Hair Loss during Fall

Losing up to 100 hairs a day is considered normal. However, many people have noticed a considerable high hair loss ratio during autumn. Why is that?

During autumn, bad hair days become more frequent. After a while, the nightmare usually comes to an end. Some believe this "phenomenon" to be similar to hair shedding that animals experience, however, this is not the case.

Why do many people tend to lose more hair during autumn?

This is due to the natural hair cycle, whereby hair growth and rest periods alternate. Typically, during the growth phase of the hair cycle, new hairs are produced. This phase can last between four to six years. The resting period kicks in thereafter. This phase is called telogen. After two to four months, the hair root starts with a new growth cycle.

The crux of the matter is that during the telogen phase, hair falls out easily. During late summer and autumn, telogen phases ("hair") are more frequent, which results in more hair falling out. The reason for this increase can be traced back to intensive sun radiation during summer. As a protection mechanism for the scalp, more hair roots switch from the growth phase to the resting phase. Approximately three to four months later, during autumn, these hairs fall out. The more sun the hair and scalp are exposed to during summer, the more hair loss will occur during autumn. Due to the fact that hair growth occurs in cycles, an increase in the telogen phase can also occur during spring. 

Counteractive Measures

It is recommended to protect the hair during the summer months and spend more time in the shade. This will cause less hair falling out during the telogen phase in autumn.

Naturally, there are other causes of hair loss, such as hormones or stress. However, if new growth is not noticeable during winter, it is advisable to seek medical help.