Why Is My Hair Different in the Summer?

Have you ever noticed that your hair looks, feels, or acts differently in the summer? You’re not alone. A lot of people experience this and wonder why it might be happening. In this article, we’ll share several reasons why your hair is different in the summer and let you know what you can do about it.  

Exposure to the Sun’s Rays 

The sun’s rays are to blame for a good portion of the changes you experience in the summertime. They can degrade the outer cuticle of your hair and render it dry and brittle. They are even known to change the color of your hair, making it visibly lighter. 

What to do:

• Cover your hair up in a scarf, wide-brimmed hat, or bonnet when you’re out on a sunny day. 

• Relax in the shade when the sun is blazing. 

• Use a hair spray with SPF protection. 

Lack of Moisture

In the summertime, many indoor areas are air-conditioned. Though this might make you comfortable, it’s not good for your hair. The dryness of the A/C can not only dry out your hair, but it can also increase its frizziness. This happens when your hair is so dry that its cuticles lift up as it seeks moisture from the surrounding air. 

What to do:

• Only use sulfate-free, gentle shampoos. 

• Always condition your hair after shampooing. 

• Don’t overwash your hair - only wash it as needed. 

• Use a deep conditioner every week or so for some deep, lasting hydration. 

• Add a deeply hydrating water-based leave-in conditioner spray to your regimen for hydration in a pinch. 

Increased Humidity Outside

In some areas, the summertime comes along with super rainy days and increased humidity. This humidity is good for the hair but can result in frizz that makes styling or hair maintenance difficult. If you’ve ever walked out the door and witnessed your hair puff up, you’ve experienced the power of humidity. 

What to do:

• Cover your hair before going outside on a humid day. 

• Wear your hair in styles that aren’t affected by humidity - braids, high puffs, etc. 

• Spritz your hair with an anti-humidity spray before stepping outside on a humid day. 

More Shampooing

Let’s face it - we all sweat more in the summer. And that prompts many of us to shampoo our hair more than we would in other seasons. Excessive shampooing not only leaves your hair drier, but it also fades your hair color quicker and promotes frizz. 

What to do:

• Rinse your hair out without using shampoo. 

• Use a dry shampoo to soak up the impurities. 

• Do an apple cider vinegar rinse. 

• Co-wash your hair (wash your hair with a conditioner/cleansing conditioner). 

• Reduce the number of shampoo sessions you do in a given week.

Chlorine and Salt Exposure

When you go for a summer swim, chances are you’ll come in contact with chlorine or salt. Both of these can make your hair drier than the Sahara. And chlorine can even change your hair color. 

What to do: 

• Limit your time in chlorinated or salt water. 

• Put your hair up in a swim cap before getting in the pool. 

• Drench your hair in clean water and conditioner before swimming. 

So, there you have it - everything you need to know about why your hair is different in the summer. We’ve also included some things that you can do to reduce the summer’s negative hair effects. We hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best with your hair. 

Author: Andrea Reyes

Andrea is a mother, wife, writer, and natural hair enthusiast of 15 years. Currently on her natural hair journey, she’s been trying countless products and techniques to understand and embrace her natural hair. She is the creator of NaturallyTextured.com, a new website featuring informative articles that share tips, tricks, and techniques aimed to help others learn to love their hair through proper hair care. She writes with the hope of making hair care easier to understand and implement.