How to Change Up Your Haircare Routine According to the Seasons
Cheers to great hair on any season!
Researched, written by 
Amber & The Team
Updated on December 16, 2022
// We recommend helpful products in our articles. Read our full disclosure here.
You know you should change up your wardrobe and skincare when the seasons change, but have you ever thought about adjusting your hair care, too? Think about it for a moment. You wouldn’t wear a sundress in a snowstorm because it wouldn’t protect you from the cold.
It’s the same idea with haircare. A lightweight conditioner might be great in the summertime when it’s hot and humid. But it’s not going to be enough to keep your hair hydrated and tangle-free when cold, dry air arrives in the fall and winter.
Sun brings a whole new set of needs, particularly UV protection to prevent fading. These shifting environmental factors should be considered from season to season in your quest for healthy, shiny, manageable hair.
Today we’re diving into how seasonal changes affect your hair and how you can change up your haircare routine to adapt to the changing weather.
Haircare For Different Seasons
Haircare Tips for Fall
Messy buns and ponytails are the go-to hairstyles of summer, but you’ll want to take a break from tying your hair up when fall rolls around. Hair ties can cause breakage and scalp stress, which can be even worse as the air starts to get colder and drier in the fall.
As the weather starts to get windier, cooler, and less humid, adding a weekly conditioning mask to your routine can also be extremely helpful for combating static and tangles. Be sure to use a heat protectant before styling your hair to protect against damage and breakage.
Your scalp can also become dry and itchy as the weather changes. Soothe your scalp with ingredients like aloe vera and menthol. A deep cleansing treatment will also help remove any buildup that accumulated over the summer. Remember, if your scalp is healthy, your hair will be too.
Adapting Your Haircare Routine for Cold, Dry Winter Weather
When the air gets dry and cold in winter, it sucks the moisture out of your skin and hair. That’s why we get staticky, unmanageable, parched hair that’s prone to breakage and split ends in the cold winter months. You’ll want to focus on products that nourish, hydrate, revitalize, and strengthen the hair.
Honey is an excellent ingredient to look for during this time of year because it’s a natural humectant that draws moisture from the air. It also has emollient properties that smooth the hair follicles to add shine and defrizz parched strands.
Honey-based shampoo and conditioner are also loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to nourish, revitalize, and protect the hair. From there, consider a honey-infused leave-in conditioner with heat protection, a weekly deep conditioning hair mask, and hair oil to keep strands hydrated and manageable.
Transitioning Your Haircare Routine into Spring and Summer’s Warm, Humid Weather
When the air is humid, your hair actually pulls moisture from the air. This can be a major issue for hair that’s very porous due to frequent styling or chemical processing. As hair takes in the added moisture, it expands.
The result? Frizzy, unmanageable, or limp hair that won’t hold a style. Not only that, but all that extra moisture can create a breeding ground for bacteria on the scalp, leading to dandruff and other issues like psoriasis.
While you may be able to get away with skipping a day or two between shampoos in the winter, you’ll want to shampoo daily in warm, humid weather to combat sweat, dirt, and excess oil production. Look for ingredients that smooth the cuticle and reduce frizz by reinforcing weak spots so moisture can’t sneak in.
Collagen and hyaluronic acid can work together very well in warm, humid weather. Incorporate a deep, scalp cleansing shampoo treatment into your routine once or twice a week to combat bacteria and oil on the scalp. This will help to prevent bacteria and other inflammatory issues.
Protecting Your Hair from the Sun
So many women wear sunscreen on their skin every day, but they forget that their hair needs protection from sun damage too. And while your hair does provide some sun protection for your scalp, it’s not enough when you’re in the direct sun for any length of time.
Start by avoiding the sun during the middle of the day whenever possible. When you do need to be out in the sun, wear a hat and use UV protectant hair care products to protect your hair and scalp from the negative effects of the sun.
A lightweight, leave-in conditioner is a great place to start. Hair oil can also add moisture and protect the hair from breakage. Wheat, arginine, amino acids, and oils like coconut and argan provide protection and help to prevent oxidation and fading of your hair color, whether it’s natural or processed.
Keep in mind that salt water and chlorine can be extremely drying. Be sure to rinse your hair after you’ve been in the water and apply a leave-in conditioner to bring some moisture back into the hair. Never tie back your hair when it’s wet because it could cause breakage.
Get Regular Trims Between Seasons
When transitioning from one season to another, schedule an appointment with your salon to get your ends trimmed. This will get rid of any damaged or split ends and give you a fresh start for the new season.
The Bottom Line
Adjusting your hair care routine according to the seasons is essential for keeping the hair healthy and manageable all year long. Seasonal issues like breakage, frizz, and lack of manageability can often be corrected simply by switching up the products you use. It’s an easy step toward the healthy, shiny, bouncy hair you’ve always wanted!
Like these ideas? Scroll down for more!
"We love to research, examine, analyze, and present to you the best ideas that make life better. You can learn about our editorial standards here."
This article was proofread by Grammarly