Seeing more hair in your brush this season? Here’s what you need to know.
As the weather gets cooler and summer fades away, you may notice something else changing — more hair in your brush, shower, or on your clothes.
Before you worry, seasonal shedding can happen, and seeing a little extra hair doesn't automatically mean something is wrong.
Why Does Hair Shed More in the Fall?
Our hair naturally moves through different stages. Some hairs grow, some rest, and some eventually fall out to make room for new growth.
For some people, this cycle can mean noticing more shedding during certain times of the year.
You may notice:
More strands in your hairbrush
Extra hair when shampooing
Hair on your pillow or clothing
More loose strands when detangling
Your hairbrush filling up a little faster than usual
What’s Considered Normal?
A certain amount of daily hair shedding is normal.
Seasonal shedding is generally temporary, and you may simply notice more loose strands for a period of time before things settle down.
The important thing is to look at your overall hair, rather than focusing on every individual strand.
Ask yourself:
Does my hair still look about the same overall?
Is my part staying the same?
Does my ponytail feel about the same thickness?
Am I seeing new growth?
If your overall hair density looks unchanged, a little extra shedding may not be cause for concern.
When Should You Pay Attention?
It's a good idea to take notice if you see changes such as:
Sudden or excessive shedding
A noticeably wider part
A thinner ponytail
Bald or visibly sparse areas
Hair coming out in handfuls
Shedding that continues or becomes worse
Scalp irritation, itching, or pain
These changes can have many possible causes, so a dermatologist can help determine what may be happening.
Simple Ways to Care for Your Hair
While you can't control every part of the hair-growth cycle, you can be gentle with your hair.
Try to:
Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner
Avoid very tight hairstyles
Limit excessive heat styling
Be gentle when brushing wet hair
Avoid unnecessary chemical treatments
Eat a balanced, nutritious diet
Give your hair time to rest between heat or chemical treatments
Don’t Let Your Hairbrush Scare You
Finding extra strands in your brush can be alarming, especially when you notice it happening more often.
But remember: hair naturally sheds as part of its normal growth cycle.
The key is to watch for a change in your overall hair — not just the number of strands you see each day.
A little extra shedding may be seasonal.
Noticeable thinning is something to pay attention to.
If you’re concerned about ongoing or significant hair loss, talking with a dermatologist can help you understand what’s causing it and what options may be available.
Your hair has seasons too. A little extra shedding doesn't always mean something is wrong — sometimes, it’s simply part of the cycle.