Why Your Hair Sheds More in Spring – And When to Be Concerned

If you’ve noticed more hair collecting in your brush or shower drain recently, you’re not alone. Searches for “hair shedding” and “hair loss” typically spike in early spring, and according to hair and beauty expert Danielle Louise at Fresha, the world’s leading beauty and wellness booking platform, there’s a scientific explanation behind it.

“Spring shedding is absolutely a real thing,” says Danielle Louise at Fresha. “We see more clients panicking about hair loss in March and April every year. In most cases, what they’re experiencing is seasonal shedding combined with winter damage finally becoming visible.”

As the seasons change, so does your hair’s natural cycle — and salons are already seeing the effects.

Across the Fresha platform, bookings for colour corrections, restorative treatments and post-winter haircuts typically rise at this time of year as people look to refresh hair that has taken a beating during the colder months.

Why Hair Shedding Increases in Spring

Hair naturally grows in cycles, and spring is often when many strands reach the shedding phase at once.

“Hair grows in cycles,” explains Danielle Louise at Fresha. “After winter, more follicles shift into the shedding phase at the same time. That means you’ll notice more strands in your brush or shower.”

Research suggests that hair retention peaks during colder months, meaning the body holds onto strands for longer. When spring arrives, the natural shedding process begins again.

“It can feel dramatic,” Danielle adds, “but losing 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal. In spring, that number can creep up slightly. The key difference is perception — you’re more likely to notice it.”

However, she advises seeking professional advice if hair shedding is accompanied by visible thinning patches, scalp irritation or sudden excessive loss.

Why Winter Damage Becomes Visible

For many people, what feels like sudden hair thinning in spring is actually damage accumulated during winter finally revealing itself.

Cold temperatures, dry indoor heating and friction from hats and scarves can weaken the hair shaft over time.

“Bleached or lightened hair is already more porous,” says Danielle Louise at Fresha. “After months of dryness and breakage, the damage becomes more obvious in spring. Clients often come in saying their hair suddenly feels thinner, but it’s actually cumulative breakage.”

Longer daylight hours also play a role. As natural light increases and people spend more time outdoors, uneven colour tones, dryness and breakage become far more noticeable.

This is reflected in booking patterns across the Fresha platform, where salons see a clear increase in colour corrections and restorative treatments after winter.

The Return of the ‘Spring Chop’

Spring is also when many people decide it’s time for a reset.

Salons often report a surge in clients opting for shorter, healthier styles — something stylists refer to as the “spring chop.”

“We call it the ‘spring chop’,” says Danielle Louise at Fresha. “People want to get rid of dry ends and start again. Even taking off a few inches can make hair look instantly thicker and healthier.”

A seasonal refresh often includes:

• Trimming away split ends
• Removing over-processed lengths
• Switching to warmer, glossier colour tones
• Adding face-framing layers for movement

“Spring is psychologically linked to renewal,” Danielle explains. “After months of low maintenance and hiding under hats, clients are ready to feel polished again.”

When to See a Professional

While seasonal shedding is usually normal, there are times when it’s worth seeking expert advice.

Danielle recommends booking a salon appointment if:

• Shedding feels heavier than usual and you want reassurance
• Hair feels dry, brittle or uneven
• Colour appears dull or brassy
• You haven’t had a trim in 10–12 weeks

“A professional assessment makes all the difference,” says Danielle Louise at Fresha. “A stylist can tell you whether you’re experiencing normal seasonal shedding or breakage from damage, and treat it accordingly.”

As the seasons change, your hair often signals that it’s time for a reset. And while spring shedding might feel alarming at first, it’s usually just your hair following its natural cycle — with a fresh, healthier start on the horizon.

Looking for curated ideas and inspiration? Discover more at Ravish Magazine, your UK lifestyle magazine.