Why Is My Hair Shedding More In Spring And When To Actually Worry

It starts subtly—a few extra strands on your brush, more clogging the shower drain, or a noticeable thinning at the crown. Then it hits you: your hair is shedding more than usual. If this surge coincides with the arrival of spring, you’re not alone. Seasonal hair shedding affects millions, yet it often triggers anxiety about long-term hair loss. The truth? A moderate increase in shedding during spring is typically natural. But knowing the difference between normal seasonal shedding and a sign of something more serious is essential for peace of mind—and effective intervention.

This article explores the science behind increased hair fall in spring, explains the hair growth cycle’s role, identifies red flags that warrant medical attention, and provides practical steps to support scalp and hair health year-round.

The Science Behind Spring Hair Shedding

Hair doesn’t shed randomly. It follows a predictable biological rhythm influenced by hormones, environment, and seasonal shifts. Research published in The Journal of Investigative Dermatology confirms that human hair has a seasonal growth pattern, with peak shedding occurring in summer and early autumn—but many people report increased loss in spring.

Why the discrepancy? The answer lies in timing. Hair follicles enter a resting phase called telogen in late winter or early spring. This phase lasts roughly 2–3 months before the hair detaches and falls out. So, if follicles began transitioning in January or February, the fallout becomes visible around April or May—just as flowers bloom.

This phenomenon may be an evolutionary adaptation. Thicker winter hair provided insulation; once temperatures rise, shedding excess strands could help regulate body heat. While modern living has reduced our reliance on such adaptations, our biology still responds to light exposure, temperature changes, and hormonal fluctuations tied to seasons.

“Seasonal shedding is real and measurable. We see a consistent uptick in telogen effluvium cases from March through June, largely driven by photoperiod changes.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Board-Certified Dermatologist and Hair Specialist

Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle

To assess whether your shedding is normal, it helps to understand how hair grows. Each strand passes through three distinct phases:

• Anagen (growth phase): Lasts 2–7 years. About 85–90% of your hair is in this phase at any time.
• Catagen (transition phase): A short 2–3 week period where growth stops and the follicle shrinks.
• Telogen (resting phase): Lasts about 3 months. After this, the hair sheds naturally, making way for new growth.

Normally, 50–100 hairs enter the telogen phase daily and fall out. In spring, this number can rise temporarily to 120–150 without cause for alarm—especially if the shedding resolves within a few weeks.

However, prolonged or excessive shedding beyond this range may indicate chronic telogen effluvium, a condition where too many follicles shift into resting mode simultaneously due to internal stressors like nutritional deficiencies, illness, or hormonal imbalances.

Common Triggers of Increased Spring Shedding

While seasonality plays a key role, several factors can amplify hair loss during spring:

1. Vitamin D fluctuations: Winter sun deprivation can lead to low vitamin D levels, which are linked to hair follicle dysfunction. As sunlight returns, the body begins correcting deficiencies, sometimes triggering temporary shedding as part of the reset process.
2. Allergies and inflammation: Seasonal allergies release histamines that can irritate the scalp and disrupt follicle function. Chronic scratching or inflammation may weaken hair roots.
3. Dietary shifts: Many people eat heavier, processed foods in winter. A sudden switch to lighter spring diets can create nutritional gaps—particularly in iron, zinc, and protein—that impact hair strength.
4. Stress and sleep disruption: Post-holiday fatigue, work pressure, or disrupted routines can elevate cortisol, pushing more follicles into telogen.
5. Harsh weather transitions: Cold, dry winter air followed by windy, humid spring conditions can dehydrate the scalp and damage fragile strands.

Tip: Monitor your shedding over 2–3 weeks. Collect fallen hairs from brushing and washing to estimate daily loss. Consistency matters more than a single bad day.

When to Worry: Red Flags That Signal More Than Seasonal Shedding

Not all hair loss is benign. While seasonal shedding tends to be diffuse—spread evenly across the scalp—certain signs suggest an underlying issue requiring professional evaluation.

