Have you noticed more hair on the brush or in the drain this season? Worried that your hair is falling out as your garden is growing? Hair loss happens to a certain extent everyone, from all walks of life. If you’re concerned that you’re losing more hair in the springtime, you may wonder if you’re paranoid or if it’s just a coincidence. The answer could be all of the above, however. It can be challenging to pin down the exact cause of your hair loss.

Is it Normal to Lose Hair in the Springtime?

This is a frequent question from both men and women. It can be. Losing hair is something that happens in cycles throughout our lives. Hair loss is a regular part of the hair growth cycle. This means that lost hairs will be replaced in the next one. But when you’re losing more hair than usual, you’re probably going to worry that it’s not normal.

All mammals lose more hair in spring weather, so a lot of worry about if you shed more hair in this season is unfounded. Your hair will grow back even after an initial thinning.

No matter who we are or how great our genetic makeup, hair is a big part of our identity. When we’re young, we lose hair in a regular cycle, and it’s replaced quickly. Everyone will lose some hair every day as a part of a healthy hair growth cycle. Usually that hair will grow back. It’s just a part of being human.

Is There Such a Thing as Seasonal Hair Loss?

Seasonal hair loss is a fact of life you probably weren’t aware of, but yes, it’s real. Spring hair loss is a common occurrence. You might have thinner hair in the spring just due to Mother Nature; all mammals lose more hair in spring weather. Hair loss in spring is considered to be normal, and if you’re a woman, you’ll experience more hair loss in the fall too.

You might also notice the shedding more in the spring when you’re no longer wearing hats or scarves. Some experts have theorized that women have more extended resting rates in the hair cycle during extreme weather conditions, so when the seasons change, the hair cycle reacts. And, because it’s a part of the hair growth cycle, you will enter the growth phase in a few months.

If you’ve only noticed a bit of shedding, this is normal and not something to worry about, especially in the springtime or the fall. However, if you’re experiencing sudden hair loss, this is something different altogether. Sudden hair loss can indicate health problems or may even be a disease itself.

When it comes out in almost-clumps, however, that’s a scary thing. Losing hair like that is not so typical. If you’re finding a small handful of strands in your hand when you shampoo, it’s time to see a doctor.

Causes of Sudden Hair Loss

When your hair starts thinning, mainly out of the blue, it can be alarming. You may worry that you’re going prematurely bald and that it’s permanent. There’s no way to discover the cause of your hair loss automatically, but a bit of investigation can help narrow down the cause.

Here are some things that can cause you to shed more hair, year-round:

  • Stress can cause hair loss, especially if you experience sudden stress, such as the loss of a job or death of a loved one. It is very common after suffering trauma.
  • Thyroid diseases, such as hypothyroidism, and other diseases such as lupus, autoimmune diseases, and heart disease, can all cause hair loss.
  • Allergic reactions to hair products, such as hair dye allergies, can cause all kinds of skin inflammation, even on the scalp. Inflammation of the hair follicles is a sure cause of this. Some hair products can also cause hair to grow back more slowly. Make sure that you pay attention to your body when you try a new hair product for the first time – if a product causes itching or burning, save yourself the pain and throw it out.
  • Hormonal imbalances, such as the ones that occur as a result of over-supplementation, diseases like polycystic ovary syndrome, and even pregnancy can all cause our hair cycles to temporarily get “out of whack”.
  • Surgery or significant illnesses can often shock the body into a rapid hair shedding period. It’s not clear why some people are more susceptible to this than others.
  • Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can also cause hair loss. Iron, protein and vitamin B12 deficiencies can also lead to hair loss. Watch for brittle and breaking hair, and if you’re feeling weak or tired, make a checkup with your doctor.

Solutions for Thicker, Fuller Hair

If you’re experiencing temporary hair loss, there are a lot of great products out there to try. Shampoos, oils, and creams can help strengthen the hair and make it fuller at the same time.

Take good care of your health. You may not be getting all the nutrition you need – and the easiest way to get the right amount is to invest in a good supplement. Taking hair growth vitamins can help you make sure that you have the nutrients you need to regrow your hair strong and thick.

If you are vulnerable to allergic reactions, always do a spot test before using hair products. Make sure that you always test your hair products on the inside of your elbow before you ever put them on your scalp. Take the product and wipe it in a thin line across your wrist. (Do not wash it off unless it starts to itch or burn.) Leave it on for 48 hours before you use it on your scalp.

Use only the hair products you need, and use a good shampoo and conditioner regularly. When you shampoo your head, make sure that you massage your scalp gently to help stimulate the hair glands. Rinse with cold water and towel dry, do not blow dry.

Rachael is a content writer at sendkoala.com, who has written on a Ultimate Resume Guide, from colored diamonds to SEO software. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, sketching, cooking, and video games.