You notice more hairs on your brush, in the shower or on your clothes, and your first thought is that something is wrong. Hair loss can become worrying, especially when it seems to start suddenly even though you haven't changed anything in your hair care routine. At certain times of the year, however, you may notice a temporary increase in shedding.

Seasonal hair loss does exist, but not every episode that occurs in autumn or spring can automatically be blamed on the season. Its duration, intensity and any visible changes in hair density are important clues.

Hair has its own life cycle

Each hair goes through several stages. During the growth phase, called anagen, the hair keeps developing. This is followed by a short transition period and then the telogen phase, in which the hair prepares to fall out and be replaced.

This is why losing a certain number of hairs every day is a physiological process. Not all hairs are at the same stage at the same time, which allows the scalp to maintain its density. At certain times of the year, however, more hairs may reach the shedding phase simultaneously, and the difference becomes noticeable when you wash or brush your hair.

Why can there be a seasonal component?

The hair follicle cycle can show seasonal variations. Some people notice more pronounced shedding towards the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, without this necessarily indicating a medical condition.

If the episode is moderate and temporary, and hair density stays roughly the same, things may gradually return to normal. The problem arises when the explanation "it's just the season" leads people to put off having persistent or unusually heavy hair loss evaluated.

Stress can have delayed effects

An episode of diffuse hair loss can also appear a few months after a demanding period for the body. Intense stress, fever, certain illnesses, surgery, rapid weight loss or major changes in diet can push a larger number of hairs into the telogen phase. This phenomenon is called telogen effluvium. It is precisely the time lag between the trigger and the actual shedding that sometimes makes the cause hard to identify.

Diet and hormones can affect hair health

The hair follicle is an active structure, and its function can be influenced by your overall health. Iron deficiency, insufficient protein intake or other nutritional deficiencies can contribute to hair loss.

Hormonal changes can also play a role. Thyroid disorders, hormonal changes after childbirth, menopause or certain hormonal imbalances can alter the rhythm of hair growth and shedding. This is why treatment should not be chosen based on how the hair looks alone, without identifying the cause.

What signs should catch your attention?

Hair loss that continues for a long time, visible thinning or well-defined bald patches are worth investigating. The same applies if you develop persistent itching, redness, scaling, pain or lesions on the scalp.

Another important warning sign is a gradually widening part or a receding hairline. These changes may point to other types of alopecia and require a different approach from the one used for seasonal shedding.

Why is diagnosis important before treatment?

There are countless shampoos, supplements and treatments for hair loss, but how well they work depends on the cause of the problem. A cosmetic product cannot correct, for example, a significant deficiency or a scalp condition.

A dermatology consultation allows the scalp and hair to be examined, the shedding pattern to be assessed and, when needed, further tests or investigations to be recommended. CorePrime's dermatology services, for example, can help identify the cause and set out an approach tailored to each patient, especially when hair loss persists or begins to visibly affect density.

A few weeks of noticing more hair falling out is not automatically a cause for concern. What matters is how it evolves. If the shedding continues, becomes more intense, or you notice changes in your scalp and hair density, it is worth investigating. Instead of waiting for the season to change to see whether the problem goes away, keep an eye on how your hair evolves. Sometimes it is just a temporary cycle; other times, hair loss is the first sign that a deeper cause needs to be found.