3 Signs It’s Time to Shift Your Summer Hair Routine
Discover 3 summer hair care tips with signs to pay attention to that will help you know when to shift your summer hair care routine for the best results.
Introduction: Let’s Be Real for a Minute
Summertime is the “cute” season. Am I lying?
Summer is that time of year when you bring out the cute sundresses & bathing suits. You style your hair in attention grabbing wash and go’s. Plus, you get that extra special glow-up energy we all love.
Yet, underneath all the cute is a season that can be a little chaotic for our hair. Between the humidity which causes sweating at the roots, and the constant sun exposure, your strands might be struggling more than you may be aware of.
So, before you load up on new hair care products or go chasing the perfect style, let’s examine three signs your summer hair care routine might need some adjusting.
Why Make Changes to Your Natural Hair Routine
Summer is truly the season to sport your hair’s styles and length. If your routines aren’t on point, your hair won’t look on point either.
The problem is knowing when to make a shift. In this post, I share the three telltale signs to look out for that signal it’s time for you to change up your hair regimen for summer.
You’ll soon realize that these three culprits can cause your hair more harm than good if you ignore the signs. That’s why you’ll want to make changes.
Sign #1: Your Hair Feels Drier Than Usual
If your hair has been feeling dry, no matter how much you moisturize, that’s a sign something is off. Summer heat can drain your strands before you know it. Plus, if you’ve been spending more time outside and dealing with hotter days, it’s likely your hair isn’t holding on to moisture the way it does during the milder temps.
This doesn’t mean your products have gone bad or no longer work. It just might be time to switch them up.
What worked in the cooler months might not be sufficient for when the heat kicks up.
Tips: Use a richer leave-in conditioner or lightly mist your hair during the day to keep it soft, pliable, and moist. Your hair will tell you when it needs more (or less). Plus, save the heavy layering for when it’s cold out.
Sign #2: Your Styles Aren’t Holding Up
You know what it’s like to spend all that time on a twist out or braid out, only for it to poof up and lose definition the moment you walk out into the heat.
If your styles are falling apart quicker than usual, that’s another sign it’s time to shift your hair care routine.
Summer heat and humidity change everything. Your hair may need products that give a stronger hold. You may also need to switch up your styling technique altogether.
Tips: Set your styles with a product that creates some hold (example: a gel that creates a cast). Also, avoid products containing humectants when it’s hot out. Then, pay attention to how your hair is responding.
Sign #3: Your Scalp is Rebelling
If your scalp has been more itchy, flaky, or just uncomfortable, pay attention to that. Sweating, product buildup, and even too much sun can cause your scalp to rebel.
Tips: Use a shampoo that clarifies the scalp without stripping your hair. Also, immediately cleanse the scalp after exposure to chlorine when swimming.
Even if you wear protective styles, your scalp still needs attention.
You don’t need to make wild changes to your natural hair care routine in the summer. Usually, a slight change to your routine and/or a product swap or two can make all the difference.
WHAT’S NEXT?
These articles are closely related and contain other natural hair and summer hair care tips you’ll find useful:
- 5 Signs Your Natural Hair Regimen Needs a Change
- 2025 Summer Hair Care Guide
- Natural Hair Routine Tips for Consistency
- How to Protect Natural Hair When Traveling + Natural Hair Travel Packing Advice
