If you've noticed more strands in your hairbrush or a fuller plug than usual, you're not imagining it – early autumn is peak season for seasonal hair shedding. Consultant dermatologist and founder of Rhute, Dr Aamna Adel, says 'there's a recognised pattern of increased shedding in late summer and autumn, and it's backed by research rather than being an old wives' tale.'
Why does hair shed more in autumn?
All year round, hair is actively growing, with a small proportion in a resting phase before falling out – a normal process. However, hair enters this phase over summer and is released by the time leaves start falling. Add a summer of sun, heat, salt water and chlorine, and Dr Adel explains that hair is left more fragile, so the seasonal shed can have an even bigger impact.
Losing 50 to 100 hairs a day is classified as normal, especially for those with thicker hair. But there's plenty you can do to support your scalp and keep strands healthy throughout autumn and winter, whether by tweaking your routine, trying targeted treatments, or rethinking styling habits.
When should you worry about shedding?
Seeing hair in your brush, on your pillow, or in the shower drain is part of the natural hair cycle rather than a sign something's wrong, says Dr Adel. 'The point to pay attention to is a sustained change from your own baseline, so noticeably more hair than usual over weeks and months, more scalp showing through, or a ponytail that feels distinctly thinner.'
If hair is coming out in patches, or there are other underlying changes such as increased fatigue or unusual periods, it could point to a specific cause. 'If any of that sounds familiar, that's the point to get it properly assessed rather than wait,' she said.
Shedding vs hair loss: what's the difference?
According to Dr Sabika Karim, an aesthetic doctor, GP and founder of Skin Medical, shedding is a natural, temporary release of dead hair strands from healthy follicles, whereas hair loss, or alopecia, happens when hair follicles are damaged, shrink or stop producing new hair. Dr Adel says the simplest way to understand it is that shedding is hair being released as part of your regular hair cycle, whereas hair thinning is a sustained loss of hair that isn't being fully replaced.
Some shedding is normal, and noticing it in your hair brushing doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong. Additionally, hair washing will dislodge hair that was going to shed anyway.
Everyday habits that can make shedding worse
If you love a straightener or curling wand, it might be worth easing up if you're noticing increased shedding, says Dr Adel: 'Excessive heat styling weakens the hair fibre and increases breakage, so using a heat protectant and easing off the heat helps, and frequent or back-to-back bleaching is one of the most damaging things you can do, as it compromises the hair's structure.'
Another common cause of breakage is being rough with wet hair when brushing, which is why it's worth investing in a detangling spray and gentle brush. Our go-to is Cécred Detangling Spray, lightly moisturising and suitable for all hair types, also usable on wigs, hair extensions and weaves. It smells incredible, and a few spritzes is enough to help detangle even the knottiest hair. Brush-wise, the WetBrush Speed Dry Brush is reliable for knotty hair after washing, gliding through strands without wincing and minimising damage from tugging delicate tresses.
Scalp care: key to reducing shedding
Both experts agree that scalp care is central to a healthy head of hair and vital to reducing shedding. 'The condition of your scalp, and whether it's inflamed, clogged, or unhealthy has a direct impact on the hair follicles because it can impact them anchoring the strands, resulting in premature fallout and weak regrowth,' says Dr Karim.
One way to combat shedding and support your scalp barrier is with a scalp serum, says Dr Adel, who recommends ingredients like niacinamide, panthenol, caffeine and peptides. Her own creation, Rhute's Density Repair Hair Growth Scalp Serum, combines all these ingredients and is well loved by Metro's junior publisher, Sarah Bradbury. It also helps reduce flakiness and balance an oily scalp, with a precise pipette bottle that can be applied directly to your scalp.
The Ordinary's Multi-Peptide Serum is an affordable option that gives the appearance of fullness, using a blend of peptides and plant extracts to create the optimum scalp conditions for healthier hair growth. The Dove Soothing Hydration Scalp Serum is also popular among Boots shoppers and is just a tenner. One reviewer said: 'It's lightweight, non-greasy and helps relieve dryness without weighing my hair down. A great addition to my hair care routine.'
If you are introducing a scalp serum into your routine, be patient, as results won't happen overnight. 'Hair grows slowly, at around a centimetre a month, and the growth cycle is slow to respond,' says Dr Adel, who adds, 'as a general guide, give any product at least three to six months of consistent use before judging whether it's working, and often longer to see the full benefit. You may notice your scalp feeling healthier and your hair looking better fairly quickly, but genuine changes in shedding and density take months, not weeks. The most common reason people think a product hasn't worked is that they stop too early, so consistency over time is what really matters.'
