Many people notice more hair in the drain or on their brush when seasons change – especially between monsoon, winter and summer. This can be scary, but some shedding is a normal part of the hair growth cycle.
Each hair goes through phases: growth, transition and rest. At any time, a percentage of your hair is waiting to fall out to make way for new growth. Weather changes, humidity shifts, diet changes, stress, and mild illnesses can all temporarily push more hairs into the shedding phase.
Losing around 50–100 strands a day is usually considered normal. You may notice it more when you wash or comb. Seasonal shedding often feels heavier for a few weeks, then settles down on its own.
Red flags include: visible thinning patches, suddenly seeing your scalp more clearly, hair breaking off in the middle (not falling from the root), or shedding lasting many months without improvement. In those cases, factors like nutritional deficiencies, hormonal issues, thyroid problems, harsh treatments, or tight hairstyles might be involved.
Simple steps – gentle handling, avoiding very hot tools, eating enough protein and iron-rich foods, and managing stress – support your hair through seasonal shifts. If your gut says “this feels different from usual”, a dermatologist or trichologist can help check what’s really going on.