants and limit the use of heat styling tools to reduce hair tension.
- Manage stress: High stress levels can trigger hair loss, so try to stay as calm as possible (we know it's not always easy).
- Care for your scalp: Massage your scalp regularly and use treatments that promote its health.
- Use gentle but effective products: Avoid harsh shampoos, dyes, or styling products as these can damage hair and scalp.
- Detangle with care: Use a wide-tooth comb and start detangling from the ends to prevent breakage.
- Trim ends frequently: Frequent haircuts help reduce split ends and stimulate growth.
- Control frizz: Use anti-frizz products to prevent excessive shedding caused by humidity.
The best hair loss treatments
To combat seasonal hair loss, start by strengthening the scalp and nourishing the follicles to reduce shedding and stimulate healthy growth. With the right products, you'll see noticeable improvements in your scalp health, boost hair regeneration, and reduce hair breakage. Discover our science-backed recommendations below for stronger, more radiant hair:
1. Strengthen your scalp health with The Scalp Cure
The Scalp Cure is a next-generation hair mist designed to revitalize the scalp, promote hair growth, and reduce hair loss. Its ultra-light formula is packed with a powerful combination of essential vitamins, minerals, and prebiotics to maintain scalp health:
- Corosolic Acid: Extracted from the leaves of Eriobotrya Japonica (loquat), this ingredient is key to the formula's effectiveness. It helps inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone linked to hair loss. By reducing DHT, it limits follicle miniaturization, a common cause of hair loss. Additionally, corosolic acid improves hair cell proliferation, stimulating the production of essential proteins like FGF-7, which boosts hair growth, and VEGF, which promotes the formation of new blood vessels, improving nutrient flow to the scalp.
- Tussilago Farfara (Coltsfoot) Leaf Extract: This mineral-rich ingredient strengthens hair, reducing breakage and contributing to overall hair resilience.
- Inulin: This natural prebiotic conditions the scalp and detangles hair, leaving it silky and more manageable. Inulin also plays a crucial role in rebalancing the scalp microbiota, preventing irritation and inflammation that can lead to excessive shedding.
- Lepidium meyenii (Maca) Root Extract: A powerful natural stimulant, maca promotes hair growth by increasing the strength and resistance of follicles, making your hair stay anchored in the scalp longer.
2. Nourish and Repair with Prebiotic Natural Shine Shampoo
Healthy hair growth begins with a well-nourished scalp. Prebiotic Natural Shine Shampoo is formulated to cleanse, strengthen, and repair damaged hair while providing essential nutrients to the follicles. This innovative shampoo is packed with amino acids, fundamental for hair health:
- Amino Acids (Arginine, Proline, Threonine): These amino acids increase keratin production, which is a must for hair structure and regeneration. Keratin strengthens hair and prevents damage, while arginine, for example, acts as a vasodilator, improving blood circulation in the scalp. This improved blood flow ensures a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles, supporting their overall health and promoting hair growth.
- Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters and Hydrolyzed Rice Proteins: Both ingredients convert into amino acids, which nourish and repair the hair structure. Hydrolyzed proteins penetrate deeply into the hair shaft, reinforcing its integrity and improving its elasticity. This not only strengthens the hair but also reduces the likelihood of breakage, which can be mistaken for hair loss.
The shampoo is designed for frequent use, ensuring your hair stays strong and hydrated, which is essential during seasonal changes that can cause dryness and shedding.
3. Hydrate and strengthen hair with Prebiotic Natural Shine Conditioner
Prebiotic Natural Shine Conditioner complements our shampoo by providing deep hydration and vital nutrients that strengthen and repair hair. Its formula is enriched with humectants and essential amino acids that promote a healthy scalp and soft, manageable hair.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Known for its incredible water-retaining properties, hyaluronic acid helps keep hair hydrated, which is necessary to prevent breakage and frizz. By nourishing the outer part of the hair, this conditioner makes your hair softer, shinier, and healthier.
- Amino Acids (Glycine, Arginine): The amino acids present in this conditioner play a key role in hair repair and manageability. These compounds rebuild the protein structure of your hair, making it more resistant to external damage. The result is softer, more resilient hair, less prone to breakage or shedding due to seasonal changes.
Regular use of this conditioner creates an optimal environment for hair growth, keeping the scalp and hair well-hydrated and protected from environmental factors.
A final note…
While hair loss in autumn is a normal phenomenon, it's important to recognize when excessive shedding persists beyond a few months, as it may require professional intervention. If you're concerned, consulting with a trichologist can help identify the underlying cause and offer appropriate treatment. With a little extra care, you can control seasonal hair loss and enjoy healthier, fuller hair all year round.