If your hairbrush suddenly seems fuller in September, you are not imagining it. Seasonal hair loss is a real, well-documented pattern, often linked to a type of temporary shedding called telogen effluvium. It usually follows the summer months, when sun exposure, saltwater, and chlorine have already put extra strain on your hair. Understanding why it happens can make the extra hair on your pillow feel a lot less alarming.
Why Seasonal Hair Loss Happens
Hair grows in cycles, moving between an active growth phase and a resting phase before it eventually sheds. Seasonal changes, along with summer's cumulative effect on the scalp and hair shaft, can push more hairs into that resting phase at once, leading to a noticeable increase in shedding a few months later.
- Sun exposure: UV rays can weaken hair strands over the summer, making them more prone to breakage and shedding.
- Saltwater and chlorine: Both can strip natural oils from hair, leaving it drier and more fragile.
- Delayed effect: Because of the hair growth cycle, shedding from summer stress often becomes visible two to three months later, around autumn.
- Photoperiod shifts: Some research links changing day length to natural variations in hair shedding rates.
- General stress: Any significant physical stressor can trigger a temporary increase in resting-phase hairs.
Seasonal Hair Shedding at a Glance
Seasonal hair loss tends to follow a fairly predictable pattern each year, most noticeably in autumn. The table below summarises the general timing and likely triggers.
| Season |
Peak Shedding |
Likely Trigger |
| Autumn |
September to November |
Delayed effect of summer sun, saltwater and chlorine |
| Late summer |
August to September |
Direct sun and swimming-related dryness |
| Spring |
March to April |
Less consistently documented, but reported by some |
Supporting Your Hair Through Seasonal Shedding
Seasonal shedding usually resolves on its own, but supporting your hair during this period can help it look and feel healthier while the cycle settles. Many people combine nutritional support with a suitable hair care routine.
When Hair Loss Needs a Doctor's Attention
Seasonal shedding is temporary, typically easing within a few months. Certain signs, however, suggest something other than a normal seasonal pattern is at play.
- Shedding lasting more than six months: This points away from typical seasonal or stress-related shedding.
- Visible bald patches: Round or well-defined patches of hair loss warrant a dermatologist's evaluation.
- Scalp changes: Redness, scaling, or pain on the scalp should be assessed by a professional.
- Underlying health changes: Recent illness, major weight loss, or new medications can all contribute to hair loss and are worth mentioning to your doctor.
- Family history of pattern baldness: If shedding seems to be progressing rather than resolving, a professional opinion can clarify the cause.
Conclusion
Seasonal hair loss is common, predictable, and usually temporary, often tracing back to the sun, saltwater, and stress of the previous summer. Supporting your hair with the right nutrients and gentle care can make the transition smoother while your natural cycle resets. Ask your pharmacist which options suit your hair type and this season's needs.
Sources & References
- NHS. Hair loss. nhs.uk
- Mayo Clinic. Stress and hair loss: Are they related? mayoclinic.org
- Malkud S. Telogen Effluvium. StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf, NIH. PMC
- Sáez Moya M, et al. A Novel, Drinkable Food Supplement Formulation Reduces Hair Shedding and Increases the Percentage of Anagen Scalp Hair Follicles in Females with Hair Loss. J Clin Med. 2025. PMC
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
