If your hairbrush suddenly seems fuller or you find stray strands on your pillow as the weather shifts, you’re not alone. Seasonal hair fall is one of the most common beauty concerns, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood.
While many assume it signals weak hair or poor hair care, dermatologists stress that it’s largely a natural, temporary process, and not always a cause for panic.
What Really Happens During Seasonal Hair Fall
“Seasonal hair fall is usually a natural, temporary process caused by more hair entering the telogen, or resting phase of hair follicles, especially in autumn. It is not a sign of irreversible damage. Factors such as reduced sunlight, hormonal shifts, and minor environmental stress can contribute, but this shedding often resolves on its own,” explains Dr. Prachi B. Bodkhe, Dermatologist at Envi Aesthetics.
Echoing the same, Dr. Kalyani Deshmukh, Consultant at Traya, says, “During seasonal shifts, especially after monsoon and in early autumn, more hair naturally shifts into the telogen phase. This synchronised shedding explains why hair fall often peaks around this time.”
Myths vs. Medical Reality
Contrary to popular belief, hair oils and shampoos cannot instantly halt seasonal shedding. “Coconut oil champi can be helpful, but limit it to once a week, one hour before a hair wash,” advises Dr. Bodkhe, noting that overuse or harsh treatments can do more harm than good.
It’s also important to recognise that seasonal hair fall is different from medical hair loss. “Most people shed 50–100 strands daily, and during seasonal shedding, this number can temporarily rise. But if shedding continues beyond three months, is excessive (over 150 strands a day) or leads to visible thinning, it may point to nutritional gaps, thyroid or hormonal imbalances, or scalp conditions that need medical attention,” says Dr. Deshmukh.
How to Manage It the Right Way
The best approach, experts agree, is patience and holistic care. Eating a nutrient-rich diet, practising gentle hair care, and managing stress levels all support recovery. Dr. Deshmukh emphasises, “Hair health is not just an external scalp issue, but an internally rooted one. Sustainable solutions often combine Ayurveda, Nutrition, and Allopathy to fix root causes, not just external symptoms.”
Seasonal hair fall is a natural cycle, not a catastrophe. Most shedding resolves on its own within weeks, as new growth replaces lost strands. With mindful care and medical guidance when needed, your hair will bounce back stronger, making this temporary phase just another season, not a lifelong struggle.
