Why You May Be Shedding More Hair in Winter — and Why It’s Usually Normal
If you’ve noticed more hair shedding lately, you’re not alone. Seasonal shedding—especially in winter—is common, temporary, and often misunderstood.
Hair, like many systems in the body, follows a natural cycle. During the warmer months, hair tends to spend more time in the anagen (growth) phase, partly influenced by longer daylight exposure and overall physiological rhythms. As daylight shortens and temperatures drop, a greater percentage of hair follicles can shift into the telogen (resting) phase.
When this happens, hair growth temporarily slows—and shedding becomes more noticeable.
Winter also creates a less supportive environment for the scalp. Colder temperatures, indoor heating, and reduced humidity can lead to dryness, increased sensitivity, and more brittle hair. Add post-holiday stress, travel, disrupted sleep, or seasonal illness, and the scalp can become more reactive—making shedding feel more pronounced.
Certain groups may notice these changes more acutely: postpartum women, individuals with sensitive scalps, those under higher stress, or anyone closely monitoring changes in their hair. Increased awareness alone can amplify concern.
Shedding Is Not the Same as Thinning
Shedding is a normal part of the hair cycle. It does not automatically mean hair loss or thinning. In fact, increased shedding often reflects a normal transition within the hair growth cycle—not a failure of hair health.
Changes in visible density tend to lag behind biological shifts. If you feel well overall, your scalp feels normal (not inflamed, painful, or irritated), and there are no sudden or extreme changes, seasonal shedding is usually within the range of normal.
What Should You Do?
The most important thing is to stay calm and consistent.
Be gentle with your scalp.
Avoid overreacting by frequently switching products.
Resist the urge to chase quick fixes.
Hair and scalp health respond best to steady routines, not constant intervention. Consistency supports the scalp environment over time, whereas frequent changes can introduce more disruption.
Supporting hair health works best when it’s approached as a routine, not a reaction.
You can read more about our approach to scalp and hair care here.
Seasonal shedding does not mean permanent loss.
There are no instant solutions—and that’s okay.
Patience isn’t passive; it’s part of how hair biology works.
One of the most common questions we hear is: Why does hair care take months to show results?
In our next post, we explain why hair care takes three to six months to show results, and how understanding the hair growth cycle can make seasonal shedding feel far less alarming—because meaningful change happens gradually, not overnight.
Seasonal Shedding FAQ
Is winter hair shedding normal?
Yes. Many people experience increased shedding during winter due to changes in daylight, temperature, and scalp conditions. It’s usually temporary.
How long does seasonal shedding last?
Seasonal shedding often lasts a few weeks to a couple of months. Hair cycles naturally adjust over time.
Does shedding mean I’m losing hair permanently?
No. Shedding is part of the normal hair cycle. It does not automatically indicate thinning or permanent hair loss.
Should I change my hair products if I’m shedding more?
Not necessarily. Frequently switching products can irritate the scalp. Consistency is often more supportive than constant change.
When should I be concerned?
If shedding is sudden, extreme, accompanied by scalp pain, inflammation, or other health changes, it’s worth consulting a professional.
