If you’re someone who likes to rock shorter hair during the spring and summer seasons, only to then decide to gain some inches when it’s cooler outdoors, on a lot of levels, that makes sense. Although protective styles like braids and twists work well throughout the year, weaves and wigs tend to be more comfortable during the fall and wintertime because there is less heat (and sweat) to deal with.
At the same time, though, if you think that all you need to do is cornrow your tresses, put on a wig, and go on about your business in order to get the hair results that you want come St. Patrick’s Day, you might want to keep reading. Believe it or not, although hair shedding is perfectly normal (more on that in a sec), it’s actually around autumn when it tends to happen the most.
That’s the bad news. The good news is, I’m about to tell you why — and what you can do about it.
First, What You Should Know About Hair Shedding, in General
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Okay, so you’ve probably heard somewhere that your hair goes through four cycles when it comes to growth: there’s the anagen phase (it’s when your hair grows and it can range from 3-7 years; your genetics play a part in the timeframe), the catagen phase (it’s when your hair follicles begin to shrink and the growing process slows down; it lasts for around 10 days), the telogen phase (your hair “rests” in this stage; it doesn’t grow or shed and it lasts for about three months) and finally, the exogen phase — which is when your hair sheds.
Since each hair follicle is basically on its own kind of schedule, that is why different hairs shed at different times. What you can know for sure is you’re going to probably shed somewhere between 50-100 hairs a day — and that is totally normal.
While we’re here, it’s important to know the difference between hair shedding, excessive hair shedding, and hair breakage. On your head, you have somewhere around 100,000 hair follicles; that’s why losing 100 strands of hair a day isn’t really that big of a deal. However, if when you (gently) tug on your hair, 2-5 strands come out at a time or when you comb or brush your hair, you notice a lot more than 50-100 strands in it, that would fall into the category of excessive shedding.
It should also go on record that somewhere around 40 percent of women lose more hair than they actually should on a daily basis because of how much and/or the way that they style it (which is probably when your hair has been in braids or twists for weeks at a time and you take them out, it seems like your hair has made a lot more progress).
Anyway, if you do notice a lot of shedding, that can be a heads-up that you have some type of nutritional deficiency going on or that you’re dealing with an underlying health issue. Since excessive shedding can sometimes lead to overall hair loss, it’s a good idea to see your doctor, so that they can get to the — pardon the pun — root of the matter.
As far as hair breakage goes, pretty much, if the hair that is coming out has the bulb (root) attached, it’s a form of shedding. Otherwise, if you’re just seeing pieces of hair, that’s probably attributed to hair breakage. Many things can lead to breakage, including your hair being too dry, your hair products being too strong, you not trimming your tresses often enough, you not getting enough protein or other nutrients in your diet; your styling tools being too hot; your hairstyles being too tight, and also, you undergoing high levels of stress (health-related issues could be the cause here as well).
The “good news” about all of this is the process of elimination can help you to figure out what’s causing your hair breakage — which ultimately interferes with you experiencing length retention — so that you can get your hair goals back on track.
Now, Why Does Hair Shedding Increase During Autumn?
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Now that you know a little bit more about hair shedding, in general, what is it about the fall season that causes your hair to shed more than any other time of the year? Apparently, fall (and sometimes early winter) will go into another level of the exogen (shedding) phase in preparation for your head needing more hair in order to endure the cold winter season.
Yep, there is something about your body that is intuitive enough to sense that your head needs more “shelter” during the summertime to protect your head/scalp from the summer heat (reportedly, you tend to have the most hair on your head during the month of July) and then again in the winter season to keep it from freezing in the cold.
Something else to keep in mind is since, reportedly, well over 60 percent of folks find themselves being super stressed out during the holiday season, that also can contribute to more strands of your hair lying around (shout-out to those who are like me and fall into the 10 percent category instead; I see you — LOL).
As far as how your system is able to innately sense all of this, a part of it is due to how much sun exposure you get during the summer vs. the fall and wintertime. Since sun and weather do influence your hormone levels to some extent, that can also shed light on when your hair naturally sheds more or less, too.
So, what does all of this (ultimately) mean? Am I saying that whenever fall makes its way into your life that you’re supposed to just accept that less hair will be a part of your reality? Eh. Yes…and no.
5 Things That You Can Do to Prevent/Reduce (Excessive) Hair Shedding
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One of the good things about having this type of information is you can be proactive when it comes to cultivating ways to make “it” — in this case, hair shedding — less of an issue. Today, I’ve got five tips that can help you out as far as experiencing less hair strand loss (especially during this time of the year) is concerned.
