Does Hair Grow Faster in the Summer? 10 Summer Hair Facts to Know

When the sun’s out and the days get longer, it’s natural to notice changes in your hair. Maybe it feels drier, looks a little lighter or seems to be growing faster. But is that last one true, or just another beauty myth? 

At Xenon Academy, we hear all kinds of haircare questions — not just from our students, but from their clients! We’re always happy to pass on the knowledge required to have a great hair day, no matter the season. Here are the answers to ten of the most common FAQs about summer hair and how to care for it. 

1. Does hair grow faster in the summer?

Short answer: Probably. But just a little bit. 

Anecdotally, hair tends to grow slightly faster in the summer. There hasn’t been much rigorous scientific testing, but we know that warmer temperatures can increase blood circulation, including to your scalp. More blood flow can mean more nutrients delivered to your hair follicles, which may lead to slightly faster growth. 

Some hair experts also suggest that being out in the sunshine and getting vitamin D for your hair can stimulate growth! Either way, the difference is fairly minimal. 

On average, hair grows about half an inch per month. Summer might give you a little boost, just not a dramatic one. Other factors like genetics, age, hormones, nutrition and stress have a much bigger influence on hair growth. 

Of course, summer may also have a positive impact on nutrition and stress! Some people eat more fresh produce and are dealing with less overall stress while it’s sunny out. So, yes, summer might lengthen your locks — but there’s science behind it. 

2. Does summer frizz mean unhealthy hair?

Nope! Well, you might have damaged AND frizzy hair, but one doesn’t mean you’re definitely dealing with the other. 

Summer humidity makes the hair shaft swell up, which is tricky for dry hair to handle. If you have healthy, well-moisturized hair, it can resist the humidity better — but thicker hair with a lot of body, texture and high porosity might always frizz or fall flat. 

If you’ve got frizzy hair in summer, try a hair oil to smooth down the hair cuticle and bring back the moisture. 

3. Should you wash your hair more in the summer?

If you’re sweating more, swimming or using sunscreen on your scalp, you might need to cleanse more frequently to avoid buildup. It just depends on your activity level and hair type. 

That said, overwashing can dry out your scalp and hair. Use a gentle shampoo and consider rinsing with water or using dry shampoo between washes if you notice your hair feeling more brittle or dry.

4. Should I wash my hair with hot or cold water?

We’re glad you asked! It’s commonly repeated that washing your hair in cold water makes it shinier, but there isn’t a ton of real evidence for that. What’s definitely true, however, is that hot water isn’t great for maintaining hair dye and can dry out your skin and scalp. 

Warm water is usually the best suggestion — it’s cool enough that it doesn’t dry you out, but it’s hot enough to make sure the products you’re using work as intended. 

 5. Does chlorine damage hair?

Yes, it does. Chlorine strips your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness, rough texture and even discoloration, especially in color-treated or blonde hair. You’ve probably seen a tinge of green on lighter hair shades before — chlorine might be the culprit. 

Here’s how to protect your hair from chlorine before diving in this summer: 

• Wet your hair with clean water first. Then your hair won’t be able to absorb as much chlorinated water.
• Apply leave-in conditioner or protective spray to create a barrier.
• Rinse immediately after swimming with fresh water.
• Optional: wear a swim cap!  

6. Does wearing a hat cause hair loss?

Not unless the hat is extremely tight and worn constantly. Hats do not cause hair loss for the average person. In fact, wearing a hat is a great way to protect your hair and scalp from harmful UV rays when you’re at the beach, pool or baseball game. 

Choose breathable fabrics, avoid excessive friction, and you’ll be good to go. 

Now, summer is also a time when lots of people cut their hair or put it up to stay cool — so you may also be wondering, “do ponytails cause hair loss?” Unfortunately, they can. But they also need to be worn very tightly and frequently to cause traction alopecia, the specific kind of hair loss caused by consistent tension.  

Opt for looser hairstyles and give your hair a break once in a while and there shouldn’t be issues. 

7. Can the sun bleach your hair?

Yes, the sun can lighten your hair over time, especially if it’s color-treated or naturally lighter. UV rays break down melanin in the hair, resulting in natural highlights — but also dryness, fading and damage. 

Avoid the damage with: 

• UV-protection hair products.
• Leave-in conditioners with SPF.
• Hats or scarves when outside for long periods. 

If you’re hoping for natural highlights from the sun, products like Sun In might seem like a good way to speed up the process. But be careful! These products are basically extremely diluted hydrogen peroxide and function similarly to any other bleach peroxide treatment — but there’s no guideline or guarantee when it should be rinsed out and no professional to keep an eye on the process, which can lead to damaged hair or an alarming shade of orange. 

8. Should you switch to seasonal or summer hair products?

Your hair’s needs can change with the seasons, just like your skin. In the summer, exposure to heat, sun, saltwater and chlorine means your hair needs more protection. 

If you’re noticing a lot of frizz or damage, swap out heavier products for lightweight hydrators and consider using deep-conditioning masks more often. 

9. Is salt water good for your hair?

On the one hand, we love the mermaid locks you might get after a dip in the ocean. Salt spray exists for a reason — texture! That voluminous, beachy wave looks good on lots of people. But on the other hand, salt water can cause hair damage through weakening the hair cuticle and contributing to dehydration. 

You can get the best of both worlds with a dedicated texture spray at home, or by protecting your hair the same way you would for chlorine. 

10. Can you put sunscreen on your scalp?

Yes — and you should! Your scalp is skin, too, and it’s just as vulnerable to sunburn as the rest of your body. In fact, because it’s often directly exposed to the sun (especially in thinning areas or with short hair), it can be even more prone to damage, which negatively impacts your hair. 

There’s special scalp sunscreen that comes in both spray and powdered forms, designed to stick to your hair and scalp, but you can use regular sunscreen for exposed areas like a visible part. If you need to figure out how to get sunscreen out of hair, try a clarifying shampoo or cleansing oil. 

Not interested in all that stuff? The easiest way to protect your scalp from the sun is to simply wear a hat. 

Learn About Hair All Year Long

There’s a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to haircare, from how fast your hair grows in the summer to whether or not hats cause hair loss. At Xenon Academy, we teach students more than just how to cut, color and style hair — we teach them why they’re doing what they’re doing so they can help educate their clients and do the best possible work. 

If you’re passionate about beauty and love helping others feel their best, cosmetology could be the perfect career path.  

Call our admissions team today at (402) 393-2933 or apply online to learn more about our cosmetology programs in Omaha and Grand Island, NE. 

We’ll show you how to always have a great hair day, all year round. 

Apply Now