Seasonal Hair Care: Protecting Your Locks from Summer Sun and Winter Dryness
We all have our favorite season, but did you know each one can bring its own stresses to your hair? Winter brings dry air and heating, which can cause damage due to lost moisture. The sudden increase in humidity in spring could lead to your hair producing more oil, causing greasy roots. Summer brings fun but also more UV rays, which can cause damage, as well as chlorine or salt exposure from swimming, which can dry out your hair. Autumn then brings another drop in humidity, which can lead to moisture loss and hair shedding.
We all lose 50-100 hairs each day as part of the normal cycle of hair growth. If you find you’re losing a lot more than that, you’ve noticed a dry or oily scalp, or you’re dealing with frizz and split ends, it’s likely you need to change up your hair care for the season.
Tips for Healthy Hair no Matter the Month
The best tip for healthy, shiny hair all year is to focus on hydration. In colder months, you’ll need intensive hydration, so look for shampoos with moisturizing components like argan oil or shea butter and apply a weekly intensive leave-in mask. Bringing in oils as a final step after conditioning can help lock the moisture in for long-lasting results. In warmer months, you’ll still need good hydration, but it’s best to stick to light-weight options like water-based conditioners and serums.
Heat styling can dry out your hair, making seasonal changes more apparent. Use heat protection and set the tools to the lowest temperature you can. To protect against UV damage in warmer months, consider a leave-in conditioner with SPF protection and/or wear hats. Air drying is easier in warmer months, too, reducing the need for heat. Hats in winter can also protect against the cold.
Adjusting your styling based on the season can help prevent breakage, too. In summer, it’s the perfect time to let your natural hair flow free in gentle curls; they’re called beachy waves after all. This style will require minimal heat, and it’s easy to quickly rinse off and apply some leave-in conditioner after a dip in the pool. In the winter, a bun or braid helps hide a lot of your hair from the cold air. This hairstyle can also help you go longer between washes. You should avoid washing too often all year, but this is particularly important in winter, so you preserve your hair’s natural oils, working against dryness. When the months turn dry, using silk accessories such as pillowcases can also help prevent breakage.
Finally, no matter the time of year, you should have regular trims at your salon. This helps to remove split ends so energy can be put into new hair growth instead.
The Importance of Avoiding Harsh Products
When choosing your seasonal products, it’s best to avoid ingredients such as synthetic fragrances and parabens, which are common allergens. Harsh chemicals like these can cause scalp irritation and disrupt the natural balance of your oils, making seasonal changes worse. Sticking to natural products that contain ingredients like tea tree oil or aloe vera encourages healthy growth and balances your scalp.
At Indulge Salon, we use great products and help you to your best hair all year round. Find out more about our French haircuts that are sure to flatter you.