1. Do a pre-shampoo scalp treatment.
Your hair follicles come out of your scalp, so you definitely need to “baby” it. Not only will it help to keep your scalp healthy, but it can also help to nourish your hair follicles so that they remain nice and strong. Allure has an impressive list of scalp treatments that you can check out here.
2. Deep condition.
On a whole ‘nother level. Hair and scalp hydration are super-duper important as the temperatures drop. That’s because you’re probably going to be spending more time indoors which means you’ll be dealing with the dry air of central heat and air units. So, if it’s normal for you to deep condition your hair for, say, 30 minutes, kick that up to 45 minutes or an hour (with a hair steamer). Don’t forget to apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair as well, just to give it some extra moisturizing support.
3. Oil your scalp a couple of times a week.
Although this can be a bit of a controversial topic with — eh hem — other folks, there ain’t nothin’ wrong with oiling your scalp. In fact, it’s another way to give it some of the extra hydration that you may need when you’re in between wash days (check out “How To Use Oils Properly If Long And Healthy Hair Is Your Goal”). The key is to avoid things like petroleum (directly on your scalp) because that can clog your hair follicles and potentially even dry your scalp out. Instead, go with lighter pure ones like sesame, sweet almond, rosemary, jojoba, or, a personal favorite of mine, grapeseed oil.
4. Wrap it up.
I’ve had a hair regimen without wrapping my hair up at night and one when I have — and there really is a big difference between the two. When your locks are wrapped up in silk or satin while you’re sleeping, it reduces friction, which reduces the kind of pressure on your hair that can lead to shedding and breakage. So, definitely make sure to wrap your hair up every night, especially during the fall season. You’ll notice how much it benefits your hair if/when you do.
5. Watch your diet.
As far as fruits that are in season during the fall, pears are packed with different forms of vitamin B, which can help to stimulate your hair follicles while pumpkin can help to make your hair thicker. Foods full of omega 3s like salmon and Brussels sprouts can nourish your scalp and hair follicles and increase blood circulation to them while ginger can also strengthen your hair and even slow down its aging process.
And definitely take a multivitamin; it will compensate for some of the nutrients that your diet may be missing. Oh, and don’t forget to read “10 Teas That Are Great For The Fall Season — As Far As Hair Growth Is Concerned.” It’s got some tips to keep you and your scalp/hair warm and hydrated too.
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Fall is definitely my favorite season of the year. Hair fall? Not so much. If you can relate, now you don’t have to stress about hair shedding so much. You can embrace autumn and all it has to offer — with more hair on your head and less in your detangling brush. Enjoy!
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- Hard Water Is A Thing, And It Could Be Doing Your Curls A Disservice ›
- This Is What Your Hair Can Tell You About Your Health ›
- 10 Teas That Are Great For The Fall Season — As Far As Hair Growth Is Concerned ›
- Uncommon (But Totally Natural) Things That Are Great For Hair Growth ›
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So, we handpicked one hundred It Girls who embody that palpable It Factor moving through us as young Black women, the kind of motion lighting up the world both IRL and across the internet.
It Girl 100 became xoNecole’s most successful program, with the hashtag organically reaching more than forty million impressions on Instagram in just twenty-four hours. Yes, it caught on like wildfire because we celebrated some of the most brilliant and influential GenZennial women of color setting trends and shaping culture. But more than that, it resonated because the women we celebrated felt seen.
Many were already known in their industries for keeping this generation fly and lit, but rarely received recognition or flowers. It Girl 100 became a safe space to be uplifted, and for us as Black women to bask in what felt like an era of our brilliance, beauty, and boundless influence on full display.
And then, almost overnight, it was as if the rug was pulled from under us as Black women, as the It Girls of the world.
Our much-needed, much-deserved season of ease and soft living quickly metamorphosed into a time of self-preservation and survival. Our motion and economic progression seemed strategically slowed, our light under siege.
The air feels heavier now. The headlines colder. Our Black girl magic is being picked apart and politicized for simply existing.
With that climate shift, as we prepare to launch our second annual It Girl 100 honoree list, our team has had to dig deep on the purpose and intention behind this year’s list. Knowing the spirit of It Girl 100 is about motion, sauce, strides, and progression, how do we celebrate amid uncertainty and collective grief when the juice feels like it is being squeezed out of us?
As we wrestled with that question, we were reminded that this tension isn’t new. Black women have always had to find joy in the midst of struggle, to create light even in the darkest corners. We have carried the weight of scrutiny for generations, expected to be strong, to serve, to smile through the sting. But this moment feels different. It feels deeply personal.
