Why Does Hair Dry Out in Summer? Causes & Solutions

With the temperature increasing and summer in full swing, most of us observe an unpleasant transition with our locks—it dries, frizzes, and becomes unruly. But why, you ask, does this occur? What makes your hair lose its natural moisture in the warm season? And most crucially, what can you do to correct it?

In this article, we’ll dive into the reasons behind summer hair dryness and share practical, effective solutions to keep your locks hydrated, healthy, and shiny all season long.

Why Hair Gets Dry in Summer: The Main Causes

1. Sun Exposure

Similar to your skin, your hair can become sunburned too. The ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the sun harms the outer layer of a hair strand, the cuticle. This makes your hair weak, causing split ends, frizz, and dryness. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight drains the natural oils that help keep your hair moisturized.

2. Dehydration

During hot climates, your body sweats and loses more water. If properly hydrated, it will not reach your scalp or hair follicle, which become dehydrated, causing you to have brittle and dry hair. Hydration begins from within.

3. Saltwater and Chlorine

Summer translates to beach vacations and pool parties—but both seawater and chlorinated pools can devastate your hair. Seawater extracts moisture from hair, resulting in dry, rough-feeling locks. Chlorine, meanwhile, strips the hair of its natural oils, rendering it even more vulnerable to damage.

4. More Hair Washing

Excessive sweating during the summer makes individuals wash their hair more often. Although cleanliness is important, too much shampooing strips natural oils from the scalp, making hair dry and brittle.

5. Hot Styling Tools

Hot styling with blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons exposes hair to additional heat in already stressed hair. The combination of heat styling and high temperatures can be particularly destructive, leading to additional moisture loss.

How to Repair Dry Hair in Summer: Remedies & Tips

1. Apply UV Protection to Hair

Get quick hair sunscreen or UV protect spray. These sprays create a protective shield around hair strands and prevent them from getting damaged by the sun. You can also use a wide-brimmed hat or a scarf when going out in the middle of the day when the sun is harsh.

2. Hydrate Inside and Out

Drink lots of water every day—try to at least drink 8 glasses a day. Hydration gives your hair follicles the nutrients they need and keeps them from drying out. Also, try to use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners with natural oils such as argan, coconut, or jojoba.

3. Avoid Heat Styling

Take a break for your hair from hot devices. Choose air drying and natural styles whenever possible. If using heat is absolutely necessary, then spray a heat protector to the hair to lessen damage.

4. Deep Conditioning Treatments

Utilize a deep conditioning mask or treatment each week in summer. Search for such ingredients as shea butter, keratin, honey, or aloe vera that replace lost moisture and mend damage.

Diy Hair Mask for Summer

• 2 tbsp coconut oil

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 mashed banana

Blend and apply to hair for 30 minutes and rinse out with lukewarm water. The mask intensely moisturizes and gives hair shine.

5. Avoid Over washing

Attempt to limit shampooing to 2-3 times a week. When you shampoo, use sulfates-free, moisturizing shampoos which wash gently without removing your scalp's natural oils.

6. Rinse with Cool Water

After washing your hair, rinse with cool water instead of hot. Cold water helps close the hair cuticles, locking in moisture and giving your hair a smoother appearance.

7. Protect Hair from Pool and Saltwater

Before swimming, rinse your hair with clean water and apply a leave-in conditioner. This reduces chlorine and saltwater absorption. After swimming, always wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove chemical buildup.

Final Thoughts

Summer dry hair is a prevalent issue, but it needn't dampen your sun-kissed spirits. By learning the reasons behind it and adopting preventive measures, you can have healthy, hydrated hair throughout the summer season. Focus on keeping your hair hydrated, protected, and following proper hair care tips to combat the heat of summer and maintain your hair's shine.