Autumn in your hair: why it seems to fall out right now

It’s mid-October. You step outside: the wind rustles through the trees, leaves are swirling down. You take a deep breath. But as soon as you’re back inside, on the stairs, in the shower, or in your brush… there they are. Hairs. A lot of hairs.

You’re not alone. Many people experience hair loss in autumn, and it often causes worry. “Am I losing my hair? Is this permanent? Or is it just part of the season?”

The good news: in most cases, it’s a completely natural process. Hair loss is part of your hair’s cycle and simply occurs more often in autumn. But how do you know whether your hair loss is still “normal”… or a sign that there’s more going on? And more importantly: how can you limit it?

The cycle of your hair: growth, rest, shedding

To understand why hair loss in autumn happens so often, we need to go back to the basics: the natural hair growth cycle. Every hair on your head follows a fixed pattern of three phases:

Anagen phase (growth): the longest and most active period, during which your hair grows about 1 to 1.5 cm per month. About 80 to 90% of your hairs are in this phase at the same time. This explains why your hair can keep growing as long as the follicle remains active.
Catagen phase (transition/rest): after the intensive growth period, your hair enters a transition phase. It’s a short stage of several weeks where growth stops and the follicle shrinks. Only 1 to 3% of your hairs are in this phase.
Telogen phase (shedding): this is the resting stage where the hair no longer grows and eventually falls out. The follicle lets go, making space for a new cycle to begin. On average, you lose 50 to 100 hairs per day, which is completely normal and even necessary to make room for new, healthy hair. Around 10 to 15% of your hairs are in this telogen phase at any given moment.

Although it may seem like you’re losing a lot of hair, the balance usually remains steady. While old hairs fall out, new hairs begin growing in the anagen phase. Your hair lives in a continuous rhythm of growth, rest, and renewal.

Dermatologists emphasize that this process is entirely normal. Yet external factors or seasonal influences can temporarily disrupt it. In autumn, simply more hairs enter the shedding phase at once, and that explains why your brush or shower drain suddenly seems so full.

Why specifically in autumn? Causes of hair loss in autumn

You may wonder: why does my hair shed more in autumn, and not in another season? The answer is that several factors come together. Some are biological and completely natural, while others have to do with your lifestyle or the way your hair has endured the summer.

1. Seasonal hair loss (seasonal shedding)

A study by the Department of Dermatology at the University Hospital of Zürich confirmed that seasonal hair loss is real. During summer, your body often holds on to more hairs, possibly as protection against the sun. In autumn, many of these hairs enter the shedding phase at the same time. The result: 6 to 8 weeks of noticeably more hair loss, which is usually harmless.

2. Sun, heat, and environmental damage

Summer is wonderful, but not always kind to your hair. Sun, seawater, chlorine, and styling tools weaken the cuticle and damage the hair structure. In autumn, that damage becomes visible: hairs break more easily, feel drier, and fall out more quickly. It may seem to happen “suddenly”, but in reality, autumn reveals the sum of many small stress moments your hair endured during summer.

3. Nutrition and less daylight

Your hair reflects your overall health. In summer, we often eat lighter or less regularly, which can cause deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. B, D, and E vitamins and minerals such as zinc and iron are crucial for healthy hair growth. Shortages can contribute to thin hair and more shedding.

The transition from summer to autumn also brings shorter days and less sunlight. Less sun means less vitamin D, a nutrient that influences the hair cycle and the health of your follicles.

4. Stress and hormonal fluctuations

Holidays are over, school or work starts again, and stress levels rise. Stress is notorious for its impact on the hair cycle: it can push hairs prematurely into the resting phase, leading to more shedding. Some people even notice that their scalp feels more sensitive in this period.

There are also internal factors that play a role: hormonal fluctuations (for example, after pregnancy or during menopause), thyroid problems, medication, or other medical conditions can intensify hair loss. That’s why it’s important to listen to your body and be alert if shedding becomes heavier or lasts longer.

Is hair loss in autumn normal? How far is too far?

The short answer: yes, in most cases hair loss in autumn is completely normal. Almost everyone notices more hairs left behind in their shower or brush during this season. It’s part of the natural hair cycle.

