Seasonal Hair Shedding: When to Consider Hair Loss Treatment in Washington, DC

Have you noticed more hair than usual in your shower or hairbrush lately? You’re not alone. Some people experience increased shedding as summer turns to fall.

Our hair naturally moves through cycles of growth and shedding, and these cycles can change with the seasons. While seasonal shedding is usually temporary, ongoing shedding or noticeable thinning may be worth discussing with a dermatologist. Braun Dermatology can help determine the cause and whether hair loss treatment in Washington, DC may be appropriate.

What Is Seasonal Hair Shedding?

It’s normal to lose some hair every day. As part of the normal hair growth cycle, individual hairs eventually stop growing, enter a resting phase, and are shed so a new hair can grow in.

The timing of that cycle isn’t exactly the same for everyone. Research has found that more hairs may enter the resting and shedding phase at certain times of the year, particularly during late summer and fall.

So if you’re suddenly finding more hair in your brush than you normally do, it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. Seasonal shedding can happen without causing permanent hair loss.

Why Does Hair Shed More in the Fall?

The short answer is that we don’t completely know. Research has found seasonal patterns in the hair growth cycle, but there isn’t one clear reason why some people notice more shedding at certain times of year.

It’s also easy to confuse shedding with breakage. Sun, swimming, and heat styling can leave hair dry and fragile, leading to breakage that can make hair look thinner.

Other factors, including stress, illness, hormonal changes, medications, and nutritional deficiencies, can also cause increased shedding. Telogen effluvium, for example, can cause noticeable shedding a few months after a physical or emotional stressor.

How Long Does Seasonal Hair Shedding Last?

There’s no exact timeline for seasonal shedding. For many people, the increase is temporary and eventually returns to their normal level.

The important thing is to pay attention to what your hair is doing over time. If you’re continuing to shed heavily for several months, noticing a widening part, or seeing more scalp than usual, it may be something other than normal seasonal shedding.

What Can You Do to Keep Your Hair Healthy?

There’s no specific hair loss treatment in Washington, DC. for seasonal shedding. But there are a few simple habits that can help protect your hair.

Try to avoid wearing your hair in very tight styles every day, and give your hair a break from frequent heat styling when you can. If you’ve been swimming in pools or the ocean, rinse your hair afterward to help remove chlorine or salt that can leave it feeling dry. It’s also important to eat a balanced diet with enough protein and other nutrients your body needs for healthy hair growth. 

When Should You See a Dermatologist?

If shedding continues for several months, you notice noticeable thinning or bald spots, or your scalp is itchy, red, or irritated, it may be time to see a dermatologist.

Hair loss can have many causes, including genetics, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, illness, stress, and scalp conditions. A dermatologist can help determine what’s behind the shedding and whether treatment may help.

Hair Loss Treatment in Washington, DC

If you’re concerned about increased shedding or thinning hair, you don’t have to try to figure out what’s causing it on your own. A dermatologist can look at your hair and scalp, talk with you about when the shedding started, and determine whether additional testing or treatment may be helpful.

Braun Dermatology provides care for a range of hair and scalp concerns, including different types of hair loss. Our team can help you understand what’s happening with your hair and discuss treatment options when appropriate.

If you’ve noticed more shedding this fall and you’re not sure whether it’s simply seasonal, contact us to schedule an appointment.

Washington, D.C.: 202-816-7557
Alexandria, VA: 571-449-2555