DOES SUMMER HEAT CAUSE MORE HAIR TO FALL?
As the summer arrives, many people are finding themselves noticing more hair in their brushes, on their pillows, or washing down the drain. It’s a common concern that surfaces every year when the temperature rises.
So does the summer heat cause more hair fall? The short answer is, not exactly—but it can make things worse.
Summer heat doesn’t directly cause hair loss, it creates conditions that can lead to increased shedding. Let’s explore why this happens and how you can protect your hair during the hotter months.
The Summer Struggle
Summer in the Philippines is no joke. The heat, the humidity, the constant sweat, it’s a lot for anyone to handle, let alone your scalp. You might feel like your hair is thinning out faster than usual, and it’s easy to point the finger at the scorching weather.
While it’s tempting to blame the heat for every stray strand, does science back this up? Let’s look at the facts.
Hair fall, or hair shedding, is a normal part of life. On average, we lose about 50 to 100 hairs a day, it’s just your hair’s natural cycle doing its thing. However, certain factors can speed up this process—and summer might be one of them. While the heat itself doesn’t pull hair from your scalp, it can create the perfect conditions for increased shedding and weakened follicles.
Heat, Sweat, and Scalp Stress
Summer heat means more sweat. Whether you’re walking through the busy streets or just chilling at home, your scalp is probably working overtime to stay cool. That extra sweat can mix with dirt, oil, and pollution, clogging your hair follicles. So when your scalp can’t breathe, it gets irritated. And irritated scalps aren’t exactly the best environment for healthy hair growth.
Then there’s the sun- those UV rays don’t just burn your skin, but they can weaken your hair, too! Prolonged exposure dries out your strands, making them brittle and more likely to break.
If your scalp gets sunburned, it can even disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to more shedding than usual. So, while the heat might not be the mastermind behind hair fall, it’s definitely an accomplice.
Dehydration
You might not realize it, but summer heat can dehydrate you. When you’re sweating a lot and not drinking enough water, your body focuses on keeping your vital organs functioning, leaving your hair to suffer.
Your follicles need hydration to stay strong, and without it, they can weaken, causing hair to fall out more easily. It’s like your hair is begging for a tall glass of water to relax.
Stress and the ‘Seasonal Telogen Effluvium’
The humidity makes everything sticky, traffic feels extra chaotic, and keeping cool is a full-time job. Stress is a well-known hair fall trigger. When you’re stressed, your body pumps out cortisol, a hormone that can push more hair follicles into the telogen or “resting” phase, where they stop growing and eventually shed. When combined with the heat, this creates a double challenge for hair health.
Swimming and Chlorine Exposure
Summer often means more time at the pool or beach. Chlorine and saltwater can strip your hair of its natural oils, causing dryness, split ends, and more hair fall. Meanwhile, prolonged exposure to chlorinated water can also weaken the hair shaft, making it more prone to breakage. Over time, this damage can lead to increased shedding and thinning hair.
Is Seasonal Shedding True?
You’ve probably heard that hair fall can increase during certain seasons. Some studies suggest that shedding peaks in late summer or early fall is part of a natural cycle—similar to how animals shed their coats.
However, in tropical places like the Philippines, where it’s warm all year, this seasonal shift isn’t as noticeable. Still, the intense summer heat can make any shedding your hair was already experiencing worse.
If your hair was already on the fragile side due to factors like genetics, hormones, or lifestyle, then the heat might push it over the edge. The good news? You don’t have to just watch your hair fall out. There are steps you can take to help prevent it.
How to Fight Back Against Summer Hair Fall
Let’s talk about some solutions. You don’t need to be a hair expert to keep your hair healthy this summer—small changes can make a big difference. Here are some easy tips to get started:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water at least 8 glasses a day. It’ll keep your scalp and hair in good shape!
- Protect Your Scalp: Wear a hat or use a UV-protectant spray when you’re outside for long periods. It’s also a stylish way to shield your hair from sun damage.
- Wash Smart: Wash Smart: Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse sweat without stripping your scalp’s natural oils. Try adding natural oils like coconut or argan oil to keep your hair soft and nourished.
- Cool Down Stress: Take a breather. A quick meditation session or a swim can help both your mind and your hair.
- Avoid Excessive Heat Styling: Your hair is already exposed to heat from the sun. Avoid adding more damage by using hot styling tools like curling irons or straighteners too often.
- Rinse Hair After Swimming: After a swim in a chlorinated pool or saltwater, rinse your hair with clean water to remove chemicals and salt that can dry it out and cause breakage.
- Nourish Your Hair: Eat foods rich in protein, iron, and vitamins (like eggs, spinach, and fish) to give your hair the nutrients it needs to stay strong, and keep your hair healthy from the inside out.
But here’s the thing: if you’re still seeing more hair fall than you’d like, it may be time to take a closer look. That’s where we come in!
When to Seek Professional Help?
While some hair shedding is normal, excessive or ongoing hair loss might point to an underlying issue. If you notice:
- Hair falling out in clumps
- Thinning or bald patches
- A receding hairline
- An itchy, red, or irritated scalp
…it could be time to consult a hair specialist.
At the Clinique de Paris (CDP) in Makati, we understand how distressing hair loss can be. Our team of experts specializes in finding the root cause of your hair loss and offering personalized hair restoration treatments to meet your needs.
Whether it’s just a few extra strands or noticeable thinning, it’s not just about your hair—it’s about how you feel when you look in the mirror. Located right here in Makati, we’re your trusted hair transplant clinic, ready to help you regain confidence and take control of your hair journey!
Don’t Let Summer Steal Your Confidence!
So, does summer heat cause more hair fall? While it's not the main cause, it can certainly make things worse. The real question is: what will you do about it? You don’t have to face it alone. At Clinique de Paris, we’re here to help you tackle hair fall head-on.
Book a consultation today, and let’s get to the root of your hair concerns. Whether it’s adjusting your routine or exploring advanced treatments, we’ll find the best solution for you. Summer might be hot, but your hair doesn’t have to suffer.
Visit us at Clinique de Paris in Makati, and let’s make this the season your hair shines brighter than ever. We look forward to seeing you!