We are living at the intersection of liberation and backlash. We are learning to take off our capes, to say no when we are tired, to embrace softness without apology.
And somehow, the world has found new ways to punish us for it.
In lifestyle, women like Kayla Nicole and Ayesha Curry have been ridiculed for daring to choose themselves. Tracee Ellis Ross was labeled bitter for speaking her truth about love. Meghan Markle, still, cannot breathe without critique.
In politics, Kamala Harris, Letitia James, and Jasmine Crockett are dragged through the mud for standing tall in rooms not built for them.
In sports, Angel Reese, Coco Gauff, and Taylor Townsend have been reminded that even excellence will not shield you from racism or judgment.
In business, visionaries like Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye and Melissa Butler are fighting to keep their dreams alive in an economy that too often forgets us first.
Even our icons, Beyoncé, Serena, and SZA, have faced criticism simply for evolving beyond the boxes society tried to keep them in.
From everyday women to cultural phenoms, the pattern is the same. Our light is being tested.
And yet, somehow, through it all, we are still showing up as that girl, and that deserves to be celebrated.
Because while the world debates our worth, we keep raising our value. And that proof is all around us.
This year alone, Naomi Osaka returned from motherhood and mental health challenges to reach the semifinals of the US Open. A’ja Wilson claimed another MVP, reminding us that beauty and dominance can coexist. Brandy and Monica are snatching our edges on tour. Kahlana Barfield Brown sold out her new line in the face of a retailer that had been canceled. And Melissa Butler’s company, The Lip Bar, is projecting a forty percent surge in sales.
We are no longer defining strength by how much pain we can endure. We are defining it by the unbreakable light we continue to radiate.
We are the women walking our daily steps and also continuing to run solid businesses. We are growing in love, taking solo trips, laughing until it hurts, raising babies and ideas, drinking our green juice, and praying our peace back into existence.
We are rediscovering the joy of rest and realizing that softness is not weakness, it is strategy.
And through it all, we continue to lift one another. Emma Grede is creating seats at the table. Valeisha Butterfield has started a fund for jobless Black women. Arian Simone is leading in media with fearless conviction. We are pouring into each other in ways the world rarely sees but always feels.
So yes, we are in the midst of societal warfare. Yes, we are being tested. Yes, we are facing economic strain, political targeting, and public scrutiny. But even war cannot dim a light that is divinely ours.
And we are still shining.
And we are still softening.
And we are still creating.
And we are still It.
That is the quiet magic of Black womanhood, our ability to hold both truth and triumph in the same breath, to say yes, and to life’s contradictions.
It is no coincidence that this year, as SheaMoisture embraces the message “Yes, And,” they stand beside us as partners in celebrating this class of It Girls. Because that phrase, those two simple words, capture the very essence of this moment.
Yes, we are tired. And we are still rising.
Yes, we are questioned. And we are the answer.
Yes, we are bruised. And we are still beautiful.
This year’s It Girl 100 is more than a list. It is a love letter to every Black woman who dares to live out loud in a world that would rather she whisper. This year’s class is living proof of “Yes, And,” women who are finding ways to thrive and to heal, to build and to rest, to lead and to love, all at once.
It is proof that our joy is not naive, our success not accidental. It is the reminder that our light has never needed permission.
So without further ado, we celebrate the It Girl 100 Class of 2025–2026.
We celebrate the millions of us who keep doing it with grace, grit, and glory.
Because despite it all, we still shine.
Because we are still her.
Because we are still IT, girl.
Meet all 100 women shaping culture in the It Girl 100 Class of 2025. View the complete list of honorees here.
Featured image by xoStaff
Apparently, there was a Thanksgiving episode that featured all of the friends having dinner together. And y’all, there was simply no way that I was going to mention the latter without shouting out the original (amen?).
Okay, so with that out of the way — Friendsgiving. Something that I appreciate about twists to holidays like this is that it’s a reminder that there is no one way to celebrate special occasions. And so, if, for whatever the reason, you will not or cannot be with family during the holiday season, there are certainly other alternatives at your disposal.
That being said, if the thought of spending time with friends this Thanksgiving is something that you’d like to do, yet you’re not sure how to host it in a way that will make Friendsgiving a fan favorite for your entire circle — I’ve got 10 suggestions that can make the planning process easy as pumpkin (or sweet potato) pie.
1. Position Chrysanthemums or Orchids for Your Table Décor
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Let’s start with décor first. Listen, aside from cleaning up your place, you don’t have to be over the top. If you put together a really nice centerpiece or put a flower at each table setting, honestly, you’re all good. And if you’re someone who is big on details and symbolism, my recommendation would be to go with some chrysanthemums and/or orchids.
