If you’ve noticed more hair swirling around your shower drain in winter, you’re not alone—and no, it’s not a coincidence.
Does hair shed more in winter? Absolutely.
Seasonal hair shedding is a real phenomenon, and winter’s cold, dry air isn’t doing your strands any favors. But don’t panic just yet; this isn’t a sign that you’ll be rocking a full-time hat by spring.
The colder months affect your scalp and hair in surprising ways. From a dry scalp and reduced blood circulation to the stress of hot showers and heating tools, winter creates the perfect storm for hair fall in winter to spike. Add in the lack of sunlight (and Vitamin D), and your follicles are practically waving the white flag.
But why does this happen? Is it all Mother Nature, or are there preventable factors at play?
Let’s break down the science, the myths, and the solutions that will help you weather the winter months without sacrificing your strands.
The Science Behind Hair Shedding
Hair shedding isn’t random; it’s part of a natural cycle your scalp has been running for as long as you’ve had hair. And yes, winter hair shedding may feel like your follicles are taking a vacation, but it’s all part of a complex process influenced by biology and external factors.
Hair Growth Cycle Overview
Hair growth happens in three distinct phases:
Anagen (Growth Phase)
This is the superstar phase, where hair follicles actively produce new strands. This stage can last anywhere from two to six years, depending on genetics.
Catagen (Transition Phase)
This is like the winding-down period. Hair follicles shrink, and growth slows. It’s a short phase, lasting just a few weeks.
Telogen (Resting and Shedding Phase)
The final phase sees hair taking a break while new strands prepare to push through. Up to 15% of your hair is in this phase at any given time, and it’s perfectly normal to shed around 50–100 hairs daily during telogen.
Here’s where seasonal hair shedding complicates things: during colder months, external conditions and biological shifts can push more hair into the telogen phase, making shedding feel excessive.
Why It Happens in Winter
Seasonal changes don’t just affect mood and skin—they also impact your hair. Winter hair shedding has both evolutionary and environmental explanations:
Evolutionary Biology’s Role
Believe it or not, humans likely evolved to shed more in winter to prioritize growing healthier, thicker strands for summer and spring. While this is great for survival in the wild, it’s less charming when your hairbrush feels like it’s stealing half your hair.
Environmental Stressors
The cold, dry air strips moisture from your scalp, weakening hair follicles and making them more susceptible to shedding. Indoor heating doesn’t help either, drying out your scalp further and leaving hair vulnerable to breakage.
Is Hair Fall Common in Winter?
Yes, hair fall in winter is a thing, and it’s surprisingly common. Losing 50–100 strands a day is considered normal year-round, but cold weather seems to turn up the volume on shedding. While this might have you side-eyeing your hairbrush or shower drain, rest assured—it’s usually temporary.
Here’s the science: cold weather hair loss is largely influenced by environmental factors. Reduced humidity dries out your scalp, making it more prone to flaking and irritation. Add that to the seasonal shift, where more hairs naturally enter the telogen (resting) phase, and your winter shedding suddenly seems amplified.
The good news is most winter shedding is a passing phase. Once temperatures stabilize and your scalp regains its moisture, hair tends to bounce back. Understanding this seasonal rhythm is key to staying calm and proactive when the shedding feels excessive.
Why Does Hair Shed More in Winter?
Cold weather brings unique challenges for your scalp and hair, leaving many to wonder why hair fall in winter seems so relentless.
1. Dry Scalp and Cold Winter
Winter air is like a thief, stealing moisture from everything it touches—including your scalp. Combine that with the drying effects of indoor heating, and your scalp ends up parched and irritated. This dryness leads to flaking, itching, and inflammation, all of which compromise the health of your hair follicles. The result is, more strands than usual start waving goodbye.
2. Low Sunlight Exposure and Vitamin D
Blame it on the shorter days, but your body’s Vitamin D levels take a nosedive in winter. Vitamin D is essential for maintaining strong, healthy hair follicles, and when your levels drop, your follicles weaken, making shedding more likely. Seasonal hair loss is not just about the chill—it’s also about what you’re not getting from the sun.
3. Increased Use of Heating Tools and Hats
While hats keep your ears warm and heat tools keep your hair styled, both can wreak havoc if overused. Tight hats can tug on hair and stress your roots, while frequent heat styling damages the hair shaft, leaving it brittle and prone to breakage. Put these together, and you’re looking at an avoidable contributor to hair fall in winter.
4. Too Hot Showers
Nothing feels better than a steaming hot shower on a cold day, but your scalp might not agree. Hot water strips away your scalp’s natural oils, leaving it dry and unprotected. A dry scalp is a perfect recipe for irritation and—yes—more hair shedding. Opt for lukewarm water to keep your scalp’s moisture intact.
How to Prevent and Manage Winter Hair Shedding
Winter hair woes are common, but they’re not inevitable. With a few smart tweaks to your routine, you can significantly reduce hair thinning in winter and keep your strands looking their best.
Avoid Too Hot Water While Showering:
Steamy showers might feel heavenly when it’s freezing outside, but they’re no friend to your scalp. Hot water strips away natural oils, leaving your scalp dry and prone to flaking—a perfect recipe for hair shedding in winter. Stick to lukewarm water to protect your scalp’s moisture barrier, and finish with a cool rinse to seal your hair cuticles.
2. Diet and Nutrition
Your hair is only as healthy as the nutrients you feed it. Combat hair thinning in winter by loading up on:
- Vitamin D: Essential for follicle health, especially when sunlight is scarce.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Reduces inflammation and keeps your scalp hydrated.
- Biotin: While it supports keratin production, it’s just one part of a larger nutritional puzzle.
Incorporate foods like eggs, fatty fish, nuts, leafy greens, and whole grains into your diet. Remember, no single nutrient holds the magic solution for hair health—balance is key. And before considering supplements, consult with your doctor for tailored advice.
3. Proper Hydration
Dry air isn’t just bad for your skin; it wreaks havoc on your scalp, too. Staying hydrated helps your body maintain moisture levels, inside and out. For your hair, this means:
- Drinking enough water daily.
- Using hydrating scalp treatments or masks enriched with ingredients like aloe vera or hyaluronic acid.
These small efforts go a long way in preventing hair loss in winter.
4. Avoid Heat Damage
The temptation to blast your hair with a blow dryer or curl away the winter blues can’t be overstated, but frequent heat styling is a surefire way to worsen shedding. Keep the heat tools on a leash by:
Using a heat protectant every time.
Opting for air-drying whenever possible.
If you must style, set the tools to the lowest heat setting to minimize breakage.
Conclusion
Why does hair fall out in winter?
The combination of cold air, dry indoor heating, and reduced blood flow to the scalp creates the perfect storm for seasonal shedding. But here’s the silver lining: winter hair loss isn’t permanent, and a few smart tweaks can make all the difference.
By keeping your scalp hydrated, protecting your hair from unnecessary stress, and paying attention to your diet, you can minimize the impact of winter’s chilly grip. Remember, shedding is part of the hair’s natural cycle, but with the right care, your strands can weather the season strong.
