Shedding Season: Is it normal?
Hair Myth:
“More brushing makes hair grow faster.”
Truth: Over-brushing can actually cause breakage, especially during seasonal shedding.
Every spring, a lot of people start to notice more hair in the shower drain, on their brush, or on their bathroom floor. It can feel alarming at first, especially if it seems to happen suddenly. But in many cases, spring shedding is actually a normal seasonal shift your body goes through.
Hair growth follows natural cycles, and those cycles can be influenced by changes in daylight, temperature, and even stress levels. Spring is one of the times when that cycle tends to reset a bit, which can lead to increased shedding for a short period.
Why Spring Shedding Happens
Hair grows in three phases: growth, transition, and shedding. At any given time, most of your hair is in the growth phase, while a smaller percentage is preparing to shed.
Seasonal changes can shift how many hairs move into that shedding phase at once. As the days get longer and your body adjusts from winter into spring, more hair follicles can enter the release phase together. The result is a noticeable increase in shedding over a few weeks.
It’s similar to how some animals shed their coats when the seasons change. Humans experience a milder version of that same biological rhythm.
Winter habits can also contribute. Less sunlight, more stress, changes in diet, and wearing hats frequently can all affect the scalp environment and hair cycle. When spring arrives, your body begins adjusting again, and that transition can temporarily increase shedding.
What’s Normal vs. Excessive
On average, it’s normal to shed 50–100 hairs per day. During seasonal shedding, that number can temporarily increase.
Signs that shedding is likely normal include:
Hair falling evenly across the scalp
Increased hair in the shower or brush for a few weeks
No visible thinning patches or widening parts
New baby hairs starting to appear around the hairline
However, shedding may be worth looking into if you notice:
Clumps of hair coming out consistently
Visible thinning areas or scalp showing through
Shedding lasting longer than a couple of months
Sudden changes after illness, major stress, or hormonal shifts
In those cases, it can be helpful to speak with a stylist or healthcare provider to rule out underlying causes.
How to Support Healthy Regrowth
The good news is that seasonal shedding usually means new hair is preparing to grow in.
Supporting the scalp and hair during this time can help encourage healthy regrowth.
Focus on keeping the scalp clean and balanced. Product buildup, excess oil, or dry flakes can create an environment that isn’t ideal for hair growth. Gentle scalp exfoliation or occasional clarifying can help reset things.
Nutrition also plays a role. Hair growth relies on adequate protein, iron, and key vitamins, so maintaining a balanced diet helps support the growth cycle.
Be gentle with your hair as well. Avoid excessive heat styling, tight hairstyles, or over-brushing when shedding is higher. These can cause unnecessary breakage that adds to the hair you’re already losing naturally.
Stress and Seasonal Shifts
Stress is another factor that can influence shedding. Emotional stress, illness, major life changes, or even the accumulated fatigue of winter can push more hair into the shedding phase.
The good news is that this type of shedding is often temporary. Once the body returns to balance, the hair cycle usually normalizes and regrowth begins.
If you’ve ever noticed short baby hairs popping up along your hairline after a shedding phase, that’s typically a sign that the growth cycle is restarting.
A Temporary Phase
Seeing more hair shed during spring can feel unsettling, but for many people, it’s simply part of the body’s natural rhythm.
Seasonal shedding usually passes within a few weeks as new hair begins to grow in. With gentle care, a healthy scalp, and a little patience, your hair typically returns to its normal fullness as the season continues.
Stylist Note From Jen:
“If your hair has been feeling different this season and you’re not sure why, mention it at your next appointment. Seasonal changes show up in hair more than most people realize.”
Product Spotlight:
My favorite collagen supplement keeps my hair and skin healthy! Great to help with that shedding hair.
New customers, use my code SHAREYL at checkout.