Five tips to support seasonal hair shedding
Seasonal shedding is normal—but support matters. Hair expert Samantha Cusick shares top tips for stronger, healthier hair through autumn and winter.
By Sam Cusick, hair expert & founder of Samantha Cusick London
While alarming, seasonal hair shedding after summer is a totally natural process when hair enters the telogen (resting) and exogen (shedding) phases of its growth cycle. It’s linked to changes in daylight and hormonal shifts, but there are ways you can keep it feeling full and healthy. Hair expert Sam Cusick shares her top professional tips.
Be gentle
Rough towel-drying, yanking through knots when brushing, using high heat without heat protection, or wearing the same tight ponytail every day can all contribute to breakage and follicle tension, which makes shedding worse. Be gentle, switch styles to avoid constant pulling, and use a soft microfibre towel or cotton T-shirt to dry your hair.
Add volume
Opting for layers can create movement and volume, while a blunt cut at the baseline can make the hair look thicker. A good blow-dry with a round brush can also lift the roots. For styling, a volumising mousse or root spray can help, and parting your hair slightly differently can disguise thinner spots.
Nurture & nourish
Olaplex treatments are fantastic for strengthening and repairing, while a gentle exfoliating scalp scrub removes buildup and keeps follicles healthy. The Authentic Beauty Concept Sensorial Cream Scrub is a favourite. High-quality nutrition also goes a long way - a collagen supplement like Collagen 500 Plus, rich in Biotin, can support your hair’s structure from within.
Understand shedding versus loss
It’s completely normal for a larger amount of hair to shed when entering cooler months. However, there are telltale signs to look out for when it comes to hair loss. A widening parting, a change in how your ponytail feels (less thickness when you tie it), or more scalp showing in certain lighting can all be subtle early indicators.
Still unsure? Ask a professional
We all shed around 50–100 hairs a day, but if you’re seeing significantly more for several weeks in a row, or changes to your scalp health, it’s worth speaking to a professional. It’s always better to get ahead than wait until hair feels noticeably thinner.
Sam Cusick is a leading UK hair stylist and founder of the much-loved Samantha Cusick London studios and STA Studios. Find her at https://www.samanthacusicklondon.com/ and on Instagram. For more tips on how to look after your skin and hair health, read our 8 ways to futureproof your skin, and why not try our collagen-infused drinks recipes?
