If you feel like more hair has been left on your brush or in the shower over the recent weeks, there is no need to immediately panic. Hair loss is a natural part of the hair's life cycle, and during certain periods, people may notice increased shedding.
Hair has a life cycle that includes a growth phase, a resting phase and a shedding phase. The number of hairs in each of these phases varies, which is why the amount of hair shed is not necessarily identical throughout the year. Seasonal shedding is described in medical literature, and in some cases, it is more prominent in autumn.
Why does it happen specifically in autumn?
One hypothesis is that seasonal changes affect the hair cycle and the number of follicles in the resting phase. After a period in which the hair is in this phase, it is released from the follicle and falls out, and a new growth cycle can later begin.
Environmental conditions may also affect the condition of the hair and scalp. The transition from the hot, humid summer months to drier air, alongside exposure to the sun, seawater, chlorine, sweat and the use of air conditioning, can cause dryness and irritation of the scalp and harm the appearance and texture of the hair.
It is important to distinguish between shedding from the root and hair breakage. Heat damage, sun, chlorine, saltwater and chemical treatments can cause breakage along the hair shaft, which is not the same as shedding that originates from the life cycle of the hair follicle.
What is the connection to stress?
Autumn arrives for many alongside a return to work and study routines, so it can also be a period of burden and pressure. Significant and prolonged stress can affect the hair cycle and cause increased shedding, sometimes even a while after the event or period that led to the stress.
Therefore, if shedding is particularly significant, one should not automatically assume that it is "autumn shedding." There are many other factors that can cause shedding, including hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, certain illnesses, medications and various scalp conditions.
When is shedding natural and when should it be checked?
Naturally, we lose dozens of hairs every day. Increased shedding during a specific period can be temporary, but it is important to pay attention to changes in the pattern of shedding.
You should consult a dermatologist if:
The shedding continues over time without improvement.
Focused thinning or an area of baldness appears.
The part in the hair widens significantly or a receding hairline appears.
The shedding is accompanied by significant itching, redness, pain or another change in the scalp.
Particularly sudden or massive shedding appears.
In such cases, a medical examination can help understand the cause of the shedding and whether additional tests or treatment are necessary.
So how can you protect your hair during the transition period?
Balanced nutrition: Hair needs nutrients, so it is important to maintain a varied menu that provides protein, iron, zinc, vitamins and minerals. There is no need to automatically start taking nutritional supplements. In case of suspected deficiency, consult a doctor and perform tests as needed.
Reduce heat and chemical damage: Frequent use of straighteners, high-heat blow-drying and chemical treatments can weaken the hair and increase breakage. Give hair a rest as much as possible and prefer moderate heat use.
Gentle hair and scalp care: Washing as needed, avoiding tight pulling of the hair and gentle combing can help prevent unnecessary mechanical damage.
Treat the scalp if there are symptoms: Persistent dryness, dandruff, itching or redness are not necessarily part of normal seasonal shedding. If they appear or worsen, a check-up is recommended.
Tests as needed: When shedding is significant or prolonged, a doctor may recommend a medical evaluation and blood tests according to the clinical history, such as iron levels, thyroid function or other indicators.
Ultimately, hair shedding is a symptom and not a diagnosis in itself. If it is temporary and seasonal shedding, it may resolve on its own. On the other hand, prolonged or significant shedding, or shedding accompanied by thinning or scalp symptoms, requires evaluation to identify the cause and tailor treatment.
The writer is Dr. Sivan Mercer, a specialist in dermatology.