Believe it or not, your hair follows a natural growth cycle: grow ➝ rest ➝ shed. And in the summertime, more hairs than usual shift into that “rest” phase (called the telogen phase), which means they’re preparing to fall out.

Why now? While we don’t know the exact cause, dermatologists—including our team here at Georgia Skin Specialists—believe sun exposure, heat, humidity, hormone changes, and even seasonal stress can all play a role. Your body adjusts to summer mode, and your hair feels the effects.

So yes, seasonal shedding is real, and summer is a big season.

What Can You Do About It?

You can’t stop the hair cycle, but you can support your scalp and hair so shedding isn’t so dramatic. Here are a few of our top tips:

1. Upgrade Your Shampoo Game

Between sunscreen, sweat, and dry shampoo, your scalp might feel a little…clogged. Buildup can irritate your scalp and lead to more shedding.

Try using a clarifying shampoo 1–2 times a week—look for ingredients like zinc, salicylic acid, or willow bark extract. These help exfoliate your scalp gently and keep things fresh without drying you out.

2. Try Topical Support (Yes, Even Preventatively!)

If summer shedding hits you every year, it might be time to get ahead of it. Topicals like minoxidil (the active ingredient in Rogaine) are clinically proven to help support hair growth and thickness.

The key? Start early and stay consistent. It’s always easier to keep hair than to regrow it once it’s gone.

3. Fuel Your Hair From the Inside

Summer snacks are fun (chips + rosé, anyone?), but your hair needs nutrients to grow strong.

Focus on:

• Protein: Chicken, eggs, Greek yogurt, beans
• Colorful produce: Berries, leafy greens, bell peppers
• Healthy fats: Salmon, walnuts, avocados

What’s good for your body is great for your hair.

4. Don’t Forget Stress + Sleep

Even if summer feels more relaxed, travel, late nights, and routine changes can stress your body out.

And guess what? Stress and poor sleep affect your hormones, which can lead to—you guessed it—more shedding. Try to stick to a sleep schedule, get some movement in, and find little ways to recharge (even 10 minutes of quiet counts!).

5. Consider Serums + Supplements

Want to give your hair a little extra love? Serums and supplements can help strengthen and support growth from the inside and out.

We love:

• Plated Hair Serum: Lightweight, packed with peptides and plant extracts to nourish the scalp and reduce the look of shedding.
  
• Nutrafol: A clinically backed supplement with marine collagen, zinc, and saw palmetto to support hair growth and hormone balance.

They’re not magic, but can make a real difference when combined with a healthy routine.

The Takeaway

✔️ Yes—seasonal shedding is normal
✔️ No—you’re not the only one going through it
✔️ Yes—you can do something about it

If your hair loss feels excessive or just isn’t letting up, it’s okay to call in the pros. A dermatology provider can help you get to the root of what’s going on and help you come up with a plan that works.

Here’s to happy scalps, stronger strands, and feeling like your best self, no matter the season.