Why Does My Hair Shed More in Autumn? The Truth About Seasonal Hair Loss

“Seasons change, and so do we.” Carrie Bradshaw was talking about love, not hair - but the sentiment fits. Every September, women across the world ask the same question: why is my hair suddenly everywhere but on my head?

If your hair brush seems fuller, or you’re pulling strands off your sweater like confetti, you’re not alone. Seasonal shedding is real and autumn is when it shows up. The good news? It’s not permanent and with the right rituals, you can move through it with grace (and still great hair days).

Why autumn is hair shedding season

Here’s the science behind the drama. Hair grows in cycles - growth, rest, shed. Studies show more hairs slip into their “rest” phase in summer, which means they drop out a few months later: hello, September hair fall. Evolutionary theory says it’s protective - extra hair in summer shields the scalp, then the body lets it go once the sun fades.

Why it feels worse in fall

Of course, science doesn’t account for how it feels when your ponytail looks thinner. A few reasons autumn hair loss feels dramatic:

• Summer’s aftermath. Sun, chlorine, salt, and heat tools leave hair brittle, so breakage shows up now.
• Back-to-routine stress. September is the “new January” - commutes, deadlines, school runs. Stress hormones can push more hairs into rest-and-shed mode.
• Less daylight. Lower vitamin D may affect hair cycles, making the seasonal shift sharper.

When to worry...and when not to

Normal seasonal shedding: diffuse (all over), lasts 6–8 weeks, no bald patches.
Seek advice if: shedding lasts longer than 3 months, leaves visible gaps, or comes with symptoms (itching, pain, scalp redness).

Persistent or patterned loss may be linked to iron deficiency, thyroid imbalance, PCOS, or androgenetic alopecia - worth checking with your GP or dermatologist.

Supporting your hair through fall

At Syra, we see seasonal shedding as the perfect moment to reset and renew.

1. RESET THE SCALP

• • Use a clarifying shampoo or our soul scalp scrub once a week to lift away build-up.
  • Massage as you cleanse to increase circulation.
  • A clean scalp lets follicles breathe and primes them for growth products.

2. RENEW FROM WITHIN

• • Support hormones and stress response with mindful rituals.
    
  • Our hormone-balancing herbal tea blends adaptogens and botanicals to steady internal rhythms.
  • Prioritise whole-food vitamin C (berries, peppers) alongside iron-rich foods for healthy ferritin levels.

3. GLOW WITH DAILY TOUCH

• • Five minutes of scalp massage or use our scalp gua sha to boost blood flow.
  • Consider weekly microneedling with our glow dermaroller to activate follicles and stop hair loss before it sets in.

4. NOURISH STRANDS

• • Deep condition (use our radiance hair oil for ultimate hydration) weekly to restore moisture lost in summer.

5. PROTECT THE GAINS

• • Sleep in our Celeste Silk Veil to wake up to soft dreamy hair.
  • Apply Aura Scalp Balm to calm scalp dryness or dandruff as the colder season begins.

FAQs

Is autumn hair shedding normal?
Yes - most people shed more in September to October. It usually lasts 6–8 weeks.

How many hairs is “too many”?
Up to ~200 hairs/day in fall can be within normal range. Worry if you see bald patches or thinning that worsens over months.

What helps most?
Scalp resets, stress balance, and steady routines - not panic product-switching-  are your best allies.

The takeaway

Seasonal shedding is part of being human. Your hair cycle adapts to the seasons just like your skin and mood do. By resetting the scalp, renewing your body, and protecting fragile new growth, you can turn autumn into a season of care - not fear.

🍂 Think of it as nature’s gentle reminder: clear out the old, make space for the new.