September and October are the months when many people notice increased hair loss. More hair than usual in the brush, strands on the pillow or hair coming away between your fingers while washing it.
At our clinic in Como, we receive many consultation requests during this period, often accompanied by the same question: is seasonal hair loss normal, or should I be concerned?
The short answer is: in most cases, it is normal. Autumn hair loss is a physiological phenomenon with specific causes, and there are treatments that can help when shedding becomes more significant or persistent.
In this article, we explain why hair loss increases in autumn, how to recognise when it may require further investigation and which treatments can help support the scalp and hair follicles.
Why does hair fall out more in autumn?
Hair follows a natural life cycle consisting of three main phases: the active growth phase (anagen), the transition phase (catagen) and the resting phase (telogen). At the end of the telogen phase, the hair naturally falls out and is eventually replaced by new growth.
During summer, intense UV exposure, heat and dehydration can place additional stress on the hair follicles and cause a greater number of hairs to enter the resting phase.
The effect is not immediate. It generally takes around two to three months for these hairs to reach the shedding stage. This is why seasonal hair loss often peaks between September and November, several weeks after the end of summer.
This phenomenon is known as seasonal telogen effluvium and, in most cases, it is temporary and reversible.
Seasonal hair loss or a medical problem: how to tell the difference
Losing around 50 to 100 hairs per day is generally considered normal. During autumn, this number may temporarily increase without necessarily indicating a medical problem.
However, some signs deserve closer attention:
- Heavy hair loss lasting more than two or three months without signs of improvement
- Visible thinning in specific areas of the scalp, particularly around the crown or along the parting
- Hair shedding during the night that regularly leaves noticeable amounts of hair on the pillow
- A clear reduction in overall hair thickness, rather than simply an increase in the number of hairs being shed
- Itching, flaking or redness of the scalp
When these signs are present, hair loss may not be purely seasonal and should be assessed by a doctor to identify possible underlying causes, such as nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, chronic stress or specific scalp conditions.
A medical consultation is therefore the appropriate first step.
Medical treatments for autumn hair loss
When autumn hair loss is particularly noticeable or continues beyond the usual seasonal period, aesthetic medicine can offer two complementary treatments that act on the scalp through different mechanisms: mesotherapy and carboxytherapy.
Mesotherapy for hair loss
Hair mesotherapy involves microinjections of active ingredients directly into the scalp, including B vitamins, amino acids, minerals and growth factors.
These substances are delivered directly to the area where they are needed, bypassing the skin barrier that would otherwise limit their absorption.
Mesotherapy has a dual action: it helps nourish hair follicles that may have been weakened over the summer and stimulates follicles in the resting phase, supporting their return to the active growth phase.
The treatment may be used both for seasonal hair loss and for diffuse thinning. Depending on the individual condition, improvements may begin to become noticeable after the first few sessions.
Carboxytherapy for hair loss
Carboxytherapy works through a different but complementary mechanism.
The treatment involves injecting medical-grade carbon dioxide into the scalp, which promotes local vasodilation and increases blood flow in the treated area.
This means that more oxygen and nutrients can reach the hair follicles, helping create favourable conditions for healthy hair growth.
The body interprets the presence of CO₂ as a temporary reduction in local oxygen levels and responds by increasing microcirculation.
As a result, follicles receiving a lower blood supply may benefit from improved vascularisation and nutrient delivery.
Carboxytherapy can be particularly useful when hair loss is associated with reduced scalp microcirculation.
Mesotherapy and carboxytherapy together
The two treatments are not necessarily alternatives: they can complement each other.
Carboxytherapy helps improve local circulation, while mesotherapy delivers nutrients directly to the hair follicles.
When combined as part of a treatment programme designed by a doctor, the two approaches can work synergistically to support the scalp and hair growth process.
How is the treatment programme structured?
The number of sessions and the sequence of treatments depend on the initial medical assessment, the severity of the hair loss and the individual response to treatment.
As a general indication:
- Mild or moderate seasonal hair loss may require around four to six sessions, usually performed weekly or every two weeks
- More pronounced or persistent thinning may require a longer programme, potentially alternating mesotherapy and carboxytherapy
- Initial improvements may become noticeable from around the fourth or fifth week, with progressive changes over the following months
- Periodic maintenance sessions may help support and maintain the results over time
September and October can be particularly suitable months to begin treatment because they coincide with the period when seasonal shedding is often most noticeable, allowing the follicles to be supported as they move back towards the active growth phase during autumn and winter.
FAQ
Is hair loss in autumn always normal?
An increase in hair shedding between September and November is often physiological and may be related to the seasonal hair cycle and the stress experienced by the scalp during summer. It should be investigated if it lasts for more than two or three months, if visible thinning develops in specific areas or if it is accompanied by itching, flaking or scalp irritation.
How many mesotherapy sessions are needed for hair loss?
A complete cycle generally involves around four to six sessions, usually performed weekly or every two weeks. The exact number depends on the doctor’s assessment and the individual response to treatment. Initial improvements may become noticeable around the fourth or fifth week.
Is carboxytherapy for hair loss painful?
The treatment is generally well tolerated. CO₂ injections may cause a mild feeling of pressure or tingling in the treated area, which usually disappears within a few minutes. No significant recovery time is normally required.
Can mesotherapy and carboxytherapy be performed together?
Yes. The two treatments are complementary and may be combined as part of an integrated treatment programme. Carboxytherapy improves scalp microcirculation, while mesotherapy delivers nutrients directly to the hair follicles.
When is the best time to start treatment for seasonal hair loss?
September and October are often suitable months to begin, as they coincide with the peak period of seasonal shedding and allow the follicles to be supported as the hair growth cycle progresses through autumn.
Where can I have mesotherapy and carboxytherapy for hair loss in Como?
At Esthelia, located at Via Mentana 11 in Como, our team of specialised doctors assesses the causes of hair loss and creates a personalised treatment programme based on the individual needs of each patient. Consultations are free and without obligation.
Are you noticing more hair loss than usual this autumn? Book a free consultation at our clinic in Como. We will assess your situation and create a personalised treatment plan designed to reduce excessive shedding and support healthy hair growth.
