What is seasonal hair loss and how can it be limited?

Seasonal hair loss is temporary hair loss that is more pronounced in the fall and sometimes in the spring, linked to the natural hair cycle. It can be alarming, but it is generally harmless. Here are the key points to remember:

• It occurs mainly during seasonal changes, when more hair enters the resting phase.
• Its average duration is 6 to 8 weeks, rarely more than 3 months.
• A balanced diet (iron, zinc, omega-3, vitamins) helps limit hair loss.
• Simple actions —gentle shampooing, scalp massage, stress reduction—promote regrowth.
• It differs from pathological hair loss in that it is diffuse, temporary, and followed by regrowth.

 

 

Seasonal hair loss is often a cause for concern, especially when you notice more strands on your brush or in the shower in the fall. However, this phenomenon, which can also occur in the spring, is completely natural. 

This is due to thehair cycle, which undergoes a resting phase before the hair fiber is renewed. Understanding this process helps to avoid unnecessary worry and adopt the right habits to limit its impact.

In the following lines, I offer you an in-depth look at the causes, the usual duration of this loss, and concrete ways to prevent it.

 

Understanding seasonal hair loss

A natural phenomenon linked to the hair cycle

Each hair follows a well-defined life cycle. There are three successive phases:

• the anagen phase, a period of active growth that can last several years;
• the catagen phase, a short transition period during which the follicle prepares to rest;
• the telogen phase, known as the resting phase, at the end of which the hair eventually falls out.

On average, we lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day, a figure that can double during seasonal hair loss. This is not a pathological sign in itself.

Hair follicles continue to function normally and produce new hair. This renewal is evidence of healthy biological activity, even if its intensity may be surprising.

Why does hair loss occur mainly in the fall?

Hair loss is more pronounced in the fall, a direct consequence of environmental changes. Summer weakens the hair fiber: sun, salt, chlorine, and heat accelerate hair damage.

Added to this is the decrease in light, which influencesmelatonin production and alters certain hormonal balances. These factors combined trigger a more massive entry of hair into the telogen phase.

Research published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology confirms this autumn peak, observed in many individuals. This is referred to asseasonal alopecia, which should be distinguished fromandrogenetic alopecia, which is pathological and progressive in nature.

The first is temporary and resolves on its own, while the second requires medical attention.

Therefore, recognizing the cyclical nature of this loss is essential: it is more a sign of regeneration than a real threat to the hair.

 

 

The main causes of seasonal hair loss

Biological and hormonal factors

The body follows a biological rhythm linked to light. When the photoperiod decreases, melatonin secretion readjusts and more follicles enter the resting phase.

This shift increases the number of hairs in the telogen phase, resulting in more visible hair loss.

Stress and fatigue exacerbate this process: cortisol disrupts the hair cycle and triggers widespread hair loss.

In my opinion, the best prevention is to get enough sleep, manage mental stress, and maintain regular physical activity, because these factors stabilize stress hormones and support scalp homeostasis.

Deficiencies, nutrition, and the impact on seasonal hair loss

Certain objective deficiencies increase seasonal hair loss: iron, zinc, vitamin D. Biotin (vitamin B8) only provides benefits if a deficiency has been proven. It is better to aim for a balanced and nutrient-dense diet:

• various fruits and vegetables for antioxidants;
• whole grains and legumes for fiber and minerals;
• nuts and seeds for fatty acids and zinc;
• fatty fish for omega-3s;
• Lean meat or alternatives for heme iron and essential amino acids.
  I recommend confirming any suspected deficiency with a checkup before considering targeted supplementation, in order to avoid unnecessary treatments.

External factors contributing to temporary hair loss

Summer weakens the hair fiber: UV rays, salt, chlorine, and heat damage the cuticle and oxidize pigments. Hair becomes more porous, loses its shine, and breaks more easily, which accentuates the hair loss observed at the beginning of fall.

Added to this is the back-to-school effect: getting back into the swing of things, commuting, mental stress. This cocktail of micro-stress promotes telogen effluvium.

Simple actions limit the shearing effect: gentle washing, rinsing after swimming, moderate thermal protection, and warm drying.

 

 

How long does seasonal hair loss last?

Seasonal hair loss usually lasts six to eight weeks; in some people, it can last up to three months before resolving spontaneously.

We refer to this as normal variation as long as the density is restored and short regrowth is observed at the base of the strands.

However, medical advice is required if hair loss is severe or localized, if it lasts for more than three months, if the parting widens significantly, or if there is itching, scalp pain, postpartum conditions, thyroid disease, or recent treatment.

 

How to prevent and limit seasonal hair loss

Seasonal hair loss cannot be completely prevented, as it follows a biological rhythm that is unique to each individual.

However, it is possible to reduce its intensity through simple actions, a healthy lifestyle, and appropriate care.

I often observe that people who anticipate these periods by adopting a preventive routine cope better with these episodes, with less noticeable hair loss and faster regrowth.

Healthy habits and lifestyle

The first step is to adopt a gentle hair care routine:

• opt for a mild shampoo, without harsh sulfates, to avoid irritating the scalp;
• Limit excessive heat (hair dryers that are too hot, repeated straightening), which weakens the cuticle and increases breakage.
• Massage your scalp regularly, for a few minutes each day, to stimulate blood circulation and oxygenate the follicles.

