Does Your Hair Shed More in Autumn? Here’s What You Should Know

Why Your Hair Sheds More in Autumn—And How to Care for It Holistically

You know that moment in autumn when the trees start to let go of their leaves, surrendering them to the wind? And then, almost on cue, you’re in the shower, running your fingers through your hair, only to watch strands slip away like the last golden leaves of the season? Yeah, I’ve been there too.

If your hair seems to be shedding more than usual this time of year, don’t panic—it’s not just you, and it’s not a sign that something’s wrong. It’s part of a deeply ingrained biological rhythm, a quiet reminder that we too are part of the natural world. So let’s step into the wisdom of the seasons and explore why autumnal hair shedding happens—and what you can do to nourish your hair through the shift.

Why Does Hair Shed More in Autumn?

We humans, like the rest of the natural world, are not separate from seasonal cycles. Just as animals molt and trees release their leaves in preparation for winter, our bodies follow a quiet, ancestral pattern of letting go.

During the sunnier months of spring and summer, your hair flourishes in what’s called the anagen phase, or growth phase. It’s almost as if your body is instinctively providing a natural shield against the sun’s intensity. But as the light begins to wane in autumn, those same hair follicles shift into the telogen phase—a resting and shedding period.

And the science backs this up. A study published in Dermatology and research from the Cleveland Clinic both point to a spike in seasonal hair shedding in late summer and early fall. Normally, about 5% of your hair is in the telogen phase at any given time. But in autumn? That number can climb, sometimes leading to a temporary increase in shedding—from about 100 strands a day to up to 300.

But here’s the key takeaway: this is normal. Your hair is simply cycling through its natural rhythm, just like the rest of the living world. The goal isn’t to stop the shedding but to support your scalp and hair so that when spring arrives again, your strands emerge stronger than before.

How to Support Your Hair Through Fall Shedding

Much like trees deepen their roots before winter, this is a time to nourish your body and hair from the inside out. Let’s talk about a few holistic ways to keep your hair thriving through the season.

1. Eat With Your Hair in Mind

Your hair is a reflection of what you nourish yourself with, and as we transition into cooler months, your diet plays an even bigger role in hair health. A Mediterranean-style diet, rich in healthy fats, lean proteins, and vibrant greens, is ideal. Protein is especially key—aim for a minimum of about 40-60g per day (or closer to 100g if you have conditions like PCOS, which can contribute to hair thinning).

2. Consider Key Supplements

If you’ve been noticing more shedding, certain nutrients can offer extra support. A multivitamin with biotin, iron, and vitamin D can help fortify hair from within. Iron deficiency, in particular, has been linked to hair loss, so if you follow a plant-based diet or have heavy cycles, it might be worth checking your levels.

3. Slow Down & Manage Stress

Stress isn’t just a mental experience—it shows up in our bodies, and yes, even in our hair. When we’re constantly in fight-or-flight mode, stress hormones like cortisol can push hair follicles into a premature shedding phase. A few simple ways to bring more calm into your routine:

🌿Daily grounding walks in nature—breathe in the crisp autumn air, listen to the rustling leaves, and feel your nervous system settle.

✨Journaling or tea rituals—sipping a warm mug of chamomile or spearmint tea while reflecting can be surprisingly restorative.

🍂Gentle movement—whether it’s yoga, stretching, or even just tending the earth of your garden, small rituals can help regulate stress hormones and support hair health.

4. Prioritize Deep Rest

Sleep is when your body does its deepest repair work, including strengthening the roots of your hair. Adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night, and if you’re falling short, your hair might feel the effects. Try setting a nightly rhythm with herbal teas like chamomile, passionflower, or lavender to help signal to your body that it’s time to rest.

5. Herbal Teas for Hair Growth

Some herbs are nature’s secret allies for healthy hair. Drinking nettle and horsetail tea provides silica, which strengthens hair, while saw palmetto and spearmint can help balance hormones, which play a big role in seasonal shedding.

Your Simple Autumn Hair Routine

Let’s talk about what your hair actually needs during this season of transition. The goal? Gentle nourishment, protection, and circulation-boosting rituals.

Weekly Autumn Hair Rituals

🌿 Scalp Massage: On wash days (or daily if you can!), spend just 5 minutes massaging your scalp with your fingertips. This increases blood flow, delivering nutrients directly to your hair follicles. If you want to enhance the experience, use MCT oil or squalane oil, both of which won’t feed dandruff-causing fungi.

🍂 Brew & Sip Hair-Loving Teas: Start your morning with nettle and horsetail tea for strength, or spearmint and saw palmetto for hormone balance. Drinking herbs is a deeply nourishing ritual that supports your body from the inside out.

🌾 Deep Condition Weekly: Treat your hair to a deep conditioning mask once a week to protect against dryness and reduce shedding due to tangles and friction. And don’t skip conditioner after shampooing—it helps reduce breakage by keeping hair strands lubricated, making them more resistant to seasonal stress.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Cycles of Change

Seasonal shedding can be a little unnerving—watching more hair collect in your brush or shower drain is never fun. But remember, this is part of a natural cycle, not a sign of permanent loss. Just like the trees let go of their leaves to conserve energy for new growth, your body is doing something similar.

By aligning your hair care with the rhythms of nature, you’re not only supporting your hair—you’re deepening your connection to the world around you. And isn’t that a beautiful thing?

So, take a deep breath, sip your herbal tea, and trust the process. Your hair is shedding what it no longer needs, making space for the stronger strands to come.

Ready for More Holistic Hair Care?

If you’re looking for more ways to support your hair through the seasons, follow along for more tips, or explore Corvus Beauty’s selection of botanical haircare essentials—crafted with nature’s wisdom to nourish your hair, scalp, and spirit.