Hair care

Does summer affect how fast hair grows?

Published: October 7, 2024Reading time: 4 minFiro Esmer
Dr Mohammed Abas

Medically reviewed by Dr Mohammed Abas

Medically responsible physician

Hair grows faster in summer

There is actually truth behind the claim that hair grows faster in the warmer months of the year. Understand why and how you can optimize hair growth during summer.

Read more about how hair growth works and which hair loss treatments may be relevant if your hair starts thinning.

Scientific Support

Research Confirms It

Research shows that:

  • Hair actually grows faster - During the summer months
  • Several factors come into play - Heat, humidity, vitamin D and stress
  • Measurable differences - The differences are measurable and tangible

Why Does Hair Grow Faster in Summer?

Increased Blood Circulation

The increased heat and humidity:

  • Stimulates blood circulation - Increases blood flow to the scalp
  • Provides more nourishment - Hair follicles receive more nutrients and oxygen
  • Improves hair growth - Provides better conditions for hair growth

Vitamin D

During the summer:

  • More sun - We get more sun and vitamin D
  • Essential for hair growth - Vitamin D is essential for hair growth
  • Favors the anagen phase - The growing phase of the hair life cycle

Less Stress

Summer often means:

  • Less stress - We are often less stressed
  • More relaxation - More time for relaxation and recovery
  • Better sleep - Often better quality of sleep
  • Positive impact - All this benefits hair growth

Phases of hair growth

Anagen (Growth phase)

During the anagen phase:

  • Hair is actively growing - Hair grows continuously
  • Longest phase - The longest phase of the hair growth cycle
  • Summer favors this phase - Several factors favor the anagen phase during summer

Catagen (Transitional phase)

  • Short transitional phase - Between growth and rest
  • Hair stops growing - Hair prepares for resting phase

Telogen (Resting phase)

  • Hair rests - Hair rests and then falls out
  • New hairs start to grow - New hairs start to grow in the anagen phase

How Can You Optimize Hair Growth in Summer?

Utilize Heat and Humidity

  • Regular exercise - Exercise increases blood circulation
  • Massage - Scalp massage to stimulate blood circulation
  • Consume heat - Avoid excessive heat from hair dryers

Get your Vitamin D

  • Sunlight - Spend time outdoors (with protection)
  • Vitamin D rich foods - Fish, eggs, dairy products
  • Supplement if necessary - Consider vitamin D supplements if you are deficient

Reduce Stress

  • Take time off - Use the holidays to rest
  • Relaxation - Prioritize relaxation and recovery
  • Sleep - Make sure you get enough sleep

Important: Protect your scalp from UV radiation

Sun damage can damage

Strong UV radiation can:

  • Damage hair follicles - UV radiation can damage hair follicles
  • Make hair dry and brittle - Hair can become dry and brittle
  • Adversely affect hair growth - In extreme cases, it can affect hair growth

Protective measures

To protect the scalp:

  • Hat or cap - Wear hat or cap in strong sun
  • Avoid strong sun - Avoid strong sun in the middle of the day
  • Consistent tanning - Shorter periods in the sun are better than long ones

Practical Tips for Summer

Hair care

  • Regular washing - Wash your hair regularly to remove sweat and salt
  • Moisturizing - Use moisturizing products after tanning
  • Conscious care - Avoid excessive heat and chemicals

Diet

  • Healthy diet - A diet rich in protein, vitamins and minerals
  • Hydration - Drink enough water
  • Vitamin D - Make sure you get enough vitamin D

Lifestyle

  • Exercise - Regular exercise to increase blood circulation
  • Relaxation - Prioritize relaxation and recovery
  • Sleep - Make sure you get enough sleep

Combine with Professional Care

For optimal hair growth, you can combine:

  • PRP treatments - Stimulate hair growth further
  • Scalp massage - Professional massage to increase blood circulation
  • Professional care - Regular care and follow-up

Read more about PRP treatments at Akacia Medical.

Frequently asked questions

Does Hair Really Grow Faster in Summer?

Yes, research shows that:

  • Measurable differences - Hair actually grows faster
  • Multiple Factors - Heat, Vitamin D, less stress contribute
  • Individual differences - Differences vary between people

Can I Optimize Hair Growth All Year Round?

Yes, by:

  • Following a healthy lifestyle - exercise, diet, sleep
  • Supplementing Vitamin D - Especially during the winter months
  • Reducing stress - Stress management all year round
  • Professional care - Regular care and treatments

Conclusion

It's no myth - hair actually grows faster in summer. By understanding why and optimizing factors such as blood circulation, vitamin D and stress, you can maximize hair growth during the summer months.

Remember to protect your scalp from strong UV radiation, as sun damage can damage hair follicles and make hair dry and brittle.

If you want to optimize your hair growth or have questions about hair health, contact us for a free consultation where we can discuss your options.

Related Posts

Tags

hair growthsummervitamin Dblood circulationhair health

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Firo Esmer

Firo Esmer

Founder and Operations Manager at Akacia Medical

FounderOperations Manager

Firo Esmer is the founder of Akacia Medical and writes about hair transplantation, hair loss and treatment planning based on the clinic's experience and patient journey.

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