Each year, with the arrival of the end of summer, the same concern returns: more hair in the shower, on the brush, and on the pillow. The autumn has traditionally been associated with greater hair shedding, although the relationship between seasonal changes and shedding is not fully clear. Moreover, this shedding can begin to be noticeable from the early fall, no longer responding to a seasonal component.
Hair loss is part of its own renewal cycle and, under certain circumstances, a greater number of follicles can enter simultaneously into the phase in which the hair falls out. This is what we know as telogen effluvium. The key is to distinguish this process from a particularly intense or prolonged shedding that may indicate another triggering factor.
Autumn, the moment when it becomes more visible
“Autumn is classically associated because it is a typical period of greater hair turnover. From studies, it is not clear whether it is really autumn, whether it starts in late summer and, since we have already had several weeks, we notice it more in autumn,” explains dermatologist and trichologist Claudia Bernárdez, who is a co-founder of AB Derma Clinic. The specialist notes that there is no need to alarm oneself about a slightly higher shedding during these weeks. “In the beginning, if we notice a bit more shedding from now in August to mid-to-late September, it is not something to be frightened about.” The reason is that the hair is in constant renewal. “Telogen effluvium is a hair turnover, which means the root is healthy but that an external mechanism tells the hair to shed in order to regenerate. So there are a greater number of hairs doing so simultaneously because this is something that happens normally,” the professional points out.
Meanwhile, Dr. Alba Gómez, director of the Scientific Area at IMR and head of the Hair Medicine Unit, explains that the human hair cycle is not synchronous: we do not renew all the hair at the same time. “That is why when it becomes misaligned, we notice a noticeable and increased shedding that we call telogen effluvium. It would be a massive renewal of hair, greater than the normal one we are used to and in a short period of time.” The professional adds that “we always find a triggering factor that causes this alteration in the hair cycle.”
The moment when we should worry
Quantity is one of the elements that helps differentiate normal shedding from an effluvium. “What is normal is usually up to 100 hairs per wash, and with an effluvium it is more than that,” says Dr. Claudia Bernárdez. But not every telogen effluvium is necessarily seasonal. “Effluvium can be caused by many things; seasonal shedding is only one of them,” warns the professional. Among the reasons we find stress, illness, hormonal changes, changes in diet or certain nutritional deficiencies can act as triggers. In autumn, several factors can accumulate. “All of them can cause telogen effluviums, so when it coincides with a seasonal effluvium the problem is that the shedding will be much greater, we will have shedding as if it were two causes in one,” emphasizes Dr. Bernárdez.
Alba Gómez also notes that returning to routine can influence this context: “Not only the change of season has repercussions on this shedding, but other factors that hover over this time of year also have an impact: the return to routine with the associated stress and the loss of hair care habits and routines during the summer.”
What to do and when to consult
Once shedding starts, maintaining the same care remains important. From there, different options can be considered depending on the cause and the characteristics of each person. Dr. Alba Gómez of IMR mentions nutricosmetics, minoxidil, and melatonin as possible tools in different approaches, while Bernárdez notes that when there is an additional trigger, it is essential to identify it and treat it. What happens when we cannot control it? Seeing a specialist is essential. In consultation, specific treatments can be evaluated, such as platelet-rich plasma or fibrin, polynucleotides, antioxidants, or vitamins, always within an individualized approach.
Most seasonal shedding does not require alarm, but there are signs that justify a specialist evaluation. “We should start to worry especially when we see shedding that stands out a lot, is very excessive, or lasts a long time,” sums up Claudia Bernárdez. Alba Gómez sets out some concrete criteria: “a shedding that lasts more than six weeks, that is clearly higher than in other years at the same time, or that is accompanied by pain, itching, redness, or scalp flaking. She also recommends consulting if density loss is noticed or the appearance of alopecic plaques (bald areas).
Care for hair shedding
Shock ADN Molecular from Valquer Laboratories
Valquer Laboratories
Molecular DNA Shock is an intensive treatment indicated for the hair fiber. Its formula with actives such as vitamins B6 and B3, as well as Stimucap, stimulates the metabolism of the hair root, which reduces hair shedding. (25.75 euros)
René Furterer Triphasic Night Serum
René Furterer
More and more products are available for the nighttime routine. The new Triphasic Night Serum helps to strengthen, densify, and revitalize the hair. It features a gel texture that leaves no grease, and the formula includes niacinamide, copaifera, and essences of lavender and bergamot. (52.90 euros)
Genesis by Kerastase
Kérastase
Genesis Serum is one of the brand’s icons. A daily-use product that stops hair shedding and is recommended for fragile and weakened manes. It also provides volume. (56.90 euros)
Amino by Dyson
Dyson
The Dyson Amino leave-in treatment is indicated for the scalp. It reduces hair greasiness while preventing shedding and flaking. In short, a jack-of-all-trades that tackles different hair concerns. (52 euros)
Cosmeclinik Triconails
Cosmeclinik
Triconails is a daily-use shampoo indicated for use on hair that shows density loss or shedding. The formula combines aloe vera, vitamin B6, panthenol, salicylic acid, biotin, menthol, and methyl nicotinate. (39.50 euros)
