Summer is a season filled with sunny-happiness, pool-side joys, endless outdoor-barbecues with friends and family, and much more. It is most probably everyone’s favorite time of the year! Plants are in full bloom, love is in the air, and even my hair seems to grow faster in the warm weather! If you can relate with me, I am sure you have wondered at some point: why hair grows faster in the summer.
This is a question most of my readers often ask me and today I will give you five reasons why hair grows faster in the summer months. And no, it is not just a myth!
Why Does Hair Grow Faster In the Summer?
Answer: There is not one but 5 reasons why hair grows faster in the summer months. Firstly, the hot temperatures increase Vitamin D production that stimulates healthier hair growth. Secondly, increased blood circulation during summer time boosts the supply of essential nutrients needed for faster hair growth by producing more protein called keratin. Thirdly, our increased outdoor physical activity helps to balance out hormonal changes and relieve stress, which positively impacts hair health. Eating more fresh fruits & vegetables in the summer contributes to the fourth reason for faster hair growth. Lastly, skipping on hot hair tools by wearing hair tied up to beat the heat reduces hair damage & helps to retain hair length.
Whether you are trying to grow out a bad haircut or just struggling to increase your hair length, you know very well that hair growth is a slow process.
You have tried organic shampoos, expensive hair growth serums & oils, and even diligently taken your hair vitamins for many months. None of it does anything significant to your hair length.
Then, summer rolls around and boom! Suddenly, your hair is growing without you even trying half as hard!
“What the heck- how does summer have anything to do with my hair”, you have wondered, haven’t you?
I certainly have!
If you are thinking the heat from the sun-filled days of summer makes your hair grow, you won’t be wrong.
Heat Alone Does Not Grow Hair
But it is not the warmer temps alone that positively impact your mane. There are other factors that combine to play a key role in promoting hair growth.
We will look at these reasons individually to better understand why the summer season is also the “growing” season for your hair!
Before we get into that, I have to stress that there is a whole lot of speculation on this topic.
For some women, there is no drastic change in hair length during the summer months. While others swear by the positive correlation warmer climates have on hair growth.
Scientifically, there is no real evidence that suggests hair grows faster in a particular season for women. This does not mean that it does not happen. It just means that there isn’t enough research done to support the “summer hair growth spurt” claim in women.
So why does hair grow faster in the summer for some women and not all of us?
The answer lies in the way hair grows.
Hair Growth Cycle Explained
Although the rate at which hair grows varies for everyone, the cycle our hair goes through remains the same.
There are three main phases of the natural hair growth cycle. Hair grows in these phases in order to complete a full cycle.
- Anagen: this is the growing phase where hair actively grows
- Catagen: this is the transitional phase where hair follicle renews itself
- Telogen: this is the resting phase where hair lays dormant
At any given time, at least 90 percent of your hair is always growing because it is in the anagen phase. However, the length of time hair remains in this stage can vary from woman to woman due to factors such as age, ethnicity, nutrition, stress, etc.
The key to growing hair faster is to lengthen the amount your hair grows in the anagen phase (not necessarily increasing the growth rate).
5 Reasons For Faster Hair Growth In Summer
Now that you understand how hair grows, it will become easier to understand what factors lead to faster hair growth and how summer affects this process.
1. Hot Temperatures Increase Vitamin D
During the summer, the sun shines brighter and longer, exposing us to higher levels of sunlight. This increased exposure to sunlight leads to higher production of Vitamin D in the body. Vitamin D not only improves the body’s immune system, but it also plays a crucial role in promoting healthy hair growth by stimulating the hair follicles. When our bodies receive an adequate amount of Vitamin D, it enhances the production of new hair cells, resulting in faster hair growth.
Being out in the summer sun, exposes us to UV rays which can be harmful to our skin. However, UV rays in the right doses actually help treat scalp acne and fungal infections. This is because the rays help to slow down the growth of skin cells that lead to scalp infections.
2. Blood Circulation Boosts Keratin Production
Have you ever found yourself engaging in outdoor activities more often due to the warmer weather? Well, warm weather enhances blood circulation to the skin and scalp, which in turn nourishes hair cells and stimulates growth! Whether it’s swimming, hiking, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll in the sunshine, outdoor summer activities promote better blood circulation throughout the body, including the scalp.
Improved blood circulation means a better supply of essential nutrients to the hair follicles, including oxygen and amino acids needed for the production of keratin. Keratin is the protein that makes up the structure of our hair, and when its production is boosted, it results in stronger, healthier hair that grows at a faster rate.
3. Increased Physical Activity Regulates Hormones
Summer is the perfect time to get active and enjoy outdoor exercises. Regular physical activity not only keeps our bodies fit but also helps in regulating hormone levels. It is common knowledge that hormonal imbalances can often lead to hair loss or stunted hair growth.