Normal Seasonal Shedding	Cause for Concern
Shedding lasts 4–6 weeks	Persists beyond 3 months
Fairly even distribution	Visible thinning or bald patches
No scalp irritation	Itching, flaking, or redness
Hair feels strong at root	Roots appear weak, brittle, or miniaturized
No family history of baldness	Patterned loss (receding hairline, crown thinning)

If you notice clumps coming out when you run your fingers through your hair, widening part lines, or a sudden change in hair texture, consult a dermatologist. Conditions like female or male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases (e.g., alopecia areata), or iron deficiency anemia can mimic seasonal shedding but require targeted treatment.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Spring Shedding Journey

Sarah, a 34-year-old teacher, noticed alarming hair loss every April for three consecutive years. Each spring, she’d find hair on her clothes, in her food, and in the sink. Fearing permanent baldness, she tried expensive shampoos and serums with little success.

During her fourth year, she tracked her shedding and visited a trichologist. Blood tests revealed low ferritin (stored iron) and suboptimal vitamin D—both common after long winters with limited sun and inconsistent diet. She wasn’t consuming enough red meat or leafy greens, and her indoor lifestyle limited UV exposure.

With supplements, dietary adjustments, and a gentle scalp care routine, Sarah’s shedding normalized within eight weeks. Her experience underscores a crucial point: seasonal patterns may expose pre-existing vulnerabilities rather than cause hair loss outright.

Action Plan: How to Support Healthy Hair in Spring

You can’t stop seasonal shedding entirely, but you can minimize its impact and strengthen your hair against stressors. Follow this checklist to promote resilience:

Checklist: Spring Hair Care Essentials

• ✅ Get blood work: Check ferritin, vitamin D, B12, TSH, and iron levels
• ✅ Increase protein intake: Include eggs, fish, legumes, and lean meats daily
• ✅ Use sulfate-free shampoo: Prevents stripping natural oils
• ✅ Limit heat styling: Reduce blow-drying, curling, and flat-iron use
• ✅ Massage scalp 3x/week: Stimulates circulation and reduces tension
• ✅ Wear hats outdoors: Protects from pollen and UV damage
• ✅ Stay hydrated: Dry scalp exacerbates breakage

Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Spring Shedding

1. Week 1: Assess & Document
   Count fallen hairs over three non-consecutive days. Note areas of thinning and take photos for comparison.
2. Week 2: Review Lifestyle Factors
   Evaluate diet, sleep quality, stress levels, and recent illnesses. Have you had surgery, stopped birth control, or started a new medication?
3. Week 3: Schedule Medical Screening
   Request a complete blood count (CBC), ferritin, vitamin D, thyroid panel, and hormone levels. Share your concerns with your doctor.
4. Week 4: Optimize Routine
   Switch to a gentle shampoo, incorporate a weekly scalp oil (like rosemary or peppermint diluted in carrier oil), and add a hair-support supplement if deficient.
5. Ongoing: Monitor & Adjust
   Reassess every four weeks. If shedding declines, maintain habits. If it worsens, seek specialist care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to lose 150 hairs a day in spring?

A temporary rise to 120–150 hairs per day during spring can be normal, especially if it subsides within 4–6 weeks. However, sustained loss above 100/day warrants investigation. Track consistently over time rather than reacting to single-day spikes.

Can allergies cause hair loss?

Allergies don’t directly cause hair loss, but chronic scalp itching and inflammation from allergic reactions can damage follicles. Additionally, some antihistamines list hair thinning as a rare side effect. Treating allergies effectively may reduce secondary shedding.

Will my hair grow back after seasonal shedding?

Yes. Seasonal shedding is telogen effluvium, which is reversible. New hair typically begins growing within 3–6 months after the trigger resolves. Unlike genetic baldness, the follicles remain intact and capable of regrowth.

Conclusion: Listen to Your Body, Not Just the Calendar

Spring hair shedding is a common, often misunderstood experience. While seasonal changes play a real role in hair cycles, they rarely act alone. More often, they reveal deeper imbalances—nutritional, hormonal, or emotional—that deserve attention.

Instead of panicking over extra strands, use this time as a signal to tune in. Are you eating well? Managing stress? Getting enough rest? These fundamentals matter far more than any trendy serum. With thoughtful care, most people see their hair return to normal density by early summer.

🚀 Take action today: Pick one step from the checklist—book a blood test, adjust your diet, or start a scalp massage routine—and commit to it this week. Small changes build lasting results. Share your experience in the comments to help others feel less alone.