Does Autumn Increase Hair Shedding? The Truth About the Fall Hair Cycle

Our hair goes through stages just like the seasons. Here’s what to expect during the fall.

As the leaves begin to change and the weather cools, many people notice more hair shedding than usual. If you’ve ever found more hair in your brush or shower during the fall months, you’re not alone.

Seasonal shedding is a real and common experience. Just like the seasons, your hair follows in natural cycles, and autumn is often a time when those cycles become more noticeable.

Let’s take a closer look at why this happens and how you can support your hair through it.

Key Takeaways: The Fall Hair Shedding Cycle at a Glance

• Why It Happens: Late-summer shifts into the resting (telogen) phase, cumulative summer sun and heat stress, and cooler, drier autumn air can trigger noticeable shedding.
• How Long It Lasts: Normal seasonal hair shedding is temporary and typically lasts 6–8 weeks as new growth begins beneath the surface.
• How to Support Your Hair: Nourish follicles internally with Viviscal PRO supplements, hydrate your scalp gently, minimize styling stress, and add instant fullness with Toppik Hair Building Fibres.

Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle

Each strand of hair goes through a natural cycle made up of three main phases:

• Anagen (Growth Phase): Hair is actively growing
• Catagen (Transition Phase): Growth slows, and the follicle begins to shrink
• Telogen (Shedding Phase): Hair rests before shedding and making way for new growth

At any given time, most of your hair is in the growth phase. However, environmental and seasonal changes can influence how many hairs shift into the shedding phase at once.

Why Does Hair Shed More in the Fall?

There are a few reasons why autumn can trigger increased shedding:

Seasonal Cycle Shifts

Some research suggests that more hair enters the resting (telogen) phase in late summer, leading to increased shedding in early fall.

Summer Stress on Hair

Sun exposure, heat, sweat, and outdoor activities during summer can weaken the hair and scalp, making strands more prone to shedding later on.

Environmental Changes

Cooler temperatures and drier air can affect scalp hydration, which may influence the overall health of your hair.

The result? A temporary increase in shedding that is often part of a natural cycle.

How Long Does Fall Shedding Last?

For most people, seasonal shedding lasts 6–8 weeks. During this time, you may notice more hair fall than usual, but new growth is already beginning beneath the surface.

If shedding continues beyond a few months or becomes more severe, it may be worth exploring additional factors such as stress, nutrition, or hormonal changes.

How to Support Your Hair During the Fall Cycle

While you can’t completely stop seasonal shedding, you can support your hair and scalp to help minimize its impact and encourage healthier growth.

1. Nourish Hair from Within

Supporting your hair at the follicle level is one of the most important steps.

Viviscal PRO supplements provide nutrients such as AminoMar™ marine complex, biotin, vitamin C, and amino acids that help support the hair growth cycle over time.

Consistency with your Viviscal PRO routine is key — especially during seasonal transitions. Choosing our Subscribe & Save auto-replenish option ensures you never miss a daily dose while your hair moves through its natural growth cycle.

2. Maintain a Healthy Scalp Environment

A balanced scalp supports stronger hair growth.

Using gentle products like the Viviscal PRO Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner (also available individually as the Viviscal PRO Thickening Shampoo and Viviscal PRO Thickening Conditioner) helps cleanse without stripping natural oils, while the Viviscal PRO Thickening Elixir adds lightweight hydration and protection.

A healthy scalp helps create the ideal environment for new growth.

3. Be Gentle with Your Hair

Hair can be more fragile during shedding periods, so it’s important to reduce stress on the strands. These small changes can help prevent additional breakage:

• Avoid tight hairstyles
• Use a wide-tooth comb instead of aggressive brushing
• Limit heat styling when possible
• Use soft hair ties or scrunchies

4. Boost Confidence While Shedding Stabilizes

Even though seasonal shedding is temporary, it can still impact how your hair looks and feels.

For instant support:

• Toppik Hair Building Fibres help reduce scalp visibility and add the appearance of fullness (pair with the Toppik Spray Applicator for precise root and part-line application)
• Keratherapy Fibre Hair Thickener Spray enhances colour and density for a more even look

These solutions help you feel confident while your natural growth cycle resets.

It’s important to remember that seasonal shedding is not a sign that your hair is permanently thinning. In most cases, it’s simply your hair moving through a natural phase of renewal.

With the right care, your hair will continue its cycle, and new growth will follow.

Autumn shedding can feel surprising, but it’s often a normal part of your hair’s seasonal rhythm. By understanding the hair growth cycle and supporting your hair with gentle care, proper nutrition, and consistent routines, you can move through this phase with confidence.