By staying active and engaging in regular exercise during the summer months, we can keep our hormone levels in check, which in turn promotes optimal hair health and encourages faster hair growth.
Related Read: How Is Female Hair Loss and Stress Related?
4. Healthier Diet Promotes Healthier Hair
The abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables available during the summer season makes it easier for us to maintain a healthier diet. I always find myself indulging in these yummy seasonal fruits every summer. These nutrient-rich foods provide our bodies with essential vitamins and minerals that are vital for hair growth and overall hair health. When you eat plenty of leafy greens, berries, and other seasonal produce as part of your diet during the summer months, you are providing your hair with the nourishment it needs to grow faster and stronger.
Related Read: 10 Foods That Stop Hair Loss & Help Hair Grow Faster
Discover The 10 Foods That Cause Hair Loss & How to Avoid Them
5. Skipping on Hot Hair Tools Reduces Hair Damage
During the summer, the last thing you want to do is subject your hair to unnecessary heat damage from styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners. The hot temperatures outside naturally dry your hair faster, reducing the need for excessive heat styling. By choosing a more heat-free hairstyle or simply letting your hair air dry, you can minimize damage and breakage, allowing your hair to retain its length and grow faster.
Related Read: Top 10 Reasons For Hair Loss in Women
Hair Care Tips for Summer
As much as we love the summer sun, it can also bring some challenges for our hair. From sun damage to increased humidity, the summer season requires special attention to keep our locks looking their best. Here are some essential hair care tips to help you maintain healthy and beautiful hair throughout the summer months:
1. Protect Your Hair from UV Rays
Just like our skin, our hair is vulnerable to damage from UV rays. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause dryness, breakage, and fading of hair color. To protect your hair from UV damage, consider using hair products that contain SPF or wearing a hat or scarf to shield your hair from direct sunlight.
Additionally, avoid spending extended periods in the sun, especially during the peak hours of UV intensity.
Related Read: Debunking Top 4 Myths of Summer And Hair Loss
2. Hydrate Your Hair Regularly
The summer heat can strip moisture from your hair, leaving it dry and brittle. To combat this, make sure to hydrate your hair regularly by using a moisturizing conditioner after shampooing. You can also incorporate hydrating hair masks or leave-in conditioners into your weekly hair care routine to replenish lost moisture and keep your locks soft and supple.
Related Read: Best Natural Hair Growth Treatments That Work Like Magic!
How To Choose The Right Conditioner For Your Hair Type
3. Minimize Heat Styling
With the temperatures rising outside, it’s best to give your hair a break from heat styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners. Instead, opt for heat-free hairstyles such as braids, buns, or natural air drying. If you must use heat styling tools, always apply a heat protectant spray beforehand to minimize damage and keep your hair healthy.
4. Rinse Your Hair With Cool Water
After spending time in the sun or swimming in chlorinated pools, rinse your hair with cool water to remove any salt, chlorine, or sweat buildup. Hot water can further dry out your hair, so opt for cooler temperatures to help seal the hair cuticles and lock in moisture. You can also use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove any impurities and keep your hair clean and fresh.
Related Read: The Proper Way To Wash Hair & Prevent Hair Loss
5. Trim Your Hair Regularly
Regular trims are essential for maintaining healthy hair, especially during the summer months when split ends and damage are more common. Schedule regular appointments with your hairstylist to trim off any dry or damaged ends and keep your hair looking neat and tidy. Trimming your hair regularly can also help stimulate hair growth and prevent breakage, allowing your hair to grow longer and stronger.
Related Read: Why Does Hair Grow Faster When You Cut It
6. Protect Your Hair From Pool Chemicals
Chlorine and other chemicals found in swimming pools can be harsh on your hair, causing it to become dry and brittle. Before swimming, wet your hair with clean water to help prevent it from absorbing as much chlorine. You can also apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to create a barrier between your hair and the pool water. After swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water and follow up with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to remove any chlorine residue.
Related Read: 5 Ways to Fix Damaged Hair From Hard Water
7. Eat a Balanced Diet
A healthy diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants is essential for promoting healthy hair growth and overall hair health. During the summer months, incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids into your diet to nourish your hair from the inside out. Foods like salmon, avocados, spinach, and nuts are all great options for supporting strong, healthy hair.
Wrapping up
Remember, while summer may be the “growing” season for your hair, consistency and patience are key when it comes to achieving your hair goals. Whether you’re aiming for longer hair or simply striving to maintain the health and vitality of your hair, taking care of your hair year-round will ultimately lead to the best results.
So, embrace the sunshine, enjoy the warmth of the summer months, and let your hair flourish with the simple yet effective hair care tips I have provided for you above. Next time you are wondering why your hair grows faster in the summer months, revert to the 5 reasons in this article and share with your friends and family as well!
If you have any questions or would like to share your own experiences with summer hair growth, feel free to leave a comment below.
Here’s to happy, healthy hair all year round!
