If you’ve noticed more strands gathering in your brush or swirling down the drain, don’t panic you’re not going bald. You might just be dealing with seasonal shedding.
Much like how trees shed their leaves in the fall, our hair too follows nature’s rhythm. But when you’re staring at a clump of hair post-shower, it can feel anything but natural. Seasonal hair shedding is real, common, and spoiler alert manageable. Let’s get into the glossy, frizz-free, follicle-friendly facts.
What Is Seasonal Hair Shedding, Really?
Seasonal hair shedding, also known as telogen effluvium, is a temporary hair loss pattern that occurs when a higher percentage of your hair enters the telogen (resting) phase of the hair growth cycle. This is usually triggered by seasonal changes, stress, illness, hormonal shifts or a combination of all three.
Key Culprit: Weather changes alter daylight exposure, which affects melatonin levels. This, in turn, impacts our hair’s growth cycle.
When Does Seasonal Hair Shedding Peak?
In India, our hair sheds to the rhythm of the monsoons, the dry heat, and everything in between. While Western charts might point to fall and spring, our desi strands have their own seasonal saga.
Post-Monsoon (September to November): The Peak Shedding Season
This is when most people notice their hair falling like raindrops. After the sticky humidity of the monsoons, the scalp enters a dry, transitional phase triggering more strands to shift into the telogen (resting) phase. Expect noticeable hair fall in October and November.
Early Summer (March to May): The Sneaky Second Wave
As the heat ramps up, so does your hair’s rebellion. Rising temperatures, increased UV exposure, and sweat-induced scalp stress can lead to a lighter shed in these months. If you’re spending more time outdoors in the sun, your scalp might be paying the price. Here’s how to fix summer hair loss.
Winter (December to February): Dry Scalp Induced Hair Fall
Winter varies across regions, but cooler air and lower humidity can dry out your scalp, making it flaky and less supportive of strong hair growth. While this isn’t a major shedding period, it can weaken the strands, making breakage more likely especially if you’re skipping oiling or hydration.
Monsoon (June to August): Humidity Havoc
While not a typical shedding season, the monsoon brings excess moisture that messes with your scalp microbiome. It can lead to fungal infections, dandruff, and an oily buildup; creating the perfect storm for weakened roots and potential hair fall if not managed properly. Here’s how to deal with monsoon hair fall.
On average, we shed 50 to 100 strands a day, but during these peak seasons, it might double.
Why Does It Happen? (The Science, Please)
Seasonal hair shedding is not random. It’s a biological adaptation dating back to our mammalian ancestors.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the hair growth cycle:
- Anagen Phase: Growth (lasts 2-6 years)
- Catagen Phase: Transition (2-3 weeks)
- Telogen Phase: Resting (2-4 months)
- Exogen Phase: Shedding (this is where the magic or mayhem happens)
Triggering Factors:
- Reduced Sunlight: Lowers vitamin D and melatonin, influencing follicle behavior.
- Weather Stress: Cold, dry air or high humidity damages the scalp barrier.
- Lifestyle Changes: Seasonal diets, lack of hydration, and stress.
Is It The Same As Hair Loss? (Spoiler: No)
Seasonal shedding is temporary. It’s not the same as pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) or severe forms like alopecia areata.
Red flags to see a professional:
- Hair coming out in clumps
- Thinning patches
- Prolonged shedding (over 3 months)
- Accompanying scalp irritation or redness.
How To Minimize Seasonal Shedding (Like A Pro)?
Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean you’re powerless. Here’s how to manage and even prevent excessive seasonal shedding:
Scalp Health Is Non-Negotiable
Use a gentle scalp exfoliator weekly to clear dead cells and product buildup. Switch to a sulfate-free shampoo with ingredients like caffeine, rosemary oil, or niacinamide.
Feed Your Follicles
Consume Protein-rich diet that would include eggs, fish, lentils, nuts and hair-loving nutrients like Biotin, Vitamin D3, Ginseng, Iron, Zinc, Omega-3s. Consider a doctor-approved supplement during shedding seasons.
Scalp Massage: Small Habit, Big Results
Stimulates blood circulation and promotes healthy growth. Use warm coconut or castor oil and massage for 5–10 minutes before wash day. You can even try this homemade hair regrowth oil or this hair oil, both are equally effective.
Reduce Heat Styling & Harsh Treatments
Your hair is vulnerable; give it a break from flat irons, bleach, and tight hairstyles.
Try A Lightweight Leave-In or Serum
Look for formulations that include peptides, keratin, and ceramides to fortify strands and reduce breakage. You can try this leave-in conditioner or this serum to minimize breakage.
Consider A Hair Tonic Or Minoxidil (Under Expert Advice)
These can help restart sluggish follicles especially helpful if your shedding doesn’t stabilize after the season ends. You might find this study on minoxidil pills and how its more effective that topical application interesting
Home Remedies That Actually Work
Going natural? These old-world secrets still slay:
- Fenugreek Hair Mask: Soak overnight, blend, apply to scalp for 30 minutes. It reduces shedding and boosts strength.
- Onion Juice Treatment: A few drops twice a week. Its rich in sulfur, great for regrowth.
- Aloe Vera & Coconut Oil Scalp Mask: It hydrates and soothes an irritated scalp.
- You can also give rosemater water or rice water rinse a try.
When To See A Hair Expert?
If seasonal shedding turns into a long-term nightmare, consult a dermatologist or trichologist. You might be dealing with something more chronic like thyroid issues, anemia, or stress-induced telogen effluvium.
Bottom Line: Don’t Freak Out, Fall Out Is Normal
Seasonal hair shedding is your body’s way of adapting to environmental changes. Think of it as spring cleaning just happening inside your scalp. With the right products, habits, and a little patience, your strands will bounce back stronger, shinier, and sassier than ever.
Quick Takeaways (For The Busy Babe)
- Normal to shed more as season changes.
- Focus on scalp care + nutrition.
- Invest in gentle, fortifying products.
- Shedding lasts 6–12 weeks max.
- If it goes longer, see a hair expert.
Do you have any tips that worked for you to overcome seasonal hair fall? Do share via comments.
Have a lovely day.