Added to this are often underestimated pillars of health: restful sleep, regular physical activity, and stress management. I have observed that these factors play a major role in hormonal balance and, therefore, in the stability of the hair cycle.

Nutrition and dietary supplements to limit hair loss

Diet is a powerful tool. Hair, which is mainly made up of keratin,needs amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to renew itself. The best foods to eat are:

• fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants;
• whole grains and legumes, sources of zinc and iron;
• fatty fish and nuts, for omega-3s;
• Lean meats, providing easily absorbed iron.

As a preventive measure, a course of dietary supplements may be appropriate, particularly those containing brewer's yeast, B vitamins, and zinc.

These treatments are particularly effective when they last for around three months, in line with the duration of a hair cycle.

 

Madame d'Alexis ritual for hair growth and thickness

 

 

Hair care tailored to seasonal hair loss

Topical treatments help strengthen the hair fiber. Hair serums and essential oils such as rosemary or castor oil are known to stimulate regrowth.

Gentle anti-hair loss treatments, free from silicones and sulfates, respect the physiology of the scalp. Finally, maintaining good hydration of the hair fiber helps to limit breakage and preserve the hair's shine.

 

 

Stimulate regrowth and protect hair

Preventing hair loss is not enough; you also need to support hair regrowth. Regular massages, a balanced lifestyle, and targeted treatments promote a rapid return to the growth phase.

In some cases, ahair growth treatment can provide additional support.

However, if hair loss becomes excessive, persists for more than three months, or is accompanied by thinning areas, it is recommended that you consult a dermatologist. They will be able to suggest appropriate medical treatments and, in more advanced cases, discuss options such as hair transplants.

In summary, seasonal hair loss should be considered a natural phenomenon, but one that can be limited and managed through a comprehensive approach combining care, nutrition, and lifestyle.

 

Seasonal hair loss is a natural phenomenon linked to biological rhythms and environmental changes. In most cases, it is temporary and reversible. Understanding its causes allows you to approach it with greater peace of mind.

The key lies in a comprehensive approach: adopting a gentle hair care routine, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and, when appropriate, taking targeted dietary supplements.

By combining these approaches, it becomes possible tolimit hair loss and promote regrowth, while strengthening the overall health of the hair.

Take care of your hair every season with a tailored routine to keep it looking great all year round.

 

FAQs about seasonal hair loss

What causes seasonal hair loss?

It is mainly due to the hair cycle: in the fall and sometimes in the spring, more hair enters the telogen (resting) phase, resulting in more noticeable hair loss. Changes in light, stress, and fatigue accentuate this phenomenon.

How long does seasonal hair loss last?

It generally lasts 6 to 8 weeks, sometimes up to 3 months. Beyond that, it may be useful to consult a doctor to rule out any pathological causes.

What diet can stop hair loss?

A balanced diet is essential: fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fatty fish, lean meats, nuts, and seeds. These foods provide the vitamins and minerals (iron, zinc, omega-3, B vitamins) necessary for healthy hair.

Which dietary supplement is most effective against hair loss?

The most widely studied supplements are brewer's yeast, zinc, and B vitamins. Their effectiveness is enhanced when taken in 3-month courses, corresponding to a hair growth cycle.

How can you distinguish between seasonal hair loss and pathological hair loss?

Seasonal hair loss is diffuse and temporary, with visible regrowth of small new hairs. Pathological hair loss (androgenetic, hormonal, related to an illness or treatment) is progressive, localized, and long-lasting. In this case, medical advice is required.

How can seasonal hair loss be prevented?

Prevention is based on a comprehensive approach. Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports hair health. A three-month hair growth treatment, combined with regular care, helps strengthen the hair fiber and support the anagen (growth) phase. Limiting external aggressions and using suitable hair care products can slow down the onset of the telogen phase.

How can you limit hair loss in the fall?

To limit seasonal hair loss, adopt a gentle hair care routine: use a gentle shampoo, massage your scalp to stimulate circulation, and moisturizing hair care products. A diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential, as it nourishes the follicle from within. In fall, it is also recommended to avoid excessive heat and to take care of your scalp to keep your hair looking beautiful throughout the season.

What are the best treatments for hair loss?

A good anti-hair loss treatment combines simple steps and targeted products:

• a gentle shampoo that is gentle on the scalp;
• dietary supplements (zinc, iron, B vitamins, brewer's yeast);
• essential oils such as rosemary, which promote microcirculation;
• natural products and silicone-freehair care.

In cases of persistent hair loss, a dermatologist may consider medical solutions or even hair transplantation in advanced cases.

How can you manage stress-related hair loss?

Stress has a direct impact on hair because it disrupts the hair cycle. To manage stress, it is crucial to adopt a healthy lifestyle: sufficient sleep, regular physical activity, breathing, and relaxation. A balanced diet supports hormone regulation and hair health. Massages stimulate blood circulation, promoting hair growth. Understanding the link between stress and hair allows you to take action earlier and prevent hair loss from worsening.