Some seasonal hair “truths” deserve a serious fact-check.
The first chill tends to bring more than sweater weather – it stirs up old myths about seasonal hair care. Does cutting our hair really promote growth? Should we replace hair care products? And is it all too necessary to dye our hair dark? Here’s the truth about what actually happens to your hair in the fall.
It’s a common misconception to assume that because one thing happened after another, it was caused by it. In fact, your hair doesn’t fall out because it’s cold outside; it just follows a natural hair cycle.
It’s only logical that after a growth spurt, our hair gets in summer, it needs a phase of rest. “The number of shed hairs reached a peak around August/September, when least follicles were in anagen,” research says.
Noticing extra strands in your brush or shower can feel unsettling. But in many cases, it’s a normal part of your hair’s natural rhythm. Shedding tends to ebb and flow, and as older hairs fall, new ones begin to grow in their place, reaching a peak around March.
Trimming the dead ends can make our mane look healthier, that’s true. But the hair grows from the follicles in the scalp, and cutting cannot affect that process in the very least.
Scientists are clear about this: “No research has directly linked wearing a hat with an increased risk of hair loss.” Just make sure that your hat isn’t too tight, so it allows ventilation, and skip rough synthetics like acrylic or polyester, which can cause friction and static.
It’s not shampooing itself, but the frequency of washing, the choice of cleansing products, and the washing technique. As for washing regularity, “each extreme has potential detrimental effects: overcleaning may lead to surface damage while undercleaning may lead to buildup of harmful stimuli,” says research on how shampoo frequency affects hair and scalp condition. Work out a schedule that suits your hair and lifestyle, and stick to it.
Choose shampoo and conditioner based on your hair and scalp type, and be sure to follow our guide on how to wash your hair without damaging it.
The misconception that special autumn products can prevent seasonal hair loss is widespread. Good hair care, indeed, improves overall strength and resilience, but it cannot override biology. Losing hair during seasonal changes is a natural cycle; hair products can assist in managing texture and breakage, but they cannot stop the process itself.
UV exposure can weaken hair over time, resulting in dryness, brittleness, and color fading. Using products with built-in SPF helps maintain strength and tone, not just in summer, but year-round.
“While rich tones are popular, fall is perfect for warm blondes, coppers, and caramel highlights that complement the season’s natural palette,” say experts from Meraki salon in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Browse through our gallery of fabulous fall-inspired hair colors to find a tone and coloring technique that speaks to you.
Related: Our Favorite Fall Blonde Hair Ideas
A season has nothing to do with the speed at which your hair loses its pigment and luster. Instead, shampooing too often (especially with hot water), using harsh cleansers, exposure to hard water, product build-up, overusing heat tools, and skipping heat protection can gradually strip the hair’s outer layer, leading to dullness and fading over time.
While it’s true that thin, fragile strands can be further damaged while color-treated, only your colorist can assess your hair’s condition and customize the dye formula for you. Plus, “professional treatments like Olaplex can repair summer damage while allowing for beautiful fall color transformations,” specialists from Meraki salon explain.
Now that the myths are out of the way, it’s time to have fun with your look. Check out our guide to fall hair trends for styles that actually make sense this season.
Featured image via freepik.
