Hair Care Tips for Different Seasons

Hair that behaves in spring can turn frizzy in summer and static-prone in winter. The hair itself has not changed; the air around it has. Adjusting a few habits as the seasons shift keeps hair comfortable all year without rebuilding your whole routine.

Summer: sun, sweat and swimming

Sun exposure

Ultraviolet light can dry hair, fade color and burn the scalp, especially along the part. A wide-brimmed hat protects both hair and scalp, and shade during the middle of the day reduces exposure further.

Swimming

Chlorine and salt water strip moisture. Dermatologists suggest wetting and conditioning your hair before swimming, or wearing a snug swim cap, then washing afterward and following with a conditioner.

Sweat and oil

Heat can make the scalp oilier. You may need to wash more often than in cooler months; a mild formula such as Gentle Daily Shampoo is designed for frequent use.

Humid weather: frizz

In humid air, dry or damaged hair absorbs moisture and swells, which lifts the surface of the hair and causes frizz. Well-conditioned hair is less affected. Use conditioner at every wash and consider a leave-in product on the ends.

Winter: cold outside, dry heat inside

Cold air holds less moisture, and indoor heating dries it further. Hair becomes more prone to static, tangling and breakage.

• Switch to a richer conditioner or add a weekly mask such as Repair Hair Mask.
• Lower the temperature of heat tools and let hair air-dry partly first.
• Avoid going out with wet hair in freezing weather, since wet hair is more fragile.
• Wear hats loosely, or choose smooth linings, to limit friction.

The scalp can become drier and flakier in winter too. Lukewarm rather than hot water helps.

Spring and autumn: reset

The milder seasons are a good time to review your routine. Trim split ends, clear build-up with an occasional clarifying wash, and reassess how often you need to wash as temperatures change.

Year-round constants

Whatever the weather, the basics stay the same: shampoo the scalp, condition the lengths, handle wet hair gently and keep heat and tension low.

When changes are not seasonal

Some people notice a little more shedding at certain times of year. However, sudden heavy shedding, bald patches or a sore, scaly scalp are not explained by the weather and should be checked by a doctor.

The bottom line

Think moisture and protection in summer, moisture and gentleness in winter, and a tidy-up in between. Our hair care range has shampoos, conditioners and treatments for each of those needs.

Sources

1. American Academy of Dermatology. Tips for healthy hair.
2. World Health Organization. Ultraviolet radiation.
3. MedlinePlus. Hair problems.