Hair loss in autumn: normal or not? 5 signs that something else is going on

Hair loss in the fall is usually normal and temporary. Many people notice in September, October and November that there are more hairs in the brush, in the shower or on the pillow. Losing up to about 100 hairs per day is considered normal, and in some periods, such as autumn, this can temporarily be a bit more^[1]. Research shows that hair growth and hair loss follow an annual rhythm^[2]. Seasonal hair loss usually recovers on its own within a few months. Does it last longer than 6 months, is your hair visibly thinning, or do you see bald spots? Then there is probably something else going on and a visit to the doctor is wise. In this article you can read how to recognize the difference and what you can do yourself.

In this article

• Why do you lose more hair in the fall?
• How much hair loss per day is normal?
• When is autumn hair loss no longer normal? 5 signs
• What type of hair loss do I have?
• What can you do against hair loss in the fall?
• Does minoxidil help with hair loss in the fall?
• Frequently asked questions
• Sources

Why do you lose more hair in the fall? autumn?

Each hair goes through a fixed cycle: a long growth phase, a short transition phase and a rest phase (telogen phase). At the end of that resting phase, the hair falls out and makes way for a new one. At any given time, approximately 10 to 15% of your hair is in the resting phase, and that phase lasts about 3 months^[3].

A study among 823 healthy women with complaints of hair loss showed that the proportion of hairs in the resting phase was highest in the summer, with a smaller peak in spring and the lowest proportion at the end of winter^[2]. Because hair only comes loose at the end of the resting phase, it is logical that you will see that summer peak in the brush some time later. For many people this falls in the autumn.

Important: this concerns hair that would already fall out anyway. New hair grows back.

How much hair loss per day is normal?

Up to about 100 hairs per day is normal. Only above 100 hairs per day do doctors speak of abnormal hair loss^[1]. Counting hairs is difficult, so pay attention to the pattern:

• After washing or brushing, there are more hairs than normal, but your parting and hairline look the same.
• The loss starts gradually and decreases again after a few weeks.
• Your scalp is calm: no redness, flakes, itching or pain.

Do you recognize this? Then it is probably seasonal hair loss. Hair grows about 1 cm per month^[3], so it takes a while before you really see the new hairs.

When is autumn hair loss no longer normal? 5 signals

If you have the following signals, it is wise to make an appointment with your doctor. They can look for a cause and, if necessary, have blood drawn or refer to a dermatologist^[1].

1. It lasts longer than 6 months. Hair loss that lasts longer than 6 months is called chronic^[3]. That is no longer a seasonal effect.
2. You see bald spots. Smooth, round bald spots can indicate alopecia areata. Bald spots with flakes and redness could be a fungal infection^[1]. Both belong to the doctor.
3. It started suddenly or violently. In case of sudden or unexpected hair loss, the doctor first looks for the cause^[1].
4. You had a clear reason 2 to 4 months ago. Think of childbirth, high fever or serious infection, an operation, long-term stress, a crash diet or a new medication. Then it could be telogen effluvium, where many hairs enter the resting phase at the same time. This usually starts 2 to 4 months after the cause^[1]. Iron deficiency, vitamin D deficiency and an overactive or underactive thyroid can also cause hair loss^[3].
5. Your hair becomes visibly thinner in fixed places. Inlets or a thinner crown in men, or a wider parting in women, are more likely to be associated with hereditary hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). This will not go away on its own.

What type of hair loss do I have?

This table gives a first impression. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.

What can you do yourself against hair loss in the fall?

Seasonal hair loss cannot really be prevented, because it is part of the natural hair cycle. You can ensure that your hair does not suffer extra damage:

• Be careful with wet hair. Detangle with a wide comb, from the ends upwards.
• Avoid tight hairstyles. Tight ponytails and braids pull on the hair root for a long time.
• Eat a varied diet and avoid crash diets. Crash diets and malnutrition are on the list of known causes of telogen effluvium^[3].
• If in doubt, have your blood checked. If hair loss persists, the doctor will check, among other things, iron, ferritin, thyroid (TSH) and vitamin D^[3]. Do not take high doses of iron on your own.
• Give it time. Recovery after telogen effluvium takes about 3 to 6 months; a visibly fuller result can take up to 1.5 years^[3].

