Is Summer or Winter Better for Hair?

Have you ever noticed that your hair looks or acts differently in July than it does in December? You can thank seasonal changes for that. Some seasons may change your hair for the better, while others turn your hair into a mess. Being that summer and winter are two of the most polarizing seasons, many wonder which one is better for the hair. The answer may surprise you.

The Impact of Summer on Hair

In the summer, you’re all about getting out and having fun in the sun. Though the season may seem harmless, that’s not exactly the case for your hair. Here are a few things associated with summer that affect your hair:

• The sun. The sun’s rays are drying to the hair’s outer surface and can be a persistent problem in the summer months.

• Dry air. If you live somewhere where dry summers are common, your hair cuticles may often swell up to absorb moisture from the air. This can result in more frizz.

• Pool and ocean water. The chlorine in public pools and the salt in the ocean can strip the moisture from your hair, making it more prone to dryness, brittleness, and breakage. Chlorine in pools can also change the color of your hair – usually making it lighter.

• Frequent sweating. Sweating from the high temps may prompt you to wash your hair more often. Every time you wash your hair, you’re washing away much-needed moisture.

• A/C air. To beat the heat, you may also hang out in air-conditioned rooms, which tend to be drier than rooms without AC. Your hair could become rough, dry, dull, and brittle as a result.

The Impact of Winter on Hair

By this point, you might think that it’s hard to top summer’s negative hair effects. But that’s not necessarily the case. The winter impacts your hair in a big way, just like the summer does. Keep reading to find out how. 

• Dry winter air. Dry winter air can lead to excessive static electricity and, consequently, frizz.

• Indoor heating risks. And the indoor heating you use to knock off the chill can have the same effect, increasing your risk of damage and breakage from prolonged hair dryness.

• Friction from hats. To stay warm, you’ll wear hats. Some hats, specifically those that have a satin lining, won’t cause you issues. But typical hats aren’t made with your hair in mind - they can cause friction-related breakage wherever the hat rubs against your hair. 

• Cold air. The coldness of the air can make even the softest, most supple hair hard and rough. Without sufficient elasticity, your strands won’t be able to stretch much before breaking off entirely.

Which Season is Worse for Hair: Summer or Winter? 

There’s no way to say for sure whether summer or winter is worse for a given person’s hair. Both seasons come with challenges that could negatively affect your hair’s health. But what’s important is that you know what to do in either season to keep your hair thriving.

No matter what season it is, keep your hair cleansed, conditioned, and moisturized with gentle products. Whenever your hair needs a quick shot of moisture, use a high-quality water-based leave-in conditioner. And do a clarifying wash now and again to keep buildup at bay. Now and again, you’ll also need to get a trim to keep split ends under control. But above all, listen to your hair and give it what it needs.

We hope you found this article helpful, and we wish you the best with your hair no matter the season. 

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.