Does Hair Grow Faster in the Summer?
We've all heard that hair grows faster in the summer, but is that true? Let's separate the myths from the facts and determine if it's true.
Indeed, it seems that with the onset of warm seasons, especially spring and summer, the growth of hair accelerates. And as it turns out - this is really true - and there are several reasons for this. Warm temperatures improve blood circulation in the scalp and vitamin D is supplied in large quantities.
Why does hair grow faster in summer?
Thanks to a study from National Center for Biotechnology Information, it's safe to say that seasonal changes are real.
So why do they have such an impact on hair growth? The average increase in hair growth is 10% compared to the colder seasons. And it is the whole climate that counts: if the sun appears more often than rain and clouds, there will be more growth.
Warm weather stimulates the saturation of the hair with essential nutrients, which ensures the correct biochemistry and balance of keratin. Also, the improved blood flow due to the temperature improves the oxygen supply to the scalp.
The Independent Pharmacy states that "When we have enough vitamin D, it helps hair follicles grow and function properly". And Medical News Today states that "low vitamin D levels can affect hair growth."
We couldn't agree more with the professionals - especially if you add physical activity (which is more in the summer) and a good psychological state (rest, vacations, walks) to the equation.
Negative Effects of Summer on Hair
Let's also briefly go over the negative effects that warm weather can have on our lives.
- Frequent washing of the head: due to increased sweating, the need to wash the hair increases - and there is a higher probability of washing away the protective layer from the hair. Salty seawater or chlorinated pool water can add to this problem. Overdoing it can affect the structure or even the color of the hair.
- UV radiation: the sun helps us with vitamin D, but hinders us with UV. Luckily, we have protective sprays, milks, active protective masks in our store, both for daily protection and intensive care.
Other Factors Influencing Hair Growth
Additional factors that affect hair growth in the summer:
- Genetics: our body's blueprint that determines the speed, density and texture of our hair. It also obviously affects the rate of hair growth for each individual. Genetics also affects the absorption of vitamins - some people need additional sources of nutrients, while for others an apple every now and then will be enough.
- Age and Hormones: Over time, changes can be more pronounced as the metabolism slows down and hair growth decreases (after 35-40). During pregnancy, hormonal changes may lead to temporary slight hair loss, or on the contrary, hair growth may increase. During menopause, hair becomes thinner and weaker. Regular check-ups and checking hormonal levels will help you in this case.
- Nutrition: one of the most important factors in the health of not only your hair, but your entire body. Provide yourself with protein, iron, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon, nuts, and greens are your friends on this journey.
- Sleep and lifestyle: Sleep deprivation negatively affects hair growth, which can lead to hair loss. Stress and negative habits (smoking, alcohol) have a similar effect, try to avoid them. Also, an overlooked problem turned out to be dehydration. The Independent Pharmacy states that "Not drinking enough water can lead to poorer blood flow, which means less nutrients and oxygen reach the hair roots. This can disrupt healthy hair growth."
Summer Hair Care Products
What you can use to take care of your scalp health in summer:
- L'Oréal Morning After Dust - this dry shampoo is perfect for refreshing roots and keeping your scalp healthy between washes, in warm weather. We also recently reviewed dry shampoos here.
Morning After Dust 6.7oz
- L'Oréal Fix Design - strong hold without a sticky feel and also protects hair from heat. The perfect choice for hot weather.
Fix Design 33.8oz
Blondhaus: Your Partner for Healthy Hair
At Blondhaus, we understand how hard it can be to take care of your hair and that's why we offer you a free consultation. Our approach is personalized for each client and we will be happy to discuss your specific situation with you. For those who can't visit us in person - we have specially designed our store and selected the best products so you can enjoy healthy and beautiful hair at any time of year.