Why do we lose more hair in the fall? A trichologist explains

    Posted by Lisemarie Chevalier on September 10, 2025
    Pourquoi perdons-nous plus de cheveux à l’automne? L’explication d’une trichologue

    It's not just trees that lose their leaves in the fall... our hair does too! Many women (and men) notice that their brush fills up faster than usual when they return to school. Don't panic: this is a natural and temporary phenomenon, well known in trichology.

    The hair cycle

    Each hair goes through a three-phase cycle:

    • Anagen phase (growth) : the hair grows actively for 2 to 7 years.

    • Catagen phase (transition) : the hair stops growing for approximately 2 to 3 weeks.

    • Telogen phase (resting/shedding) : The hair detaches and falls out, making way for new growth. This phase lasts approximately 3 months.

    Normally, 10 to 15% of our hair is in the telogen phase. This explains a daily loss of 50 to 100 hairs .

    Why more in the fall?

    Studies have shown that in late summer and early fall , the proportion of hair in the telogen phase is higher. After protecting the scalp from the sun during the summer, some of our hair completes its cycle and falls out at the same time. As a result, we feel like we're losing much more hair than usual.

    Aggravating factors

    • Summer exposure : sun, chlorine, sea salt weaken the fiber.

    • Deficiencies : After summer, the body may lack certain vitamins and minerals (iron, zinc, biotin, vitamin B).

    • Back-to-school stress : professional or family pressure which can accentuate the fall.

    • Hormonal changes : perimenopause, postpartum or hormonal variations.

    What to remember

    This seasonal hair loss is reversible . It usually lasts 6 to 12 weeks and gives way to new growth.

    Tips to support your hair

    1. Adopt a gentle routine : shampoo without harsh sulfates, nourishing care without heavy silicones.

    2. Pamper your scalp : regular massages to stimulate microcirculation.

    3. Focus on nutrition : protein, iron, zinc, omega-3 and hydration are essential.

    4. Avoid excessive heat : flat irons, hair dryers that are too hot, hairstyles that are too tight.

    At Lasève, our treatments based on mineral-rich maple water and local botanical ingredients offer natural support to hair during times of fragility.

     

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