Seasonal Hair Loss in Women: What It Is and What You Can Do About It

“Practically, it’s likelier to be noticed if you have more hair, as women often do,” says Ranella Hirsch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Fortunately, most cases of this type of hair loss are temporary and nothing to be overly concerned about. People with seasonal hair loss rarely feel their overall hair volume is thinning, says Mary Lupo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of the Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology in New Orleans.

Here’s what women should know about normal hair shedding and when you may be experiencing a different type of hair issue that should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

Some evolutionary theories about seasonal hair loss are also in play.

“Anthropologically, there was an advantage for hair to be thickest in winter for protection from cold,” says Dr. Lupo. “To get an increase in new hair, you must shed the existing hair.” This process is known as the hair growth cycle.

The Hair Growth Cycle

“Hair growth exists in cycles,” says Dr. Hirsch, which includes normal shedding.

• Anagen This is the active growth phase, when hair comes out of the follicle, lasting anywhere from two to eight years.
• Catagen During this two- to three-week transitional phase, hair follicles shrink and hair growth slows.
• Telogen In this resting phase, hair stops growing but doesn’t fall out. The scalp stays in this stage for about two to three months.
• Exogen Hair is actively shed from the scalp, which allows new hair to grow.

Other Reasons for Hair Loss

Beyond shedding season, there are several reasons that more hair might fall out than usual:

• Telogen Effluvium This is a temporary form of hair loss triggered by stress, such as from illness, surgery, or nutrient deficiencies. It typically shows up a few months after the stressful event.

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• Anagen Effluvium Also a temporary condition, it’s most common after chemotherapy but can be associated with radiation or exposure to toxins. Hair may fall out quickly, but it typically grows back within a few months.

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• Alopecia Areata This is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles, leading to patches of hair loss.

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• Androgenetic Alopecia Also known as female pattern hair loss, this the most prevalent type of permanent hair loss in women. The hair thins at the crown of the head or the part line becomes wider. It’s a progressive, chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment.

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• Nutritional Deficiencies A diet lacking sufficient vitamins and minerals can have a negative impact on hair health.

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• Hormonal Changes Shifts in estrogen levels after pregnancy or due to thyroid disorders can disrupt the hair growth cycle and lead to increased shedding a few months later.

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• Use a gentle shampoo and apply moisturizing conditioner afterward to reduce breakage. “I like zinc-based shampoos,” which can help promote better hair health, says Lupo.

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• Brush or comb hair gently.
• Avoid tight hairstyles.
• Reduce heat styling with blow dryers, curling irons, flat irons, and hot oil treatments.
• Stop playing with your hair.
• If you’re a smoker, quit.
• Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamin D, including fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified cereals.

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Lupo says to see a dermatologist in these circumstances:

• Your hairline is moving back noticeably.
• You’re experiencing hair loss along with signs of hormonal issues, such as acne or irregular periods.
• You have excessive flaking.
• Your head or scalp is itchy.
• You have pustules or redness on your scalp.

Other common signs of hair loss in women include the following:

• Noticeable patches of thinner or missing hair
• Seeing scalp skin through your hair
• Noticing thinner ponytails
• Hair breakage

• Seasonal hair shedding is usually temporary and part of the hair’s natural growth cycle. It tends to peak in summer, and it’s considered typical to lose 50 to 100 hairs per day.
• Not all hair loss is seasonal. Conditions like telogen effluvium, autoimmune conditions, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, and genetic hair loss may be the cause if shedding is persistent or unusual.
• If your hair loss is more extreme, see a dermatologist to discuss topical and oral medications that may be used long term to slow and prevent hair loss.