Summer is here, and while you’re busy switching out your wardrobe for lighter fabrics, you might be wondering if your hair is planning a seasonal switch-up, too.
Does hair grow faster in the summer?
It's a tempting thought—longer days, more sun, maybe even quicker hair growth. But before you start celebrating your next summer hair goals, let's dig into the facts.
While some might argue that your hair takes its own sweet time regardless of the season, others swear by the sun’s power to speed things up. The reality, however, is a bit more nuanced.
Yes, warmer temperatures and increased blood circulation in the summer make hair grow slightly faster, but is this enough to declare summer the official hair growth season?
In this blog, we’re going to dissect whether there’s any truth to the idea that your hair might be growing quicker in the summer just because the sun is shining brighter. We’ll look at the science, the myths, and everything in between, so by the end, you’ll know exactly what’s going on with your strands during those hot months.
The Science Behind Hair Growth
Hair growth is a fascinating process that follows a cyclical pattern, regardless of whether it's a sweltering summer or a freezing winter.
To understand how seasonal factors like temperature and sun exposure might affect hair growth, it's essential to first grasp the fundamentals of the hair growth cycle.
The Hair Growth Cycle
Your hair is always in one of three hair cycle phases: anagen, catagen, or telogen. The anagen phase is the active growth stage, lasting anywhere from two to six years. This is when your hair follicles are most productive, sprouting new hairs and pushing them through the scalp. Then comes the catagen phase, a brief transitional period of about two weeks, where hair growth slows down, and the hair follicles begin to shrink. Finally, the telogen phase is the resting stage, which lasts around three months. During this time, the hair doesn't grow but stays attached to the follicle until it naturally sheds, making way for a new hair strand to start its journey.
Also Read: Can You Feel Your Hair Growing?
Seasonal Impact on Hair Growth
Now, while it's true that your plants might flourish under the summer sun, does your hair share this enthusiasm?
Warmer temperatures can indeed increase blood circulation, potentially delivering more nutrients to your hair follicles. But don’t get too excited—this doesn’t necessarily mean your hair will grow faster in the summer. The reality is that while the sun might give your hair a slight boost, it's not turning your scalp into a botanical garden.
Research suggests that any acceleration in hair growth during the summer is minimal at best. What’s more important is maintaining a healthy scalp and providing consistent care throughout the year. Sun exposure and hair growth are linked, but the impact is more about protecting your hair from damage than expecting a growth spurt.
Does Hair Really Grow Faster in Summer?
Summer—the season of sun, fun, and the age-old belief that your hair grows like weeds. But does hair really grow faster in the summer, or is that just wishful thinking fueled by the extra daylight?
The Science Behind Hair Growth and Summer
The idea that hair growth accelerates in hot weather isn’t entirely a myth. Studies suggest that hair growth can indeed speed up during the summer months.
But why?
It all comes down to your body’s response to increased sunlight and warmer temperatures. The summer heat improves blood circulation, particularly to your scalp, which in turn can stimulate hair follicles and encourage growth. So yes, the combination of longer days and that extra dose of vitamin D can give your hair a bit of a boost.
However, before you start booking extra beach days in the hopes of speeding up hair growth, keep in mind that the increase is usually marginal. We're talking about a subtle uptick, not a dramatic Rapunzel-like transformation. The average rate of hair growth is about half an inch per month, and while summer might nudge this along, it’s not likely to change drastically.
What Experts Say About Hair Growth in Summer
Dermatologists and trichologists (those are hair and scalp experts) tend to agree that while the environment plays a role, genetics, diet, and overall health are much bigger factors in determining hair growth. The idea that simply basking in the summer sun will turn you into a hair-growing machine is a bit of an oversimplification. Sunshine might be good for your soul, but whether it’s giving your hair a growth spurt or just keeping your scalp a bit warmer is still up for debate.
Hair Growth in Summer vs. Winter: Which is Faster?
Hair Growth in summer is generally a little bit faster than in winter. Sunlight exposure during summer triggers vitamin D production, which activates hair follicles and encourages growth. Meanwhile, during the winter, colder temperatures and reduced blood flow can slow down hair growth. However, the hair growth rates in individuals can still vary based on genetics, overall health, stress levels, and personal hair care practices.
Factors That Could Influence Hair Growth in Summer
When summer rolls around, you might find yourself hoping your hair gets the memo to grow faster. While you’re soaking up the sun, your scalp might be doing a bit of the same. But here are the factors that could play a role.
