Many people feel that hair falls out more in winter, and in most cases, this is not just a feeling. There are real reasons behind increased hair shedding during the colder months, and in the majority of situations, it is temporary. What truly matters is how you respond to it. During this period, it is especially important to adjust your hair care routine in time, because a small issue left unattended can gradually turn into a more serious problem.

Here is what actually happens to hair in winter.

Seasonal hair shedding is normal

Hair has its own natural growth cycle, and it is influenced by the seasons. For many people, hair shedding increases in late fall and winter. This is a delayed response to changes that occurred several months earlier.

During this time, a hair care routine that worked perfectly in summer or fall may no longer be sufficient. Hair and scalp often need a different kind of support, something gentler and more protective, focused on comfort and balance.

This does not mean that hair is disappearing. It simply means that more hairs enter the shedding phase at the same time. If these signals are ignored, the situation may last longer than necessary.

Dry indoor air affects the scalp and hair

In winter, the air becomes drier, and indoor heating intensifies this effect. As a result, the scalp loses moisture and becomes more sensitive. When the scalp feels uncomfortable, hair roots weaken, and shedding becomes more noticeable.

At this stage, adjusting hair care is especially important. Using products that help maintain scalp comfort and moisture can prevent the situation from worsening. This is not an instant fix, but it helps support the scalp when it needs it most.

Dryness does not always come with visible flakes. Sometimes the scalp simply feels tight, which is already a sign that your usual routine may need to be adjusted, even if everything looks fine on the surface.

Less sunlight means more stress on the body

During winter, we receive less sunlight, which can affect vitamin D levels. This vitamin plays a role in the hair growth cycle, and its deficiency is often associated with increased shedding.

Winter also brings additional factors such as higher stress levels, less physical activity, and changes in sleep patterns. Together, these can influence hair health.

In these conditions, it is especially important to support hair with care that focuses on strength and comfort rather than aggressive cleansing or over-treatment. This helps hair move through seasonal changes with fewer negative effects.

Hats, friction, and mechanical stress

In colder months, we wear hats, scarves, and hoods more often. These create extra friction around the roots and along the hairline. On their own, they do not cause hair loss, but they can make shedding more noticeable, especially if hair is already weakened.

Properly chosen hair care can help hair become more resilient and elastic, making it less sensitive to mechanical stress and breakage.

Tight hairstyles under hats can also increase tension at the roots, which is why gentle styling becomes even more important in winter.

Scalp imbalance shows faster in winter

During cold months, the scalp can quickly shift between dryness and oiliness. Frequent washing, overly heavy products, or lack of proper care can disrupt its balance.

At this stage, the right scalp-focused care can help maintain stability and prevent excessive shedding or discomfort. When the scalp is not in a healthy state, hair does not stay anchored as strongly, and shedding becomes more noticeable.

When winter hair shedding is considered normal

In most cases, seasonal shedding is normal if:

• hair loss increases gradually

• hair sheds evenly across the scalp

• there are no visible bald spots or sudden thinning

Even in these cases, adapting your hair care routine to the season helps hair return to its normal growth cycle faster.

When to pay closer attention

It is better not to ignore the situation if:

• hair shedding starts suddenly and intensely

• noticeable thinning appears at the crown or hairline

• shedding lasts longer than three to four months

• the scalp becomes painful, inflamed, or very itchy

In these cases, it is especially important not to experiment blindly but to choose care thoughtfully to avoid making the issue worse.

How to support hair during winter

There is no need for drastic measures. In most cases, simple steps make a difference:

• maintaining scalp comfort

• avoiding aggressive brushing and tight hairstyles

• adjusting hair care to seasonal needs

• protecting hair from dry air and excessive friction

Small changes at this stage can prevent more serious problems later.

Final thoughts

Winter hair shedding is common and, in most cases, temporary. Seasonal changes, dry air, reduced sunlight, and increased scalp sensitivity all play a role.

The most important thing is not to ignore the signs and to adjust your hair care routine in time. This helps hair move through the season with less stress and fewer long-term consequences.

Support and consultation

If you notice increased hair shedding, do not postpone care. In many cases, choosing the right products and routine is enough to stabilize the situation.

You are welcome to contact us through our website, and we will help you find care solutions suited specifically to your hair and scalp needs.

We also recommend consulting your stylist or reaching out to our specialist for personalized guidance.

Hair Touch - is always here to help you take care of your hair with confidence.