Are you unsure whether your hair loss is still normal? Also read our article about minoxidil shedding and why you sometimes lose more hair first.

Does minoxidil help with hair loss in the fall?

Minoxidil is not necessary for normal seasonal hair loss: it will go away on its own. Minoxidil is a medicine intended for hereditary hair loss in men and women^[5]. If you notice that autumn mainly shows that your hair has been thinning for some time, then minoxidil may be an option. The Dutch guide for dermatologists also mentions minoxidil 5% if the hair loss lasts longer than 6 months or if there are signs of hereditary hair loss^[3].

Good to know before you start:

• Minoxidil only works after about 4 months^[4]. If you do not see any improvement after 6 months, contact your doctor. After stopping, your hair may return to where it started within 3 to 4 months^[5].
• In the first few weeks you may temporarily lose more hair, as old hairs make way for new ones^[5].
• It doesn't work for everyone, and you have to keep using it to keep the effect^[4]. After stopping, your hair may be back to where it started within 3 to 4 months^[5].
• Minoxidil is not intended for sudden or spot hair loss, hair loss after childbirth, or hair loss due to, for example, iron deficiency or a thyroid problem^[5]. Then go to the doctor first.
• Do not use if you are pregnant^[4], and not under the age of 18^[5]. If you have heart problems or are taking blood pressure lowering medications, consult your doctor first^[5].
• Stop immediately and contact a doctor if, for example, you experience chest pain, a fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, sudden weight gain or swelling of the face, hands or ankles^[5].

Cheap trial

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Do you have a sensitive scalp? The guideline states that foam is often better tolerated than lotion, because lotion contains propylene glycol^[3].

Sensitive scalp

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There are separate products for women. Are you unsure between 2% and 5%? Then read minoxidil 2% or 5% for women: what is the difference. Please note: hair loss around menopause, after childbirth or due to a thyroid problem should be discussed with your doctor first.

For women

Kirkland Minoxidil Foam 5% For Women

Minoxidil 5% foam for women with thinning hair; 1 bottle lasts about 2 months.

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Frequently asked questions

Is hair loss in the fall normal?

Yes. In some periods, such as autumn, you may temporarily lose more hair, and that is normal^[1]. It usually goes away on its own within a few months.

How long does seasonal hair loss last?

Usually several weeks to a few months. If it lasts longer than 6 months, doctors call it chronic hair loss^[3] and it is wise to go to the doctor.

Does my hair grow back after autumn hair loss?

Yes, with seasonal hair loss, hairs that are at the end of their cycle fall out and new hairs grow back. Hair grows about 1 cm per month^[3], so it will take a while before you see it.

When should I go to the doctor if I have hair loss?

Go to the doctor if you have bald spots, sudden or severe hair loss, hair loss that lasts longer than 6 months, or if you also have other complaints such as fatigue. The doctor can look for the cause and refer you if necessary^[1].

This article is general information and does not replace medical advice. Always read the package leaflet and, if in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Prices are as of October 2026.

Sources

1. Health and Science (CEBAM), What is hair loss?
2. Kunz M, Seifert B, Trüeb RM, Seasonality of hair shedding in healthy women complaining of hair loss, Dermatology, 2009 (English)
3. Dutch Association for Dermatology and Venereology (NVDV), domain group Hair and nails, Telogen effluvium guide
4. Apotheek.nl, Minoxidil on the skin
5. Medicine Evaluation Board, Medicines Information Bank, Package leaflet Minoxidil Linn 20 mg/ml, solution for cutaneous use