Why Winter Increases Hair Fall – And How to Respond

Noticed more hair on your pillow, in the shower, or on your hairbrush as the temperature drops? You’re not imagining it. Many people feel their hair sheds more during winter – but the reasons are a mix of biology, environment, and lifestyle, not just “bad weather.”

In this blog, we’ll break down why hair fall can increase in winter, what the science actually says, and practical, evidence-informed ways to protect your hair and scalp.

First, understand what “hair fall” really means

Your scalp is not static – it’s constantly cycling through:

• Anagen (growth phase) – hair actively grows for 2–6 years
• Catagen (transition phase) – short, in-between phase
• Telogen (resting/shedding phase) – old hairs fall out so new ones can grow

At any given time, about 85–90% of scalp hairs are in the growth phase, and a smaller percentage are resting and ready to shed.

Most people naturally lose around 50–100 hairs a day – this is considered normal shedding. You only start to notice hair fall when:

• The number of hairs entering the shedding phase increases, or
• Hair breaks more easily because the shaft is dry or damaged

Seasonal shedding: is winter really to blame?

Research has shown that humans can have seasonal patterns in hair shedding. A large study of over 800 healthy women found that the proportion of hairs in the shedding (telogen) phase tends to peak in late summer/early autumn and is lowest in late winter.

So why do so many people still feel their hair fall worsens in winter?

Because winter adds extra stress to both hair and scalp:

• Dry air → more breakage
• Less sun and outdoor time → possible vitamin D and nutrient issues
• Hats and scarves → friction and static
• Illness and stress → temporary shedding (telogen effluvium)

In other words, your baseline hair cycle continues, but winter conditions can amplify breakage and shedding, making hair fall more noticeable.

Why hair fall increases (or feels worse) in winter?

1. Dry, dehydrating winter air

Cold outdoor air plus indoor heating creates a low-humidity environment. This strips moisture from both scalp and hair shafts, making hair:

• Rough
• Less elastic
• More prone to snapping when brushed or tied up

Dermatology and hair clinics frequently highlight that winter’s dry air weakens the hair shaft and roots, increasing breakage and visible shedding.

So part of what we call “hair fall” in winter is actually hair breakage, not just hair coming out from the root.

2. Reduced blood circulation to the scalp

In cold weather, blood vessels close to the surface of the skin can constrict. This is the body’s way of preserving core warmth – but it can also mean less blood flow to the scalp.

Dermatologists note that this reduced circulation can limit oxygen and nutrient supply to hair follicles, potentially slowing growth and contributing to seasonal shedding or weaker hair over time.

While this doesn’t cause baldness on its own, it can exaggerate hair loss in people who already have other risk factors (genetic hair loss, poor diet, illness, etc.).

3. Vitamin D and nutrient changes in colder months

In winter, most people:

• Spend less time outdoors, and
• Expose less skin to sunlight

Multiple reviews have found that low vitamin D levels are linked to several hair loss conditions, including telogen effluvium and various non-scarring alopecias.

At the same time, people may drink less water, eat fewer fresh fruits and vegetables, and rely more on heavy comfort foods. Recent summaries of clinical research point out that deficiencies in Vitamin D, iron, biotin (B7), folate (B9), Vitamin E, zinc, and Vitamin C can all contribute to hair thinning and shedding.

Put simply: winter is a perfect storm for nutrient gaps – and hair follicles are very sensitive to nutrient deficiencies.

4. Hats, scarves and friction-related breakage

Winter accessories are great for warmth, but not always great for hair.

Coarse fabrics like wool, acrylic and some cotton weaves can:

• Create friction, leading to frizz, split ends and breakage
• Increase static electricity, making hair more fragile
• Trap oils and sweat against the scalp, contributing to itch and build-up

Hair and beauty experts note that wool hats can strip moisture and cause friction damage, and advise choosing smoother linings or silk/satin barriers.

So, even if your hair follicles are healthy, rough winter fabrics can physically damage the hair shaft, making your hair appear thinner and more uneven.

5. Scalp issues: dandruff, build-up and irritation

Many people wash their hair less often in winter. Combined with:

• Heavier conditioners and styling products
• Heating that dries the scalp
• Wearing hats for long hours

…this can lead to product build-up, oil accumulation and micro-inflammation of the scalp.

Dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis also tend to flare in cooler, drier months, causing itching and flaking.

An irritated scalp is not an ideal environment for strong, healthy hair growth and can contribute to increased shedding.

6. Illness, fever and stress (telogen effluvium)

Winter is also flu and infection season. Conditions that involve high fever, major illness, surgery or intense physical/mental stress can push more hairs into the shedding (telogen) phase – a condition known as telogen effluvium.

Typically:

• The trigger (e.g. fever, Covid, flu, crash diet) happens
• 2–3 months later, you suddenly notice increased hair fall

This explains why some people notice a spike in shedding in late winter, after illness in autumn or early winter.

The good news? Telogen effluvium is usually temporary, and hair often regrows once the underlying trigger is addressed.

7. Lifestyle habits that quietly harm hair in winter

Several common winter habits can also add up:

• Very hot showers – strip the scalp’s natural oils and damage the cuticle, leading to dryness and breakage.
• Frequent blow-drying and heat styling – more heat to “quick-dry” hair causes cumulative protein damage.
• Going out with wet hair – wet hair is more fragile; in very cold climates, it can even freeze, causing microscopic fractures along the shaft.
• Less exercise and more stress – circulation and hormone balance both affect hair health.

