Hair Loss After Summer: Is Autumn Hair Shedding Normal?
As September begins, many people notice more hair than usual on their brush, in the shower, or on their clothes. Although increased hair shedding can be concerning, it does not always mean that something is wrong. Research suggests that the hair growth cycle may naturally fluctuate throughout the year, and in some people, increased shedding is indeed more noticeable at the end of summer and the beginning of autumn.
Why Can Hair Shed More at the End of Summer?
Each hair goes through several phases. During the growth phase, known as anagen, the hair actively grows. This is followed by a short transitional phase and then telogen, the resting phase, at the end of which the hair is shed and gradually replaced by a new one.
Studies examining the hair cycle have found that the proportion of hairs in the telogen phase may be higher during the summer, with increased shedding becoming more noticeable around August and September. However, the exact biological mechanism behind this seasonal pattern is still not fully understood.
For this reason, a few weeks of mildly increased hair shedding at the end of summer does not necessarily indicate a medical problem.
Not All Autumn Hair Loss Is “Seasonal”
If hair starts falling out much more than usual, one possible cause is telogen effluvium — a condition in which a larger number of hair follicles enter the resting phase at the same time.
Increased shedding often appears around two to three months after the triggering event, which means that the underlying cause is not always immediately obvious.
Possible triggers include:
- significant physical or emotional stress,
- fever or serious illness,
- surgery,
- childbirth,
- rapid weight loss or a very restrictive diet,
- iron deficiency,
- thyroid disorders,
- certain medications or hormonal changes.
For this reason, pronounced hair loss should not automatically be attributed to the change of season.
Hair loss deserves medical attention when it is particularly intense, persists for a prolonged period, or is accompanied by visible thinning.
It is also advisable to seek specialist advice if you notice clearly defined bald patches, progressive widening of the parting, or changes in the scalp such as redness, itching, or scaling.
Based on the pattern of hair loss, examination of the scalp, and your medical history, a dermatologist can determine whether the problem is temporary shedding, androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, or another condition.
In some cases, blood tests may also be recommended, for example to check for iron deficiency or thyroid dysfunction.
What Can You Do for Your Hair?
If the cause is temporary telogen effluvium and the triggering factor has already resolved, hair growth usually recovers gradually over time.
Rather than immediately turning to supplements or products promising rapid regrowth, it is more important to determine whether there is an underlying cause that can be treated. Taking unnecessary supplements is not always harmless, and excessive intake of certain nutrients can even contribute to hair loss.
Treatment always depends on the underlying cause of hair loss. Temporary telogen effluvium often does not require specific treatment, while other forms of alopecia may need targeted dermatological therapy.
For appropriately selected patients, particularly those with androgenetic alopecia, additional treatment options may also be considered. These can include autologous micrografting procedures such as Regenera Activa®, while hair transplantation may be an option for suitable candidates.
However, these procedures are not suitable for every type of hair loss, and their indication should always be assessed by an experienced specialist.
If increased hair loss is concerning you, Barcelona Medical Consulting can help arrange an assessment with an experienced specialist in Barcelona, as well as any additional diagnostic tests that may be necessary.
If further treatment is recommended, we can also assist you throughout the next steps — from medical treatment and regenerative procedures to hair transplantation — always according to the diagnosis, your individual needs, and the specialist’s recommendations.