1. Temperature and Blood Circulation
Warmer weather naturally increases blood circulation, which could be one reason your hair seems to have a little more pep in its step during summer. Improved circulation means more nutrients and oxygen are delivered to your hair follicles, potentially giving your hair the boost it needs to grow just a tad quicker. But don’t get too excited; this isn’t a miracle growth spurt—just your body making the most of the season’s heat.
2. Diet and Vitamin D
Summer diets often include more fresh fruits and veggies, which means a higher intake of vitamins and minerals that support hair health. Plus, with the sun out in full force, your body produces more vitamin D, which is essential for hair growth. So, while you’re enjoying those beach BBQs, your hair might be silently thanking you for the extra nutrients.
But let’s be clear: while these factors might contribute to seasonal hair growth, they won’t transform your hair overnight. It's more of making the most of the season’s perks without any dramatic changes.
So, is your hair making the most of those sunny days, or is it just chilling under a hat?
Either way, understanding these factors gives you a head start on managing your hair health year-round.
Common Myths about Summer Hair Growth
When it comes to summer, the myths about hair growth spread faster than sunscreen at the beach. Let’s tackle some of these tall tales, starting with the idea that warm weather automatically means faster hair growth in the summer.
Myth 1: Hair Grows Faster When It’s Hot
The notion that higher temperatures can make your hair sprout like a summer weed is surprisingly common, but the truth is a little less exciting. While it’s true that blood circulation might improve slightly in warmer weather, leading to a minimal boost in growth, it’s not enough to make a dramatic difference. Studies suggest that any seasonal acceleration in hair growth is negligible, so don’t expect to be Rapunzel by September.
Myth 2: Sweat Accelerates Hair Growth
Another summer staple is the belief that sweating somehow encourages hair growth. While sweat can help cool your body down, it doesn’t do much for your hair follicles. In fact, excessive sweating without proper scalp care can lead to issues like clogged pores and scalp irritation, which can promote the overgrowth of Malassezia furfur—a yeast that, if left unchecked, can cause dandruff and potentially lead to hair loss. Ensuring your scalp stays clean and balanced is key to avoiding these complications.
So, while sweating might be a sign of a good workout, it’s not your hair’s secret growth serum.
How to Maintain Healthy Hair During Summer?
Summer season might bring on the sunshine and good vibes, but it also brings environmental stressors that can do a number on your hair. Protecting your strands from these stressors is crucial to maintaining hair health during the warmer months.
Protecting Hair from Environmental Stressors
Sun, chlorine, and saltwater are the three culprits you need to watch out for. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to sunburned scalp and weaken your hair’s protein structure, leading to dryness and breakage. And let’s not even get started on chlorine—it strips your hair of its natural oils, making it brittle and prone to damage. Saltwater can also dry out your hair by drawing moisture out of it.
So, what’s the fix?
Start with a hat or scarf to physically shield your hair from the sun. When hitting the pool or the beach, a leave-in conditioner or hair mask can add an extra layer of protection against chlorine and saltwater. For the ultimate defense, consider a swim cap if you’re planning to spend a lot of time in the water.
Product and Routine
Now, onto your summer hair care routine. Keep it simple but effective. Opt for moisturizing shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for dehydrated hair. These will help replenish the moisture lost due to sun exposure and environmental factors. And yes, you might be tempted to wash your hair more frequently during the summer, but over-washing your hair can strip away essential oils. Limit washing to 2-3 times a week, and when you do, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair—this minimizes breakage.
When it comes to styling, less is more. High heat from blow dryers or straighteners can add to the dryness, so embrace your natural texture or opt for air-drying whenever possible.
Yes, your hair might not be growing faster, but that doesn’t mean it can’t look its best while you’re out enjoying the summer sun.
Conclusion
While the idea of faster hair growth in summer might be appealing, the reality is more complex. Warmer temperatures and increased blood circulation can slightly boost your hair, but the difference is minimal. The most important thing is to maintain healthy hair care practices year-round, especially during the summer when environmental factors like sun, chlorine, and saltwater can cause damage.
If you're experiencing hair loss, consider using Theradome, a laser hair therapy device designed to promote hair growth. Theradome works by using laser light at an ideal wavelength of 680 nm to stimulate hair follicles, improving hair density and reducing hair thinning. It's a convenient and effective option for those looking to support their hair growth journey.