Individually, each factor may not cause dramatic loss – but together, they can make winter shedding much more noticeable.

How to respond: Practical, science-informed steps

The goal is not to “stop shedding completely” (that’s impossible and unhealthy), but to support your hair and scalp so you lose less hair than you otherwise might, and maintain thickness over time.

1. Hydrate and nourish from within

• Drink enough water: Dehydration is often overlooked in winter because we don’t feel as thirsty, but low fluid intake is linked with drier skin and hair.
• Prioritise a protein-rich diet – hair is made of keratin (a protein), so ensure you’re getting good sources like lentils, eggs, dairy, fish, lean meats, soy and nuts.
• Include foods rich in:
  • Vitamin D (fortified foods, oily fish, egg yolks)
  • Iron (meat, beans, spinach, jaggery, fortified cereals)
  • Biotin, folate, Vitamin E, Vitamin C and zinc (green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, citrus fruits, berries, whole grains)

If you suspect a deficiency, don’t self-diagnose – a doctor can order blood tests and suggest appropriate supplements.

2. Switch to a gentle, winter-friendly wash routine

• Use lukewarm water, not very hot, to avoid stripping natural oils from your scalp
• Choose a mild, moisturising shampoo and a nourishing conditioner suited to your hair type.
• Adjust wash frequency to your scalp:
  • Very oily scalp: every 1–2 days
  • Normal/dry scalp: every 2–3 days or as needed

The key is balance: you want to wash away build-up and flakes without over-drying the scalp.

3. Moisturise your scalp and hair

• Use a hydrating conditioner after every wash, focusing on mid-lengths and ends.
• Once a week, apply a deep-conditioning mask or oil treatment (e.g. coconut, argan or almond oil) to combat dryness.
• Research has shown that coconut oil can reduce protein loss from hair, which is especially useful when hair is more brittle in winter.

If your scalp is very oily or acne-prone, keep oils mainly on the hair lengths, not on the skin.

4. Protect your hair from friction and static

• Choose hats and scarves with smooth linings – silk or satin linings reduce friction compared to rough wool or acrylic.
• You can also wear a silk or satin scarf under your woollen hat to cushion your hair.
• Avoid very tight caps that pull on the hairline – this can contribute to traction-related hair loss over time.

These small changes help reduce breakage, especially around the hairline and nape, where friction is highest.

5. Be kind with heat styling

• Let hair air-dry partially before blow-drying.
• Use the cool or medium setting instead of the hottest.
• Always apply a heat protectant spray or serum before using blow-dryers, straighteners, or curling tongs.

This doesn’t just help in winter – it’s a year-round habit that keeps hair stronger and smoother.

6. Avoid stepping out with soaking-wet hair

Wet hair is more elastic and fragile, and in cold air it takes longer to dry. This can:

• Increase tangling and breakage
• Cause discomfort and scalp chill

Gently towel-dry with a soft T-shirt or microfibre towel, let hair air-dry partially indoors, then finish on a low heat setting if needed.

7. Support scalp circulation with gentle massage

• Spend 3–5 minutes massaging your scalp daily using your fingertips (not nails).
• You can do this with or without a light oil.

While research on scalp massage is still limited, regular mechanical stimulation is believed to improve local blood flow, and many trichologists recommend it as part of a holistic hair-care routine.

At the very least, it’s relaxing – and reducing stress is beneficial for hair in itself.

8. Consider supplements – but only after testing

If your hair fall is significant, especially in winter, a doctor may:

• Check Vitamin D, iron, B12, zinc and thyroid levels, among others
• Recommend targeted supplements based on your reports

Reviews and case reports have shown that correcting Vitamin D deficiency and other nutrient gaps can improve hair density and regrowth in some patients.

Avoid starting multiple supplements blindly – more is not always better, and overdosing certain vitamins (like Vitamin A) can actually worsen hair loss.

9. When to see a dermatologist or trichologist

Seasonal shedding usually settles within a few months and doesn’t cause visible bald patches.

You should seek professional help if you notice:

• Hair fall that persists beyond 3–6 months
• Clearly visible thinning or widening of your parting
• Receding hairline or patchy bald spots
• Severe itching, burning or pain on the scalp
• Hair loss after a major illness, childbirth, crash diet or new medication

A specialist can identify whether you’re dealing with seasonal shedding, telogen effluvium, genetic hair loss, hormonal issues, or something else, and recommend appropriate treatment.

If you’re worried about how much hair you’re losing this winter, don’t panic – but don’t ignore it either. A conversation with a dermatologist or trichologist can help you understand what’s normal for you, rule out underlying problems, and create a plan to keep your hair healthier through the cold months and beyond.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog is for general educational and awareness purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Hair fall can have multiple causes, and not all shedding or scalp concerns are related to seasonal changes.

Always consult a qualified dermatologist, trichologist, or healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, supplement, or hair care regimen, especially if you have an existing medical condition or are taking medication. Individual results may vary, and no outcome can be guaranteed.

This content does not replace a personalised consultation, and the clinic is not responsible for any decisions made or actions taken based solely on the information presented here.