Losing your hair is probably the worst feeling you could have. Most of us notice hair loss when we rinse our hair in the shower, and as you run your fingers through it, clumps of hair clings on to your hands. It makes you wonder just how much hair loss is normal, whether there's something medically wrong with you, and if someday, you'll end up bald.

You'll be pleased to know that in most cases, hair loss is temporary, and perfectly normal. Seasonal hair loss is one of the most common forms of temporary hair loss, and so your strands will likely grow back once the phase has passed.

However, in some cases, seasonal hair loss can be quite damaging, particularly for people who are already prone to thinning hair. Excess shedding will make anyone's hair look thin and weak, but it makes things even worse for people who already suffer from common hair loss types like pattern baldness.

Why Do We Lose More Hair in Autumn? 

There is plenty of evidence to show that many people can see increased hair shedding in the late fall and early winter months. The thought here is that perhaps this is a follow-on from the summer months. Many of us put our hair through some vigorous actions during the hotter part of the year, and by the time the weather cools, and we get back to our normal living routine, out hair goes into a phase of shedding, due to fatigue.

So, as we begin shifting into late fall and early winter, those hairs that we held onto during summer will make a transition into the shed phase. This may result in a temporary increase in shedding compared to your baseline. Unfortunately, seasonal shedding is likely to be more noticeable as you get older. By the age of 50, over half of women will experience some degree of hair loss. By the same age, over three quarters of men will also experience some from or stage of baldness. Hair loss is also often seen at any age after pregnancy, surgery or illness, so seasonal hair loss would only increase the amount of hair fall. 

So, having established that most men and women suffer from excess hair shedding most often during autumn season, what is the best season for hair growth?  Well, apparently it's winter - late winter. It is thought that, like animals, our bodies tend to go through a grow phase during the mid to late winter time. As the weather gets considerably colder, our hair goes into a defence mechanism, producing more hair growth, in a similar way to how animals grow fur.

Can Seasonal Hair Shedding be Treated?

It is always a good idea to make an extra effort in the winter months to keep the hair hydrated and moisturised. Use a deep conditioning mask. Also, try limiting the use of heat-based devices like hairdryers and straighteners. These types of devices will only increase the damage to your hair, which will likely lead to unnecessary shedding.

Another useful way to keep your hair strong is to feed it with the right minerals and nutrients. You can strengthen the hair that you have by taking multi-vitamin hair supplements. These types of supplements contain hair growth agents such as Biotin, Folic Acid, and Ginkgo Biloba. Multi-vitamin hair supplements can help prevent shedding and breakage, and also make the hair you do have actually appear thicker and stronger.

If you notice stray locks piling up on your clothes or your pillow, don't panic. Asses your scalp, and if you find that you have local bald patches or that your shedding is situated to a specific area such as the frontal hairline or the central part, this may represent a different type of hair loss and should be evaluated by a doctor.

In truth, there is not much the average person can do to prevent seasonal shedding. However, if you are somebody who is already concerned about thinning hair, then there are plenty of viable options to help you treat baldness both safely and effectively.