How to Maintain Healthy Hair in Different Seasons

By Upasana KakatiOct 7, 2024 8 mins read

Winter Hair Care Routine

Spring Hair Care Routine

Summer Hair Care Routine

Fall Hair Care Routine

Year-Round Best Practices

FAQs

References

As the seasons change, so does the need to switch your hair care regime. Each season comes with different environmental challenges that can take a toll on your mane’s health. To maintain healthy, flawless locks all year round, you must adjust your hair care routine according to the weather. Read through the blog to discover an effortless hair regimen through every season.

Winter Hair Care Routine

Winter starts on December 21 or 22, and lasts until March 20 or 21. Its cold, dry air can strip moisture from your tresses, leading to dryness and breakage. Here’s a low-down of expert hair care tips to keep the mane healthy during these months.

Deep conditioning treatments – Cold air outside and indoor heating can together make your hair feel brittle and parched. To lock in moisture, use a deep-conditioning hair mask once a week. Opt for products with hydrating ingredients like shea butter, nourishing oils, and proteins.
Avoid hot showers – While a hot shower feels cozy in winter, it strips your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and frizzy. Instead, use lukewarm water when washing your tresses and finish with a cool rinse to seal the hair cuticles and retain moisture.
Limit heat styling – Minimize the use of heat styling tools such as flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers. Heat styling worsens dryness caused by cold weather. When you can’t skip heat styling, make sure to apply a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from excessive thermal damage.
Wear a hat or scarf – Shield your tresses from the cold wind by wearing a hat or scarf whenever you step outside. Choose hats made with satin or silk to prevent friction that can cause the strands to break.
Invest in a humidifier – Indoor heating can significantly reduce moisture in the mane, making it more prone to dullness. Install a humidifier to maintain moisture levels in your home, which benefits both your hair and skin.
Use sulfate-free products – Sulfate is a harsh cleaning chemical that can make hair dry and irritate the scalp. It may also trigger the depletion of hair proteins and scalp oils. Opt for sulfate-free haircare products that gently cleanse and condition hair.
Oil your hair regularly – Regular oiling is crucial in winter to keep hair healthy and deeply nourished. Team up with hydrating oils like almond or coconut oil, massage it into your scalp, and leave it for a couple of hours or overnight before washing.

Spring Hair Care Routine

Spring starts on March 20 or 21 and lasts until June 20 or 21. It is the time of renewal and is perfect for detoxifying and rejuvenating your hair after the harsh winter months. Let’s explore a healthy hair routine for spring.

Clarify your hair – Cold weather may cause product buildup, making hair dull and lifeless. Start spring with a clean slate by using a clarifying shampoo to remove residue, and prepare for new hair color or chemical treatment.
Switch to lightweight hair products – As the weather warms up, choose lightweight hair care products such as leave-in conditioners and serums. Heavy creams can weigh down your hair, making it look greasy.
Trim dead ends – Spring is the ideal time to trim off any split ends that may have developed over winter. Hairstylist Leslie Welton says, “Split ends and breakage cannot be mended; the only way to fix them is to remove the damaged strands and let healthy hair grow.” In fact, experts recommend trimming hair every 8 to 12 weeks.
Protect against humidity and frizz – This season can be unpredictable, and humidity often causes frizz and flyaways. To relax frizzy, parched strands, use anti-frizz hair serum after every wash, and consider hairstyles like braids or buns to keep hair under control.
Start incorporating UV protection – As the sun becomes stronger in spring, it’s time to start using hair products with UV protection to shield your locks from potential sun damage. Apply a heat protectant spray before going out in the sun.
Hydrate from the inside out – Increase your water intake to help hydrate your hair from within. Include nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, in your diet to nourish your hair and scalp.
Embrace natural styles – This is a great time to flaunt your hair’s natural beauty and characteristics. Avoid excessive styling to give your tresses a break and let them breathe after being tucked away during winter.

Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to Healthy Hair Care Routine

Summer Hair Care Routine

Summer lasts from June 20 or 21 until September 22 or 23. It can be tough on your hair, with heat, humidity, sun exposure, and frequent swimming sessions. These expert hair care tips can help maintain the mane’s health during the hottest months.

Hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate – Sun exposure, salt water, and chlorine can strip hair of moisture, resulting in dryness and brittleness. Choose hydrating shampoo and conditioner, and consider using a leave-in conditioner with UV protection to keep your hair moisturized and shielded from the sun.
Wear a hat or scarf – Protect your tresses from harmful UV rays by wearing a hat or scarf when you’re outdoors for extended periods. Additionally, it helps protect your scalp from sunburn and related conditions.
Rinse before and after swimming – Before taking a dip in the pool, rinse your hair with fresh water to reduce the amount of chlorine or salt water it absorbs. After swimming, rinse again to remove any lingering chemicals or salt.
Use a wide-toothed comb – Summer humidity can cause your hair to tangle easily. Gift yourself a wide-toothed comb to gently detangle your tresses, working down from mid-length to the tips. This minimizes breakage and keeps your hair looking sleek.
Apply weekly hair masks – Treat your hair to a nourishing hair mask once a week to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Ingredients like aloe vera, honey, and avocado are excellent for hydrating and adding shine.
Avoid tight hairstyles – Tight ponytails, braids, or buns can stress your hair, especially when it’s already fragile from sun exposure. Opt for loose, relaxed hairstyles to avoid breakage and thinning.
Use anti-frizz products – High humidity levels can cause your hair to become frizzy and unmanageable, especially during the summer months. Anti-frizz serums or creams are recommended to maintain smooth and manageable hair.

Also Read: SUMMER HAIR CARE – All you need to know

Fall Hair Care Routine

Fall begins on September 22 or 23 and ends on December 21 or 22. It serves as a transitional period, allowing your hair to recover from summer damage and prepare for winter’s challenges. Here’s how you can adjust your healthy hair routine for fall.

Repair summer damage – The fall season is the perfect time to repair damage caused by summer’s heat, saltwater, and chlorine. Use protein masks or hair bonding treatments to strengthen and rebuild the mane’s internal structure.
Adjust your washing routine – With less humidity in the air, you may not need to wash your hair as frequently. This is because washing your hair too often in the fall may lead to dryness and dullness. However, consider your hair type and texture before altering the hair wash routine.
Use conditioner after every wash – As suggested by the American Academy of Dermatology, using a conditioner can significantly improve the look of damaged or weathered hair by increasing shine, decreasing static electricity, improving strength, and offering some protection from harmful UV rays.
Incorporate natural oils – As fall progresses and the air becomes drier, shake hands with nourishing oils like argan, jojoba, or almond oil. Add a rejuvenating oil massage to your hair care routine to promote scalp hydration.
Combat frizz – Cooler air often creates static electricity, making your hair appear frizzy. Invest in a leave-in conditioner or smoothing serum to eliminate flyaways and relax unruly strands. You can also slightly rub a dry sheet over your tresses for an instant smoothing effect.
Protect your hair from wind – Fall winds can leave hair tangled, rough, and lackluster. Wear a scarf or tuck your tresses into a jacket when it’s particularly windy to prevent damage and tangling.
Continue UV protection – The sun’s rays can still be intense in the fall, so continue to use hair products packed with UV protectants to safeguard your strands. Look out for UV-protectant leave-in products like gels and serums.

Year-Round Best Practices

Adjusting your hair care routine with the changing seasons is essential for maintaining nourished, vibrant locks. With seasonal hair care and a few generic tips, you can ensure your hair looks its best all year round.

Drinking plenty of water keeps your hair hydrated from the inside out, ensuring it remains shiny and strong.
Incorporate a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins to promote hair growth and strength. Foods like salmon, eggs, spinach, nuts, and avocados are excellent for hair health.
Washing your hair too often can strip it of natural oils. Adjust your washing frequency based on your hair type and the season’s demands.
Cotton pillowcases can cause friction, leading to hair breakage and frizz. Switch to a silk or satin pillowcase to keep your tresses smooth.
A healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy hair. Give yourself regular scalp massages to stimulate blood flow and enhance overall vitality.

Take our Hair Quiz for personalized product recommendations, and effortlessly maintain your healthy locks in every season.

FAQs

Q1. How do seasons affect hair?

Factors like temperature, humidity, sun exposure, and air quality affect hair’s health. Thus, you must opt for a seasonal hair care routine to tackle the challenges of different seasons.

Q2. What foods are good for hair growth in winter?

Foods like avocado, sweet potatoes, spinach, greek yogurt, and dark chocolate are best for hair growth in winter.

Q3. Which oil is best for hair in winter?

Castor, coconut, avocado, and olive oil (to name a few) are suitable for hair in winter.

4. How often should you trim your hair?

It is best to trim your hair every 8 to 12 weeks. This helps chop off split ends and prevent them from reaching the roots.