Every autumn, I hear the same thing from clients in my chair: “My hair is falling out so much at the moment!”

Whether it's more hair in the shower, a fuller hairbrush or strands appearing all over their clothes, it's something that genuinely worries people. And understandably so.

But here's the reassuring part: there is evidence that some people experience an increase in hair shedding during the autumn months. It's a recognised seasonal pattern, although it doesn't happen to everyone.

So, what's actually going on?

Understanding the natural hair cycle

Our hair is constantly growing, resting and shedding. It's a completely natural process, and we typically lose around 50–100 hairs a day without even noticing.

Each hair goes through different stages:

Anagen: The growing phase, which can last several years.

Catagen: A short transitional phase when growth stops.

Telogen: The resting phase, when the hair prepares to shed.

Exogen: The shedding stage, when the old hair is released.

The fascinating thing is that our hair follicles don't all follow the same cycle at once. If they did, we'd experience periods of having very little hair!

So why autumn?

Some research suggests that more of our hair follicles enter the resting phase during the summer, meaning we may notice an increase in shedding a few months later, often around September and October.

It's thought that seasonal changes, including daylight and our body's biological rhythms, may play a part, although the exact reasons aren't fully understood.

Think about how animals shed their coats with the seasons. Whilst our hair cycles are far less dramatic, there is some evidence that humans experience seasonal variations too.

The important thing to remember is that shedding doesn't automatically mean permanent hair loss. In normal hair cycling, new hair is already developing within the follicle.

Shedding or breakage? There's a difference.

As hairdressers, one of the first things we should establish is whether the client is experiencing actual hair shedding or breakage.

Shedding is when the entire hair is released from the follicle, sometimes with a tiny white club-shaped bulb at one end. Breakage is when the hair snaps somewhere along its length.

This distinction matters because the causes and advice are very different.

Breakage can be linked to heat styling, chemical processing, mechanical damage or weakened hair. These are areas where we can offer professional advice, suitable treatments and better homecare routines.

Excessive shedding, however, can sometimes be linked to factors such as stress, illness, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies or certain medications.

And this is where a good consultation becomes so important.

When should we be concerned?

Whilst some seasonal shedding can be normal, we shouldn't automatically put every change in hair density down to the time of year.

If a client is experiencing sudden or significant shedding, visible thinning, bald patches or a persistent change in their usual hair density, it's important to recommend speaking to their GP or a qualified trichologist.

Sometimes increased shedding can occur a few months after a stressful event, illness or significant change in the body. This is known as telogen effluvium, and it can often be temporary, although identifying the underlying cause is important.

Our role as hairdressers isn't to diagnose medical conditions, but we are often the first professionals to notice changes in someone's hair and scalp.

What can we do to help?

For me, it always comes back to education, reassurance and keeping things simple.

Encourage clients to be gentle with their hair, avoid excessive heat and unnecessary tension, and maintain a balanced diet that supports healthy hair growth.

Good scalp care and appropriate conditioning treatments can improve the condition of the hair and help minimise breakage, but it's important to be realistic. A shampoo, mask or scalp treatment cannot necessarily prevent shedding that's happening as part of the natural hair cycle.

And sometimes, the most valuable thing we can offer isn't a product at all. It's simply taking the time to listen, explain what's happening and help a client understand when they might need further advice.

A little reassurance goes a long way

Hair is such an important part of how we feel about ourselves, so noticing more of it falling out can be unsettling.

I think one of the loveliest parts of being a hairdresser is the trust our clients place in us. They don't just come to us for beautiful hair; they come to us for our knowledge, experience and honest advice.

So, the next time someone sits in your chair and tells you they're losing more hair than usual this autumn, you'll know there's a little science behind what they're noticing.

And sometimes, understanding what's normal, what's not and when to seek help is exactly the reassurance they need.

Keep your own knowledge sharp

Clients will keep bringing you questions about shedding, scalp health and seasonal change, so a little extra learning goes a long way. Even a short course on trichology basics or scalp consultation will give you the confidence to tell the difference between a normal seasonal wobble and something that needs a referral.

That is exactly where WELOVE Purple Hearts Club membership can help. Our community gives you access to education, industry connections and a network of professionals who are happy to share what works in their own salons. If you are looking for fresh ways to grow your skills and your client loyalty this winter, we would love to have you with us.

The next time a client lifts a handful of hair from their brush, you will know exactly what to say.