When it comes to chrysanthemums, not only are they a peak fall flower, they represent things like friendship and happiness. And orchids? They tend to bloom during the fall and spring seasons and, not only are they about luxury, certain orchid colors also symbolize friendship (for the record, yellow roses symbolize friendship too). Perfect.
2. Incorporate Scents That Cultivate Gratitude
Speaking of cultivating a warm and inviting space, you can never go wrong with scented soy candles — or at least having an essential oil diffuser in a few spots. Some scents that actually help to bring in the spirit of gratitude include vanilla, jasmine, ginger, cedarwood and frankincense.
3. Use Upscale Paper Products to Dine With
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Let’s be real — a lot more of us would probably host events in our home if it wasn’t for the mess that is left behind in our kitchen once the festivities are over. Wanna avoid that? Use paper plates. No, I don’t mean the cheap Styrofoam ones. SMDH. These days, there are paper (and plastic) plate brands that will low-key blow your mind when it comes to how bougie they look. Some that are worth considering are located here, here and here.
4. Handwrite Thank-You Notes (Use Them As Place Settings)
If you’re like Tiffany (from the HBO series Insecure — what a time) was at that memorable dinner party when all hell broke loose between Lawrence and Issa and you’re pretty anal — I mean, particular — LOL — about place settings, it’s a nice touch to pick up some blank thank-you cards that you can write a personalized “I’m thankful for you because…” message in. Place each one where you’d like each friend to sit. They won’t see it coming and it’s a really nice touch.
5. Have Everyone Bring Their Favorite Homemade Dish
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Okay, and what if what has you on the fence about hosting is you don’t feel like doing a ton of cooking? Chile, this is where the concept of having a potluck comes in. Get everyone to bring the dish that they claim they cook the best and make sure to let them know how many individuals you plan on coming (so that they will make enough). You can even make a game out of it by having everyone anonymously vote for the first, second and third best dishes out of the bunch. Take it up a notch by having a prize for each winner.
6. Take a Warm Drink and Dessert Poll Beforehand
You know what isn’t discussed enough about dinner parties? Folks bringing desserts that other people don’t even like. SMDH. You can avoid this from becoming an issue at your Friendsgiving by sending an email (most people prefer that to group chats; let’s be real — and make sure to BCC everyone as well) asking everyone to share what their top three favorite desserts and warm drinks are. Then pick the top 2-3 out of the bunch. That way, you won’t have a ton of (for instance) coffee cake or apple cider lying around that no one even wanted in the first place.
7. Create a Signature Friendsgiving Mocktail and Cocktail
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Speaking of drinks, another way to make your Friendsgiving memorable is to come up with a signature mocktail (for those who don’t consume alcohol) and cocktail. For the mocktail, you can also poll your friends about their favorite mocktail or fruits and come up with a mixture of your own. For the cocktail — although National Friendship Day is actually in August, I did peep that there are certain drinks that have been created in its honor. Some of them are located here for you to do a bit of tweaking on (if you’d like).
8. Ask Everyone to Share Their “Favorite Friend Quality” of Another
You know how it’s customary for everyone to go around and share what they are truly thankful for before having dinner? Well, to continue along with the Friendsgiving theme, have each person share what their favorite friend quality is about the person to their right. If folks are just meeting each other for the first time, instead they can share what they value the most in friendship overall, along with a story of how it was displayed to them personally over the past 12 months.
9. Send Each of Your Guests Home with a Fresh Gratitude Journal
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Wanna send folks home with a nice parting gift? It would be so on-trend to give each of them a gratitude journal. Listen, we are in some crazy times right through here (at least in the States) and so, encouraging your friends to set some time aside, regularly, to think about and then outwardly express what they are grateful for? That helps to keep stress down, keep things in perspective and it reminds us all to maintain a positive mindset as much as possible.
10. Watch a Nostalgic Movie
While everyone is enjoying dessert and drinks, how about watching a movie that brings back fond memories? A list of some of the most popular movies to come out previous Thanksgiving weekends is located here and a list of some favorite Black holiday-themed films can be found here. It’s a way to wind down and share some laughs before everyone heads home.
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Friendsgiving. What a wonderful way to celebrate your friends while also observing Thanksgiving in a way that is totally on your terms. And now that you know how to put it together, what are you waiting for? Hit your friends up and let them know that, whether it’s on actual Thanksgiving Day or a few days before or after, you’ve got a special dinner in mind.
One that has a good time with amazing friends written ALL over it.
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