What you can consider normal:

The shedding is diffuse: spread across the scalp, not in distinct bald patches.
You temporarily lose more hairs than usual, but this typically lasts only 4 to 8 weeks. After that, the cycle stabilizes again.
Your hairstyle may seem a bit thinner or have less volume, but often you’ll see new growth return after autumn.

However, there are also situations where hair loss in the fall is more than just a seasonal phenomenon. Look out for the following signs:

Bald patches or significant thinning appear in certain areas.
The shedding continues for longer than three months without noticeable improvement.
You experience additional complaints such as itching, redness, flaking, or pain on the scalp.
You suspect internal causes such as vitamin deficiencies, hormonal problems, or a medical condition.

In these cases, it’s wise to seek advice from a doctor or dermatologist.

How can you limit hair loss in autumn? Natural solutions & tips

You can’t completely prevent hair loss in autumn, it’s part of the natural hair cycle. But there are ways to reduce shedding, strengthen your hair, and make thinning less noticeable. Here are five natural solutions you can apply right away:

1. Choose mild, natural hair care

In autumn, your hair needs extra gentleness. Avoid shampoos with harsh sulfates or strong synthetic fragrances, as they can irritate the scalp and dry out your hair. Opt instead for gentle, natural shampoos that cleanse without stripping. Wash your hair regularly, but not too often, and always use a conditioner. Once a week, a nourishing mask like the Karité Mask provides extra protection against dryness and breakage.

2. Deep nourishment for scalp & roots

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. A gentle scalp massage stimulates blood circulation, bringing more nutrients and oxygen to the follicles. This boosts hair growth and strengthens hair from the root.

For example, try a Hairborist pre-wash treatment: mix 20 ml Repair or Renovator oil with 10 drops of Aromactif or Aromasynergie. In this case, Aromasynergie Calvitien is an excellent choice, as it is specially developed to combat hair loss and rebalance the scalp. Apply generously to the scalp, massage gently, leave on for at least 20 minutes, then wash out with a mild shampoo.

3. Nutrition rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals

What you eat is reflected in your hair. Hair needs proteins as building blocks, so make sure you get enough fish, meat, legumes, or eggs. Vitamins such as B, D, and E, and minerals such as zinc and iron, play a crucial role in healthy hair growth. Deficiencies can lead to thinner hair and more shedding. If you suspect a deficiency, get tested before taking supplements.

4. Stress management & healthy lifestyle

Stress is one of the biggest triggers of hair loss. When your body is under pressure, more hairs can prematurely enter the resting phase. That’s why it’s essential to sleep well, exercise regularly, and add relaxation to your routine. This could mean yoga, breathing exercises, or simply a walk in nature. You’ll notice the difference not only in your mood but also in your hair.

5. Timely trims & care for thin hair

Do you already have thin hair or notice that your volume is decreasing quickly? Then changes are more visible. Regularly trimming your ends prevents split ends from breaking higher up.
Also use a light styling product that adds volume without weighing down the hair, such as the Hairborist Foam Lotion. This natural mousse supports your hair during blow-drying and gives fine or limp hair more body and strength, without making it heavy.

Customer story: Marieke’s autumn & thinning hair

Marieke is 45, works full-time in an office, cycles daily, and loves gardening in summer. Every autumn she noticed increased hair shedding, but this year she saw that her ponytail not only got thinner but also lost fullness.

She decided to do things differently:

She created a small “autumn ritual” with Hairborist products: twice a week a gentle scalp massage with a pre-wash treatment of Repair oil & Aromasynergie Calvitien against extreme hair loss.
She ate more consciously: more spinach, nuts, and fish, paying attention to iron and vitamin D.
She replaced her usual shampoo with the mild, sulfate-free Sensity Shampoo and used the nourishing Karité Mask once a week.
She tried to take a daily walk or moment of relaxation to reduce stress.

After six weeks she noticed less intense shedding, her hair felt less brittle, and the thinning areas were less visible. Not completely gone, but she felt stronger and less worried.

Conclusion: autumn hair needs extra attention

Yes, hair loss in autumn is usually normal. It’s part of your hair’s natural rhythm: growth, rest, and shedding. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do. With the right autumn hair care, healthy nutrition, and a balanced lifestyle, you can guide your hair more strongly through the season.

However, if shedding continues, bald spots appear, or other complaints arise, don’t wait too long and seek professional advice.

Discover our autumn essentials in the webshop or visit a Hairborist partner salon for a personalised autumn treatment.